Life After: From Surviving to Thriving

Jill McKnight
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Semimonthly

This is the podcast that teaches you to move from surviving to thriving through helpful tips and tricks that change your life!

  1. 6d ago

    The Myth of Closure

    In this deeply personal episode, Jill explores the complicated and often misunderstood reality of closure after toxic and narcissistic relationships. While many people long for one final conversation, apology, or moment that finally makes everything make sense, Jill explains why true closure rarely comes from the other person — especially when dealing with someone who lacks accountability, empathy, or self-awareness.   Through vulnerable and honest storytelling from her own experiences with both narcissistic relationships and toxic work environments, Jill shares how grief, rumination, unresolved expectations, and the search for "the perfect conversation" can keep us emotionally stuck far longer than we realize. She also discusses post-separation abuse, the lingering effects of emotional control, and why healing is rarely a straight line.   This episode offers compassionate but practical insight into what actually helps us move forward: reframing our expectations, reducing the emotional "real estate" toxic people occupy in our minds, allowing ourselves to fully grieve, and finding supportive community with people who truly understand the experience.   If you've ever struggled to let go, questioned why someone treated you the way they did, or wondered whether you'll ever fully heal, this episode is a reminder that peace is still possible — even without perfect closure. Little by little, healing happens. And eventually, what once consumed you can become nothing more than a dusty banker's box tucked quietly away in the attic of your mind. 💜   KEY TAKEAWAYS Stop waiting for the "perfect conversation" Grief is part of the healing and closure process Shift your expectations so you don't stay stuck Community helps you heal faster Reduce the "real estate" in your head      BEST MOMENTS You don't have to have a reason to let go. –Cheryl Strayed   You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. –Elizabeth Gilbert   You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. –Maya Angelou   Life is brutal. But it's also beautiful. Brutiful. –Glennon Doyle   Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know. –Pema Chödrön   VALUABLE RESOURCES If you're struggling in a relationship and wondering if it might be controlling, you're not alone. Download my free guide at locatecoaching.com/freegift to help you find clarity and confidence.   EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Check out other episodes of Life After: From Surviving to Thriving: https://sites.libsyn.com/460833/site   ABOUT THE HOST Jill McKnight is a mindset coach and speaker as well as an Erickson Professional Certified Coach. She specializes in supporting those who are rebuilding their lives and finding their most aligned path forward.    Jill knows that the tips and tricks in each episode work – because she's used them to change her life and her clients have used them to change their lives! Jill has the education and life experience to help you rebuild your life, whatever the circumstances… and move from surviving to thriving!   Through her talks, events, programs, and podcast "Life After: From Surviving to Thriving", Jill provides her clients with a unique mix of thoughtful guidance and sincere care. She lives in a small town in Washington with her son and is committed to co-create a world with more hope, connection, and healing for us all.   CONNECT & CONTACT TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@locatecoaching IG: https://www.instagram.com/locatecoaching/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEImRGJXX4hrdS_NM3wWXg  Email: info@locatecoaching.com

