Smart-ish Convos

TORE Studios
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship

Smartish Convos with Kimberly Ryan & Reagan Nickelson  Big thoughts. Light banter. Zero filter. Smartish Convos is what happens when two friends hit record and let real life lead the conversation. Hosts Kimberly Ryan and Reagan Nickelson are business and mindset coaches, entrepreneurs, and speakers who bring raw honesty, deep insight, and a lot of humor to everyday topics. Whether we’re breaking down human behavior and neuroscience, exploring holistic wellness trends, unpacking family dynamics, or sharing travel stories, nothing’s off limits. We aren't here to give you overwhelming goals—we’re here to share the small steps, shifts in perspective, and actionable takeaways that make the biggest difference in your life, business, and relationships. It’s informative, a little silly, and sometimes challenging—but always rooted in connection and real value. Tune in every Wednesday morning! Come for the fun, stay for the thoughts, and leave with something you can actually use. If you love the show, please follow and leave us a 5-star review!

  1. 3d ago

    Would You Want to Know? (The Deep Questions We’re Afraid to Answer)

    If you had the chance to look into a crystal ball, would you actually want to know the hardest truths about your life? In Episode 14 of Smartish Convos, hosts Kimberly Ryan and Reagan Nickelson ditch the superficial party games and ask the big, existential questions: Would you really want to know? From finding out the exact date or cause of your death to discovering what people say about you behind your back, your true IQ score, secret crushes, or whether your biggest dreams will fail—Kimberly and Reagan share their candid, hilarious, and surprisingly philosophical takes. Along the way, they unpack the psychology of hope, why outgrowing friendships is an essential part of personal growth, and why failing fast often leads to something far better than you originally imagined. 💡 Key Takeaways & Topics Covered: ✅  The Death Dilemma: Would knowing the date or cause of your death free you to live fully, or trap you in anxiety and hesitation? ✅  Unfiltered Perception: Why hearing what people truly say behind your back can either sting or serve as a tool for self-awareness. ✅  The Psychology of Hope: How knowing if your dreams will succeed or fail changes your motivation, resilience, and willingness to pivot. ✅  Good, Better, Best: Kimberly’s mother’s sharecropping story from the 1940s and the lesson on why settling for "good" costs you the "best." ✅  Expiring Friendships: Why knowing which friendships won't last isn't a tragedy, but a natural reflection of personal evolution. 💬 Join the Conversation: Play along with us! Would you want to know the date you die, or what people say about you when you leave the room? Drop your answers in the comments below! CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome Back to Smartish Convos! 01:30 Would You Want to Know the Exact Date You Die? 04:20 Would You Want to Know How You’re Going to Die? 06:20 Would You Want to Know What People Say Behind Your Back? 09:50 Would You Want to Know if Your Biggest Dreams Come True? 14:15 Why Hope Is a State of Mind & Overcoming Disappointment 17:25 Kimberly’s Mom’s Story: The "Good, Better, Best" Rule 19:50 Would You Want to Know Which Friendships Won't Survive? 22:45 Why Relationships Are Put in Your Life for Seasons 24:50 Would You Want to Know Your True IQ? 27:25 Cringe-Worthy Past Fashion Choices 28:55 Secret Crushes & Who Thinks They’re Smarter Than You

