No Shame in Our Game

Practical Hug
  • 4.1 (9)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Weekly Series

Life is messy, complicated, and full of moments where we don't have it all figured out. And you know what? There's no shame in that. There's no shame in asking questions, trying imperfect solutions, or getting the support you need to move forward. Welcome to No Shame in Our Game - the podcast that believes self-help was never meant to be a solo journey. Hosts Sara and Lacey from the Joyful Support Movement invite you into honest conversations about navigating work, relationships, health, creativity, and all the beautiful chaos of real life. This isn't about having the right answers or taking perfect steps. It's about creating a safe space where community support meets personal growth, where getting help is celebrated, not hidden, and where your next imperfect action matters more than waiting for the "right" one. Whether you're figuring out career transitions, relationship challenges, health journeys, or just trying to make it through the week with a little more joy - you belong here. Because there's no shame in our game, and there's definitely no shame in getting help. **New episodes weekly. Because where self-help meets community support, magic happens.** It’s a space for no judgement, giggles, and leaving fake rules behind.

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  1. Episode 1

    Welcome To No Shame in Our Game - Where Self-Help meets Community Support

    Welcome to No Shame in Our Game! We are evolving from No Shame in the Home Game, and putting it on steroids (in a good way, not like a roid rage way). We're expanding from home management questions to being your resource for anything in life where you're not sure where to turn. Not sure how to set up a laundry system? Ask us. Not sure how to start a family budget? Ask us. Not sure about the etiquette of gift-giving with neighbors? Ask us. Think of us as your loving aunties or big sisters who care about how your life feels, not how it looks. We talk about why the self-help industry feels icky to us, why we don't do shoulds, and how community support beats solo hustle every time. We share our Enneagram helper energy, our love of advice-giving, and why shame has no place in getting help with life. Plus, we get into Sara's perfect thrift store shirt from Zara and Lacey's wild week of unexpected TikTok validation involving the Sabrina Carpenter, “Tears,” trend. What We Cover:Why we're expanding beyond home management to all-life questionsThe difference between toxic self-help and community supportHow to submit your questions anonymouslyWhy we focus on possibilities instead of shouldsThe three pillars of Joyful Support: Story, Joy, and StepWhy we're anti-girl-boss and pro-making-life-easier Important Links!Submit your questionsFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TikTokFollow us on ThreadsJoin The Village communitySubscribe to The Practical Hug newsletter We're so glad you're here. Whether you've been with us from the beginning or you're just joining now, we appreciate you being part of this journey with us.

    20 min

  2. Episode 2

    When Women Ask for Help—And Give It: Hot Mess Express x Joyful Support Movement Partnership

    What if asking for help wasn't shameful—it was celebrated? Discover how this nonprofit is changing the way women support each other. In this episode, hosts Lacey and Sara sit down with Brittinie Tran, President of Hot Mess Express, to talk about the nonprofit that's helping women across the country through cleaning and organizing—with zero judgment. They also announce an exciting new partnership: Hot Mess Express is joining forces with Joyful Support Movement's Village platform to provide ongoing peer-to-peer support for nominees and volunteers. What You'll Learn: How Hot Mess Express started from one mom's vulnerable Facebook post—and grew into a nationwide movementWhy asking for help is actually the bravest thing you can do as a womanThe mutual support model: how volunteers get as much from missions as the women they helpHow to join Hot Mess Express (volunteer, nominate yourself, or start your own affiliate)The partnership between Hot Mess Express and Joyful Support Movement's Village platform Guest: Brittinie Tran, President of Hot Mess Express—a women-led nonprofit with chapters across the United States serving women through cleaning and organizing with zero judgment. The Partnership: Joyful Support Movement is providing the Village platform to Hot Mess Express at no charge. This creates a bridge between in-person mission support and ongoing online peer-to-peer community—a safe space for connection without trolls or judgment. Helpful Links: Volunteer, nominate yourself, or start a Hot Mess Express affiliateIf the Village sounds like a place you'd like to be, learn more and sign up for the Joyful Support Village Connect with us: Instagram/Tiktok/Youtube: @joyfulsupportmovementSubscribe to The Practical Hug newsletter Connect with Joyful Support Movement:Visit our website to learn more about our community and resourcesJoin the Joyful Support Village for peer-to-peer supportSubscribe to The Practical Hug newsletter for weekly support in your inboxSubmit a Joy Moment, No Shame Question, or guest ideaFollow us on Instagram: @joyfulsupportmovementFollow us on TikTok: @joyfulsupportmovementReview and rate this podcast to help others find usShare this episode with someone who needs to hear it