    45 min

  2. May 14

    Why Structure Creates Freedom

    In this episode of Life After: From Surviving to Thriving, Jill explores the connection between mindset, productivity, routines, and healing from toxic relationships. She shares practical strategies for creating routines that support your real life—not someone else's version of success—including time blocking, planning ahead, avoiding burnout, and redefining productivity in a hustle-driven world. This episode is a reminder that productivity isn't about doing more—it's about creating a life that feels focused, grounded, and free.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Time blocking What's your "perfect" day (not perfectionism😊) look like! Creating the routine that works for you and your life What does freedom look like?   BEST MOMENTS How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. –Annie Dillard   Creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is the result of good work habits. –Twyla Tharp   Success doesn't come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently. –Marie Forleo   You don't have to feel ready. You just have to start. –Mel Robbins   You are your best thing. –Toni Morrison   VALUABLE RESOURCES If you're struggling in a relationship and wondering if it might be controlling, you're not alone. Download my free guide at locatecoaching.com/freegift to help you find clarity and confidence.   EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Check out other episodes of Life After: From Surviving to Thriving: https://sites.libsyn.com/460833/site   ABOUT THE HOST Jill McKnight is a mindset coach and speaker as well as an Erickson Professional Certified Coach. She specializes in supporting those who are rebuilding their lives and finding their most aligned path forward.    Jill knows that the tips and tricks in each episode work – because she's used them to change her life and her clients have used them to change their lives! Jill has the education and life experience to help you rebuild your life, whatever the circumstances… and move from surviving to thriving!   Through her talks, events, programs, and podcast "Life After: From Surviving to Thriving", Jill provides her clients with a unique mix of thoughtful guidance and sincere care. She lives in a small town in Washington with her son and is committed to co-create a world with more hope, connection, and healing for us all.   CONNECT & CONTACT TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@locatecoaching IG: https://www.instagram.com/locatecoaching/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEImRGJXX4hrdS_NM3wWXg   Email: info@locatecoaching.com

    56 min

  3. Apr 22

    Stop Waiting Until You Crash: Rest is the Missing Piece

    In this episode, Jill dives into the often-overlooked power of rest—especially for those healing from toxic or narcissistic relationships. She shares her own story of pushing through exhaustion, the cost of ignoring rest, and how that pattern can quietly impact every area of life.   You'll learn why rest isn't weakness—it's a critical part of healing, regulating your nervous system, and making better decisions. Jill breaks down what rest really looks like (it's not just napping or sleep), why we resist it, and how to start building it into your life in simple, practical ways.   If you've ever felt like you have to keep going no matter what… this episode is your permission to pause—and a reminder that rest is what helps you move forward.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Stop Waiting Until You're Exhausted Micro-Rest Is Your Best Friend – take 5 – 15 minutes Match the type of rest you take to what you actually need: Tired body → physical rest (sleep, naps) Overthinking → mental rest Emotionally drained → emotional rest (boundaries, space) Overstimulated → sensory rest (quiet, no input)    BEST MOMENTS Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.  – Audre Lorde   Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you. –Anne Lamott   Rest is resistance. –Tricia Hersey   Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. –Oprah   We cannot ignore our pain and feel compassion for it at the same time. – Brené Brown    VALUABLE RESOURCES If you're struggling in a relationship and wondering if it might be controlling, you're not alone. Download my free guide at locatecoaching.com/freegift to help you find clarity and confidence.   EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Check out other episodes of Life After: From Surviving to Thriving: https://sites.libsyn.com/460833/site   ABOUT THE HOST Jill McKnight is a mindset coach and speaker as well as an Erickson Professional Certified Coach. She specializes in supporting those who are rebuilding their lives and finding their most aligned path forward.    Jill knows that the tips and tricks in each episode work – because she's used them to change her life and her clients have used them to change their lives! Jill has the education and life experience to help you rebuild your life, whatever the circumstances… and move from surviving to thriving!   Through her talks, events, programs, and podcast "Life After: From Surviving to Thriving", Jill provides her clients with a unique mix of thoughtful guidance and sincere care. She lives in a small town in Washington with her son and is committed to co-create a world with more hope, connection, and healing for us all.   CONNECT & CONTACT TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@locatecoaching IG: https://www.instagram.com/locatecoaching/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEImRGJXX4hrdS_NM3wWXg Email: info@locatecoaching.com