  2. Oct 28

    Are You Becoming or Maintaining? How to Stop Coasting in Life

    Have you built a comfortable life, only to realize you’ve stopped asking whether it’s still the life you actually want? In Episode 13 of Smartish Convos, hosts Kimberly Ryan and Reagan Nickelson tackle a powerful mindset question: Are you becoming, or are you maintaining? Together, they explore the hidden trap of "destination happiness"—the false belief that getting a certain job, money, or milestone will magically make you happy—and why staying rigid on a path leads to stagnation. Kimberly and Reagan share why pivoting is an essential part of lifelong growth, how to embrace curiosity over old habits, and why it is never too late to redefine your path, no matter what age or stage of life you are in. 💡 Key Takeaways & Topics Covered: ✅  The Becoming vs. Maintaining Mindset: Recognizing when you’ve fallen into autopilot maintenance mode in your career or personal life. ✅  The Trap of "Destination Happiness": Why true contentment and joy must be cultivated along the journey, not just at the finish line. ✅  Redefining Stagnation: Understanding why standing still actually means moving backward in an evolving world. ✅  Embracing the Pivot: Why pivoting requires friction and courage, but leads to your highest level of fulfillment. ✅  Overcoming the Fear of Judgment: How to stop letting other people's opinions or past versions of yourself hold you back from new interests. 💬 Join the Conversation: Are you currently in a season of becoming or maintaining? What’s one area of your life where you're ready to make a pivot? Drop a comment below! CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome Back to Smartish Convos! 01:00 Are You Becoming or Maintaining? 03:30 Is the Life You Built Still the Life You Want? 07:00 Prioritizing Peace Over the Social Media "More" 08:30 What Stagnation Really Means for Your Future 11:00 The Trap of "Destination Happiness" vs. Daily Joy 15:30 Defining Happiness vs. Joy 18:00 Why the Pivot IS the Growth (Embracing Friction) 21:00 Letting Curiosity Overpower Old Habits 24:00 Stop Betraying Your Future to Protect Your Past 29:20 How to Know if You’re Settling in Life 31:48 Weekly Challenge: Explore a New Interest & Take the Pivot

  3. Oct 21

    How Much Stuff Do We Actually Need? (Decluttering & Mental Freedom)

    Did you know the average American home contains over 300,000 individual items? In Episode 12 of Smartish Convos, hosts Kimberly Ryan and Reagan Nickelson unpack a question almost everyone faces: How much stuff do we actually need? Together, they explore the hidden psychology behind why we collect physical clutter, how holding onto old clothes ties into our past identities, and why physical items create subtle, ongoing mental burdens. Reagan shares a candid, painful story about spending over $67,000 to keep a lake house in storage for 8 years (only to donate 90% of it), while Kimberly breaks down her Weekly Goodwill Declutter Routine. Plus, they share a simple, powerful question—Is this Need or Greed?—to help you stop impulse buying and start making space for true peace. 💡 Key Takeaways & Topics Covered: ✅  The 300,000 Item Household: Unpacking the startling stats on American consumerism and clutter. ✅  Storage Unit Financial Traps: The true hidden monetary and mental costs of keeping items in paid storage. ✅  Closet Psychology: Why we struggle to let go of old clothes (identifying with who we used to be vs. who we are now). ✅  Experiences vs. Physical Gifts: Why shifting away from physical holiday gifts creates more meaningful memories. ✅  The "Need vs. Greed" Filter: A simple, actionable question to ask yourself before buying or holding onto items. 💬 Join the Conversation: What is one area of your house or closet that you are ready to declutter this week? Drop a comment below and share your best organization hacks! CHAPTERS 0:00 The Burden of Excess 4:23 The Uncomfortable Reality of Downsizing 6:31 Rethinking Holiday Gift Traditions 10:38 The Mental Weight of Clutter 13:45 Why Your Closet Reflects Your Past 19:01 The True Cost of Storage Units 35:59 Need Versus Greed: A New Filter

  4. Oct 14

    What Happened to Good Manners? (Why Modern Society Has Lost Its Etiquette)