    40 min

  3. Episode 3

    Prepping for the Holidays Q&A Part 1: Stop Shoulding All Over Yourself

    The holidays are coming, and Sara and Lacey are getting real about what that actually means. In Part 1 of our holiday Q&A series, we're ditching the picture-perfect expectations and talking about the mindset shifts that can help you navigate the season. From gift-giving pressure to the artifice of forced traditions, we're covering authenticity, boundaries, and why "should" is a four-letter word. Plus, Lacey shares the infamous bath mat story. What We Cover: Lacey does the three steps of Joyful Support (Story, Joy, Step)Why the holidays carry so many "shoulds" and how to let them goThe difference between things you look forward to vs. things you do out of obligationCreating a three-column framework: What do you love? What do you enjoy? What are your shoulds?How authenticity matters more than going through the motionsGift-giving stress and why deadlines can kill the joyThe bath mat incident (and other tales of practical vs. romantic gifts)Being honest with yourself and others about what brings you actual joyWhy the person orchestrating the holidays deserves to feel joy too Resources: Get the FREE Holiday Intentions Activity at https://joyfulsupportmovement.com/pages/holidayintentions Join The Village community at village.joyfulsupportmovement.com Subscribe to The Practical Hug newsletter at joyfulsupportmovement.substack.com Coming Next Week: Part 2 of our holiday Q&A series where we dive into specific questions about decorating, cooking, gatherings, and more. Get ready to make this season work for YOU, not against you.

    28 min

  4. Episode 4

    Holiday Q&A Part 2: Toys, Decorations, and Boundaries

    Sara and Lacey are back with Part 2 of the holiday Q&A series, tackling your real questions about the practical side of the holidays. From overflowing toy rooms to holiday decoration overwhelm, from setting boundaries with family to hiding presents from snooping kids—we're covering the stuff that actually comes up when you're trying to navigate the season. No fluff, just practical tools and permission to do what works for your life. What We Cover: Managing toy overload before gift-giving season hits (and whether to involve your kids)The sweet spot number of toys that keeps kids actually engagedHoliday decoration storage that makes putting things away easierMarathon vs. relay: breaking down big tasks into smaller stepsGetting clear on what's draining you before setting boundariesHow to express your needs without being emotionally chargedPracticing boundary conversations in low-stakes situationsWhere we hide presents Resources: Get the FREE Holiday Intentions Activity at https://joyfulsupportmovement.com/pages/holidayintentions Join The Village community at village.joyfulsupportmovement.com Subscribe to The Practical Hug newsletter at joyfulsupportmovement.substack.com Missed Part 1? Go back and listen to Part 1 where we covered the mindset shifts you need before diving into all the practical stuff. It's all about letting go of the "shoulds" and figuring out what actually brings you joy this season.