    30 min

  4. Apr 8

    The Space Between Who You Were and Who You're Becoming

    Feeling lost can be one of the most unsettling experiences—but what if it's actually a sign that something is shifting for the better?  In this episode, we break down the three most common reasons we feel lost—leaving toxic relationships, navigating major life transitions, and stepping into a new identity. Jill shares personal stories, practical tools, and powerful reframes to help you understand the "fog" phase, regulate your nervous system, and take aligned steps forward—even when you can't see the full path. If you've been questioning everything, this episode will remind you: you're not lost — you're becoming.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Don't rush clarity. Focus on the next step—not the whole path Regulate your nervous system Get curious instead of judgmental   BEST MOMENTS The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams. –Oprah   If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. –Maya Angelou   You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both. –Brené Brown   And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. –Anaïs Nin   You're story doesn't end where your comfort zone begins – it truly starts at the edge of what you think is possible. –Michelle Obama    VALUABLE RESOURCES If you're struggling in a relationship and wondering if it might be controlling, you're not alone. Download my free guide at locatecoaching.com/freegift to help you find clarity and confidence.   EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Check out other episodes of Life After: From Surviving to Thriving: https://sites.libsyn.com/460833/site   ABOUT THE HOST Jill McKnight is a mindset coach and speaker as well as an Erickson Professional Certified Coach. She specializes in supporting those who are rebuilding their lives and finding their most aligned path forward.    Jill knows that the tips and tricks in each episode work – because she's used them to change her life and her clients have used them to change their lives! Jill has the education and life experience to help you rebuild your life, whatever the circumstances… and move from surviving to thriving!   Through her talks, events, programs, and podcast "Life After: From Surviving to Thriving", Jill provides her clients with a unique mix of thoughtful guidance and sincere care. She lives in a small town in Washington with her son and is committed to co-create a world with more hope, connection, and healing for us all.   CONNECT & CONTACT TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@locatecoaching IG: https://www.instagram.com/locatecoaching/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEImRGJXX4hrdS_NM3wWXg Email: info@locatecoaching.com

    51 min

  5. Mar 25

    Why You Don't Feel Like Yourself Anymore

    In this episode, we're talking about something that so many women experience—but don't always have the words for: what it feels like to slowly (or sometimes quickly) lose your sense of self in a narcissistic or toxic relationship. From gaslighting and love bombing to isolation, control, and the silent treatment, these patterns aren't random—they're strategic. And over time, they can disconnect you from your intuition, your voice, and your identity.   We'll break down how these dynamics impact not just your emotions, but your brain and nervous system—keeping you stuck in survival mode, where clarity, confidence, and self-trust become harder and harder to access. If you've ever found yourself second-guessing everything, walking on eggshells, or wondering, "Who even am I right now?"—this episode will help you understand why.   Here's the shift: you didn't lose yourself because something is wrong with you—you adapted to survive. And now, you get to choose something different. We'll talk about what healthy relationships actually look like, how to recognize green flags, and how to begin reconnecting with who you are—so you can choose relationships that don't require you to disappear.     KEY TAKEAWAYS Green Flags: Mutual respect Trust Honesty Compromise Individuality Good communication Anger control Fighting fair Problem solving Understanding Self-confidence Being a role model Healthy sexual relationship Support Fairness and equality Safety Conflict resolution   BEST MOMENTS There is nothing stronger than a broken woman who has rebuilt herself. — Hannah Gadsby   Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we'll ever do. — Brené Brown   You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. — Sharon Salzberg   The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any. — Alice Walker   Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. — Carol Dweck     VALUABLE RESOURCES If you're struggling in a relationship and wondering if it might be controlling, you're not alone. Download my free guide at locatecoaching.com/freegift to help you find clarity and confidence.   EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Check out other episodes of Life After: From Surviving to Thriving: https://sites.libsyn.com/460833/site   ABOUT THE HOST Jill McKnight is a mindset coach and speaker as well as an Erickson Professional Certified Coach. She specializes in supporting those who are rebuilding their lives and finding their most aligned path forward.    Jill knows that the tips and tricks in each episode work – because she's used them to change her life and her clients have used them to change their lives! Jill has the education and life experience to help you rebuild your life, whatever the circumstances… and move from surviving to thriving!   Through her talks, events, programs, and podcast "Life After: From Surviving to Thriving", Jill provides her clients with a unique mix of thoughtful guidance and sincere care. She lives in a small town in Washington with her son and is committed to co-create a world with more hope, connection, and healing for us all.   CONNECT & CONTACT TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@locatecoaching IG: https://www.instagram.com/locatecoaching/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEImRGJXX4hrdS_NM3wWXg   Email: info@locatecoaching.com