    Does it feel like basic manners, customer service, and human consideration have completely disappeared in recent years? In Episode 11 of Smartish Convos, hosts Kimberly Ryan and Reagan Nickelson explore the decline of modern etiquette and ask the big question: What actually happened to good manners? Together, they break down the formal definition of manners (respect, courtesy, and consideration for others) and examine how a "microwave society," online keyboard warriors, and massive generational shifts across seven coexisting generations have reshaped how we treat one another. From holding doors for struggling parents and highway merging etiquette to the "Gen Z stare" and why companies like Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out still get customer service right, Kimberly and Reagan share practical ways to bring intentional kindness back into your daily routine.  Key Takeaways & Topics Covered: The Definition of Manners: Why true etiquette is rooted in showing consideration and empathy for the feelings and comfort of others.Screen Shields & Keyboard Warriors: How digital communication removes body language feedback and makes people feel comfortable being rude.The 7 Coexisting Generations: How silent generation traditions, millennial trust funds, and Gen Z speed expectations clash in modern public spaces.Customer Service Case Studies: Why brands like Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out successfully train young workers to deliver high-level courtesy and "My Pleasure" responses.The Daily Kindness Challenge: How performing one small, intentional act of courtesy triggers a natural dopamine hit and improves your own mindset. 💬 Join the Conversation: Do you think good manners are gone forever, or can we retrain society to be courteous again? Drop a comment below with your thoughts! CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome Back to Smartish Convos! 01:23 What Happened to Good Manners & Customer Service? 04:15 Generational Differences in Raising & Disciplining Kids 07:00 The 7 Generations Currently Living on the Planet 10:48 Keyboard Warriors: Why People Hide Behind Screens 12:44 The Official Definition of Manners & Everyday Courtesy 15:38 Self-Centeredness & The Microwave Society 20:00 The "Gen Z Stare" & Fast Food Expectations 22:20 Dr. Spock's Raising Philosophy & The History of Discipline 28:45 Why "No" Is the Ultimate Pivot in Life & Coaching 31:48 In-N-Out & Chick-fil-A: How Great Brands Still Train Manners 35:38 Retraining Kindness: How Doing Good Gives You a Dopamine Hit 38:39 Practical Challenge: Do One Intentional Act of Kindness Today

  5. Oct 7

    Justified or Unhinged? The Everyday Pet Peeves Driving Us Crazy

    Are you standing up the split second the airplane lands, leaving 4 seconds on the microwave, or custom-modifying every dish on a restaurant menu? In Episode 10 of Smartish Convos, hosts Kimberly Ryan and Reagan Nickelson dive into a hilarious, highly opinionated breakdown of the petty, everyday pet peeves that irrationally annoy us all. From airport aisle rushers and zipper-merge drivers to public speakerphone conversations and abandoned shopping carts, Kimberly and Reagan rank society's most common habits as either "Justified" or "Unhinged." More importantly, as mindset coaches, they unpack the neurology behind why these minor inconveniences trigger us so deeply—and how shifting our perspective, letting go of our egos, and giving people grace can protect our daily peace. 💡 Key Takeaways & Topics Covered: ✅  The Airport & Travel Debates: Airplane seatbelt rushers, people-mover etiquette, and TSA line mistakes. ✅  Modern Communication Triggers: "Call me" texts, vague email subject lines ("Thoughts"), and speakerphone users in public restaurants. ✅  The Tipping & Restaurant Rants: Standing undecided at the register after waiting 15 minutes and the "Land of Almost" menu modifiers. ✅  Household Pet Peeves: Leaving 4 seconds on the microwave, leaving dishes in the sink above the dishwasher, and lights left on everywhere. ✅  The Mindset Behind Triggers: Why pet peeves are often a hit to our ego, and how giving people the benefit of the doubt keeps you grounded. 💬 Join the Conversation: What is your #1 most unhinged pet peeve? Are you standing up early on the plane or waiting patiently in your seat? Drop a comment below—we want to hear your thoughts! ⭐ Love the show? Please hit Like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! New episodes drop every Wednesday morning. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome Back to Smartish Convos! 01:13 Justified or Unhinged? Rating Everyday Petty Annoyances 03:06 Airplane Seatbelt Rushers & Connector Flight Chaos 05:38 Driving Etiquette: Zipper Merging & Blocking Lanes 07:12 People Movers, Doorway Blockers & Public Speakerphones 08:46 The "Call Me" Text vs. Just Sending a Message 10:39 TSA Water Bottles & Stand-Right Elevator Etiquette 12:06 The Shopping Cart Return Theory in Parking Lots 14:09 Misusing "No Worries" & Vague Email Subject Lines 18:45 Sidewalk Blockers, Cyclist Rants & Airport Restroom Stalls 20:56 Line Undecisiveness & Re-Engineering Restaurant Menus 27:48 Household War: Leaving Lights On & Dishes Next to the Dishwasher 31:15 Why Tiny Things Irrationally Annoy Us (Ego & Inconvenience) 35:54 Reframing the Narrative: Giving Grace & Choosing Compassion