    25 min

  5. Episode 5

    A Year in Rewind: Counting the Work You Actually Did This Year

    In this episode of No Shame in Our Game, Sara and Lacey do a different kind of “Year Wrapped.” Instead of focusing on goals you did or didn’t hit, they look at the invisible work that got carried all year long—laundry, meals, naps, school emails, dog walks, caregiving, and everything in between. They also walk through the Joyful Support “Wrapped” for 2025 and talk honestly about how they want the next year to feel, without the pressure of “New Year, New You.” What we talk about in this episode A cozy year-in-review conversation recorded with Lacey in bed and Sara in reindeer antlersA “home and life Wrapped” that counts real work: dishes done, diapers changed, naps coordinated, emails handled, dog poop picked upHow to look at invisible labor as evidence of care, not as a reason to feel bitter or behindOur Joyful Support 2025 Wrapped:13 No Shame in Our Game episodes9 Sharing the Middle episodes9 Joy Moments episodesRebranding No Shame in the Home Game → No Shame in Our GameLaunching the Joy Moments podcastRevamping our newsletter into The Practical HugWhy “New Year, New You” language doesn’t sit right for usUsing a word or intention for the year as a gentle guide instead of a rigid resolutionLacey’s progression from Joy → Ease → (maybe) Expand and how that’s showing up in real lifeSara’s “just in case” preparedness energy and Lacey’s nap logistics superpowerBehind the scenes of working with chronic illness, caregiving, and still choosing ways to show up that feel doable Key takeaways You probably did far more this year than your calendar, camera roll, or social feeds show. That work counts.A “Wrapped” for your home and life can help you see what you carried, not just what you crossed off.You do not need to become a “new you” to start a new year; you can stay you and adjust your intentions, support, and systems.Picking a word or intention can be as simple as noticing what doesn’t feel good right now and asking what you want more of instead. Mentioned in this episode Follow Joyful Support Movement on Instagram: Joyful Support Movement on Instagram ( @joyfulsupportmovement )Subscribe to The Practical Hug newsletter on Substack: The Practical Hug newsletter on SubstackJoin the Joyful Support Village community: Join the Joyful Support Village communityVisit the Joyful Support Movement website: Joyful Support Movement main website Come Tell Us! Take a minute to imagine your own “Year Wrapped” for invisible labor. What would you be in the top 1% for this year?Choose (or start playing with) an intention word for the coming year.Share it with us:Inside the Joyful Support Village community: Share your intention word inside the Joyful Support VillageOr on Instagram / Threads – tag @joyfulsupportmovement and tell us:Your intention wordWhat doesn’t feel good right nowWhat you hope will feel different next year

    30 min

  6. Episode 6

    No Shame in Learning to Breathe - Breathwork with Theresa

    We dive into one of the most fundamental tools we have—our breath. Joined by expert guest and dear friend Theresa, we explore the science behind breath work and how intentional breathing can help us regulate our nervous system, calm down when we're overwhelmed, and respond as our best selves. Whether you're skeptical about "woo woo" practices or already have a meditation routine, Theresa bridges the gap between physiology and practical application, giving us accessible tools we can use anywhere—in the car, on the stairs, or when we catch ourselves holding our breath. You'll walk away with a simple, science-backed breathing technique you can use immediately. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and No Shame bus stop story03:00 - Why we're talking about breathing05:00 - Meeting expert guest Theresa09:00 - Understanding dysregulation and the nervous system16:00 - The breathing exercise walkthrough23:00 - Good, Better, Best versions of the tool27:00 - Interview wrap-up28:00 - Sara's experience using the tool32:00 - Moments of gratitude Tell Us What helps you pause and breathe during a busy day? Do you have a go-to moment or place where you remember to check in with your body? If you'd like to share it with us, you can submit your Joy Moment at joyfulsupportmovement.com/submit.