    31 min

  6. Mar 11

    The Stories Your Brain Tells—and How to Change Them

    In this episode, we explore the powerful idea that what you tell your brain, it believes. The thoughts we repeat—often without even noticing—can shape how we see ourselves, our abilities, and our lives. We'll talk about the "little gremlin" voice that many of us carry in our heads and how those messages often originate from past experiences, other people, or old beliefs that no longer serve us. More importantly, we'll walk through practical ways to interrupt those thoughts, blunt their impact, and begin replacing them with something more helpful and empowering. We'll also explore an important truth: sometimes what we tell our brain is out of sync with what our body already knows. Your nervous system often recognizes patterns of safety or danger long before your logical mind is ready to acknowledge them. Learning to notice those signals, quiet the gremlins, and reconnect what your brain and body are telling you can open the door to clarity, better choices, and a life that feels more aligned with who you really are.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Acknowledge the thought Blunt the thought Distract yourself, or energetically block, the thought Let the thought go – or change the thought See your life change!!   BEST MOMENTS   You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens. – Louise Hay   Turn your wounds into wisdom. – Oprah   Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love. – Brené Brown   Your biography becomes your biology. – Caroline Myss   Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. – Marianne Williamson   VALUABLE RESOURCES If you're struggling in a relationship and wondering if it might be controlling, you're not alone. Download my free guide at locatecoaching.com/freegift to help you find clarity and confidence.   EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Check out other episodes of Life After: From Surviving to Thriving: https://sites.libsyn.com/460833/site   ABOUT THE HOST Jill McKnight is a mindset coach and speaker as well as an Erickson Professional Certified Coach. She specializes in supporting those who are rebuilding their lives and finding their most aligned path forward.    Jill knows that the tips and tricks in each episode work – because she's used them to change her life and her clients have used them to change their lives! Jill has the education and life experience to help you rebuild your life, whatever the circumstances… and move from surviving to thriving!   Through her talks, events, programs, and podcast "Life After: From Surviving to Thriving", Jill provides her clients with a unique mix of thoughtful guidance and sincere care. She lives in a small town in Washington with her son and is committed to co-create a world with more hope, connection, and healing for us all.   CONNECT & CONTACT TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@locatecoaching IG: https://www.instagram.com/locatecoaching/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEImRGJXX4hrdS_NM3wWXg   Email: info@locatecoaching.com

    36 min

  7. Feb 25

    When Your Nervous System Takes Over (And How to Take It Back)