  6. Sep 30

    The Unspoken Rules of Adulthood: What Nobody Taught You About Growing Up

    Did you ever expect that becoming an adult meant you'd automatically get a handbook explaining money management, career paths, and societal etiquette? In Episode 9 of Smartish Convos, hosts Kimberly Ryan and Reagan Nickelson unpack "The Unspoken Rules of Adulthood"—the bizarre, arbitrary social expectations and pressures we carry around without ever agreeing to them. Together, they break down why 99% of adults are just "winging it," why you don't owe anyone an explanation when you say "no," and how life elongation has shifted what age milestones actually look like today. From navigating social commitments and outgrowing long-term friendships to setting firm boundaries with family, Kimberly and Reagan share actionable mindset shifts to help you ditch societal guilt, question absorbed beliefs, and get comfortable in your own skin. 💡 Key Takeaways & Topics Covered: ✅  The Illusion of Having It Figured Out: Why nobody actually knows what they're doing when they hit 20, 30, or 50. ✅  Opting Out of Social Guilt: Why "no, thank you" is a complete sentence and why you don't owe acquaintances an explanation for your life choices. ✅  Outgrowing Relationships: How personal growth naturally creates distance in old friendships—and why that's completely normal. ✅  The "Busy" Trap: Challenging the Gen-X mindset that resting or taking a thinking break makes you "lazy" or a slacker. ✅  Questioning Your Beliefs: An actionable challenge to evaluate whether your convictions are truly yours or just inherited from society. 💬 Join the Conversation: What is one "unspoken adult rule" that you have officially decided to opt out of? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your thoughts! CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome Back to Smartish Convos! 03:00 Who Left Us in Charge? The Illusion of Adulthood 06:00 Social Norms, Comparison & The Financial Pressure Trap 08:00 Who Made Up These Adult Rules Anyway? 10:10 What School Never Taught You About Money & Careers 13:16 Opting Out of Social Expectations & Obligation Guilt 18:18 Life Elongation: Why 30 Is the New 20 22:45 Changing Perspectives on Aging & Self-Care 25:40 Why You Don't Owe Anyone an Explanation 30:35 Gracefully Outgrowing Old Friendships & Family Boundaries 33:05 The Productivity Trap: Unlearning the "Busy" Mindset 38:35 Optimizing Think Time & Breaking Free From Distractions 41:48 Weekly Action Challenge: Question Your Inherited Beliefs

  7. Sep 23

    What God Gave Us: How Nature Heals Your Body

    Tired of catching every cold and flu that circulates during the fall and winter months? In Episode 8 of Smartish Convos, hosts Kimberly Ryan and Reagan Nickelson dive into natural wellness, holistic health hacks, and how to use nature to support your body’s immune system. Kimberly shares her personal journey from struggling with chronic bronchitis every winter to completely restoring her health through simple daily habits, reduced sugar, and powerful natural remedies. They break down the science of why "food is medicine," reveal Kimberly’s famous "Firewater" immune-boosting tonic recipe (loaded with garlic, ginger, oregano oil, and cayenne), and even share a bizarre old-school onion trick to stop nighttime coughing instantly! 💡 Key Takeaways & Topics Covered: ✅  Food as Medicine: Why returning to whole, organic ingredients fortifies your body’s natural defenses better than quick fixes. ✅  The "Firewater" Immune Tonic: Step-by-step breakdown of Kimberly's go-to natural antibiotic shot (garlic, ginger, cayenne, oregano oil, lemon, and raw honey). ✅  Understanding Fevers: Why a fever is actually your body’s natural defense system working to heal you. ✅  Simple Health Hacks: How avoiding public surfaces, ditching antibacterial soaps, getting morning sunlight, and grounding can protect your health. ✅  The Sliced Onion Trick: The unusual home remedy that stops nighttime coughing in its tracks. 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s your go-to natural home remedy when you start feeling sick? Share your tips in the comments below! ⭐ Love the show? Please hit Like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! New episodes drop every Wednesday morning. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome Back to Smartish Convos! 01:50 What God Gave Us: Returning to Nature & Natural Health 04:50 Why Your Health Is Your Ultimate Foundational Building Block 07:22 How Minor Injuries & Sickness Impact Your Whole Body 10:00 The "Microwave Society" & Our Obsession with Quick Fixes 14:55 Kimberly’s Healing Journey: Overcoming Chronic Bronchitis 18:00 Simple Habits: Public Surface Awareness & Hand Washing 21:48 The Ultimate Immune Booster: Kimberly’s "Firewater" Recipe 24:50 Ingredient Breakdown: Garlic, Oregano, Cayenne & Ginger 29:55 How to Use "Firewater" & Fermented Garlic Honey for Active Illness 33:20 Mindset & Body Healing: How Your Thoughts Impact Your Recovery 35:40 Daily Health Choices: Sun Exposure, Reducing Sugar & Movement 38:32 The Weird Nighttime Onion Hack for Coughing