    In this episode, we're breaking down what's really happening in your body during stress and trauma — and why your reactions make sense. From fight and flight to freeze, fawn, and even flop, you'll learn how your nervous system automatically responds to perceived danger — and why those responses are not weaknesses, but survival mechanisms designed to protect you. We'll talk about what happens when you've been stuck in survival mode for too long — especially in toxic or high-stress relationships — and how that impacts your ability to think clearly, plan, and feel grounded. You'll also walk away with practical, research-backed tools to regulate your nervous system in the moment, including breathing techniques, grounding exercises, vagus nerve stimulation, and longer-term rewiring strategies. If you've ever wondered why you reacted the way you did… or carried shame for not "handling it differently"… this episode will help you understand your body, calm your system, and move one step closer to thriving. You survived for a reason — and now you get to learn how to thrive.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Quick ways to settle your nervous system: Breathing: regulate your breathing through control breaths. Boxed breathing or 4-7-8 can work. Consciously lowers your heart rate. Grounding techniques: try the 5-4-3-2-1 method – 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste. This moves you out of a panic or freeze state. Vagus nerve: for an immediate shift – splash cold water on your face, gargle water, or hum – they all trigger your calming response. Butterfly hug: cross your arms over your chest and alternately tap your shoulders. This will help you to feel more secure and grounded.   BEST MOMENTS Your body will never forget how someone made your nervous system feel. –Unknown   The nervous system holds the key to the body's incredible potential to heal itself. –Jay Holder   A healthy nervous system is not always calm. It is flexible and resilient. –Jessica Maguire   If you want to improve the world, start by making people feel safer. –Stephen Porges   VALUABLE RESOURCES If you're struggling in a relationship and wondering if it might be controlling, you're not alone. Download my free guide at locatecoaching.com/freegift to help you find clarity and confidence.   EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Check out other episodes of Life After: From Surviving to Thriving: https://sites.libsyn.com/460833/site   ABOUT THE HOST Jill McKnight is a mindset coach and speaker as well as an Erickson Professional Certified Coach. She specializes in supporting those who are rebuilding their lives and finding their most aligned path forward.    Jill knows that the tips and tricks in each episode work – because she's used them to change her life and her clients have used them to change their lives! Jill has the education and life experience to help you rebuild your life, whatever the circumstances… and move from surviving to thriving!   Through her talks, events, programs, and podcast "Life After: From Surviving to Thriving", Jill provides her clients with a unique mix of thoughtful guidance and sincere care. She lives in a small town in Washington with her son and is committed to co-create a world with more hope, connection, and healing for us all.   CONNECT & CONTACT TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@locatecoaching IG: https://www.instagram.com/locatecoaching/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEImRGJXX4hrdS_NM3wWXg   Email: info@locatecoaching.com

    47 min

  8. Feb 12

    Hope Isn't Optimism — It's a Practice

    In this episode, we're talking about hope — what it really is, why it matters, and how to strengthen it in your everyday life.   Drawing from Hope Rising by Chan Hellman and Casey Gwinn, this episode breaks down the three elements of hope — goals, pathways (waypower), and agency (willpower) — and explores how hope is not just optimism, but a practice. A choice. A protective factor that can transform your mental health, relationships, work, and overall well-being.   You'll hear a personal story and receive practical encouragement for how to build your own hope levels — even when circumstances haven't changed yet. Because hope isn't about pretending life is easy. It's about saying, "This is hard… and I'm still here."   If you've been feeling tired, discouraged, or in transition, this episode will remind you that hope doesn't have to be loud to be powerful — and sometimes, letting hope be enough for today is more than enough. 💜❤️     KEY TAKEAWAYS Goals Waypower and Pathways Willpower and Agency   BEST MOMENTS You can get there from here. –Rick Snyder   Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness. –Bishop Desmond Tutu   Hope is something we create. –Naomi Drew   It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. –Frederick Douglass     VALUABLE RESOURCES If you're struggling in a relationship and wondering if it might be controlling, you're not alone. Download my free guide at locatecoaching.com/freegift to help you find clarity and confidence.   EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Check out other episodes of Life After: From Surviving to Thriving: https://sites.libsyn.com/460833/site   ABOUT THE HOST Jill McKnight is a mindset coach and speaker as well as an Erickson Professional Certified Coach. She specializes in supporting those who are rebuilding their lives and finding their most aligned path forward.    Jill knows that the tips and tricks in each episode work – because she's used them to change her life and her clients have used them to change their lives! Jill has the education and life experience to help you rebuild your life, whatever the circumstances… and move from surviving to thriving!   Through her talks, events, programs, and podcast "Life After: From Surviving to Thriving", Jill provides her clients with a unique mix of thoughtful guidance and sincere care. She lives in a small town in Washington with her son and is committed to co-create a world with more hope, connection, and healing for us all.   CONNECT & CONTACT TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@locatecoaching IG: https://www.instagram.com/locatecoaching/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEImRGJXX4hrdS_NM3wWXg   Email: info@locatecoaching.com

    37 min
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This is the podcast that teaches you to move from surviving to thriving through helpful tips and tricks that change your life!

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