  8. Sep 16

    Go There! How to Travel Like a Pro (Without Breaking the Bank)

    Want to travel more without spending a fortune or lugging around massive suitcases? In Episode 7 of Smartish Convos, hosts Kimberly Ryan and Reagan Nickelson share their ultimate travel hacks, packing secrets, and mindset shifts to help you explore the world smarter and stress-free. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a 3-week international adventure, Kimberly and Reagan break down why travel is a necessity for personal growth, how to score 5-star luxury stays on a budget by leveraging "shoulder seasons," and how to master carry-on-only travel using the "3-3-3" rule. Plus, they share genius packing hacks—from compression vacuum bags and waterproof toiletry pouches to choosing versatile footwear—so you can edit down your luggage and enjoy the ride. 💡 Key Takeaways & Topics Covered: ✅  Why Travel Is Essential for Growth: How experiencing new cultures, histories, and environments expands your brain, calms your nervous system, and builds problem-solving skills. ✅  The "3-3-3" Packing Rule: How to pack 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 pairs of shoes to create weeks of outfits out of a single carry-on. ✅  Budget Travel Hacks: How to land luxury hotels at a fraction of the price by traveling during shoulder seasons. ✅  Essential Packing Gear: Using compression vacuum bags, leak-proof rubber toiletry pouches, and multi-use wardrobe pieces. ✅  The Post-Trip Audit: How to review what you didn't wear so you never overpack again. 💬 Join the Conversation: Where is your favorite travel destination, or what is your #1 packing rule? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your best travel tips! CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome Back to Smartish Convos! 02:01 Why Travel Is Essential for Personal Growth & Mindset 05:20 Overcoming Travel Fears & Building Problem-Solving Skills 12:22 How to Choose Your Next Destination (Vibe & Budget) 15:15 Shoulder Season Hacks: Score Luxury Stays for Less 17:28 Identifying Your Travel Style (Group Tours vs. Wandering) 21:18 How to Plan & Fund Your Dream Bucket-List Trips 26:22 Smart Packing Hacks: The "3-3-3" Rule & Overpacking Audits 32:58 Compression Bags, Waterproof Gear & Footwear Tips 40:02 The Carry-On Only Rule & Airplane Essentials

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About

Smartish Convos with Kimberly Ryan & Reagan Nickelson  Big thoughts. Light banter. Zero filter. Smartish Convos is what happens when two friends hit record and let real life lead the conversation. Hosts Kimberly Ryan and Reagan Nickelson are business and mindset coaches, entrepreneurs, and speakers who bring raw honesty, deep insight, and a lot of humor to everyday topics. Whether we’re breaking down human behavior and neuroscience, exploring holistic wellness trends, unpacking family dynamics, or sharing travel stories, nothing’s off limits. We aren't here to give you overwhelming goals—we’re here to share the small steps, shifts in perspective, and actionable takeaways that make the biggest difference in your life, business, and relationships. It’s informative, a little silly, and sometimes challenging—but always rooted in connection and real value. Tune in every Wednesday morning! Come for the fun, stay for the thoughts, and leave with something you can actually use. If you love the show, please follow and leave us a 5-star review!

Information

  • Creator
    TORE Studios
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © TORE Studios
  • Show Website
    Smart-ish Convos