    40 min

  7. Episode 7

    Joy Circles + Joyful Support Steps: A Simple Tool for Practical Support

    Heads up: Joyful Support Movement is now Practical Hug (aka the Practical Hug Network for our podcasts). In this episode, we share one of our favorite tools: Joyful Support Steps. It’s a simple way to offer support that’s honest, human, and actually helpful. Sara shares what it was like to host their first in-person Joy Circle, and we walk through the three parts of the tool: Story: what’s real right nowJoy: what’s helping you breathe a little easierStep: one small next action that feels doable If you’re tired of “good vibes only,” allergic to perfection culture, or you want support that doesn’t turn you into a project, you’re in the right place. In This EpisodeThe rebrand: why Practical Hug (and what’s staying the same)Joyful Support Steps (Story / Joy / Step), and why it’s a tool you can use anywhereSara’s first in-person Joy Circle: what surprised them, and what participants asked forThe origin story of the tool (including the first time Sara used it with Lacey)Holding space for hard things without toxic positivity (or chronic complaining)Why this isn’t “self-help that fixes your life,” and what we actually mean by supportThe bigger vision for Joy Circles (decentralized, community-based, and meant to spread) Timestamps (approx.)0:00 — Welcome + rebrand announcement 2:00 — Sara’s first in-person Joy Circle (10 total, hosted at Petal and Hive) 3:20 — Joyful Support Steps: Story / Joy / Step 6:40 — Using the tool in parenting + “we’re not experts” disclaimer 7:50 — Sara runs the steps on the Joy Circle (Story / Joy / Step) 10:00 — Why Joy Circles are decentralized (AA inspiration) + accessibility + future direction 12:00 — How the tool can spread (solo, with a friend, in circles, facilitators) 13:00 — The first time Sara used the steps with Lacey (Indy) 16:00 — Toxic positivity, chronic complaining, and why “joy is always there” 19:45 — Gratitude (hair + sunshine) Mentioned in This EpisodePetal and Hive — all-natural beauty products (venue for Joy Circle)Britt Frank — researcher and writer who talks about “micro yeses” Upcoming Joy Circle EventsLast Wednesday of February (Saratoga Springs / Albany Capital Region)Morning Joy Circle at a woman-owned coffee shop (details coming soon) Connect with Joyful Support Movement:Visit our website to learn more about our community and resourcesJoin the Joyful Support Village for peer-to-peer supportSubscribe to The Practical Hug newsletter for weekly support in your inboxSubmit a Joy Moment, No Shame Question, or guest ideaFollow us on Instagram: @joyfulsupportmovementFollow us on TikTok: @joyfulsupportmovementReview and rate this podcast to help others find usShare this episode with someone who needs to hear it

    24 min

  8. Episode 8

    Good, Better, Best: The Bare Minimum Is a Foundation, Not a Failure

    In this episode, we're diving deep into one of our favorite Practical Hug tools: Good, Better, Best. This framework is all about giving yourself a menu of options instead of one impossible "perfect" standard — and then actually celebrating whichever version you accomplish. We talk about the mindset shift that makes "the bare minimum" a foundation instead of a failure, how Lacey learned this tool while navigating chronic illness, how Sara is using it in real time to prepare for a trip while managing pain, and how it shows up as a daily prioritization tool. We also get into why self-help can feel icky and what makes Practical Hug different: you're not doing this alone, and there is no finish line. If you've ever beaten yourself up for not doing the "best" version of something, this one's for you. Timestamps00:00 Welcome and Real Life Energy00:40 What Practical Hug Means02:04 Good Better Best Mindset04:37 Chronic Illness and Perfectionism08:12 How the Tool Works Breakfast Example10:52 Trip Prep House and Packing16:17 Using It for Daily Priorities18:27 Self Help vs Practical Hug26:44 Momentum and Joyful Support29:33 Gratitude and Wrap Up Tell UsWhat's one thing you've been putting off because "best" felt out of reach — and what would "good" actually look like for that task? Submit your thoughts (or your Joy Moment!) at practicalhug.com/submit Mentioned in this episode: Cubtale Make parenting easier with Cubtale. Cubtale

    33 min

  9. Episode 9

    Big Feelings & Shame Origins: Part 1

    We're starting something new on No Shame in Our Game. Sara turns the mic around and Lacey becomes the guest, and we're kicking off with the word Lacey uses to beat herself up that she hasn't done nearly as much work on as the other one: dramatic. Big feelings, where they come from, what it costs to spend years making yourself smaller so other people are more comfortable. We went two episodes on this one because it kept going somewhere real. Part two is next week. Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome + introducing the new format01:00 — Sara sets the stage: where "no shame" started and why it matters03:30 — Guilt vs. shame: what Brené Brown got right (probably)06:00 — Lacey's topic: dramatic, big feelings, and the word she hasn't worked through yet09:30 — Where it started: being the biggest feeler in a house that didn't have room for it13:00 — Reality TV as a safe space to watch big feelings from the outside15:30 — "I self-edit so much I don't even know what that would look like"17:00 — The Joe story: "I am afraid of your big feelings"18:30 — What would it feel like to just... not edit?20:00 — The Midwest lane: you can be happy, but not too happy21:30 — Saying out loud that you're smart, pretty, and likable — and the qualifying that follows Mentioned in This EpisodeBrené Brown's work on shame vs. guilt — brenebrown.com Miss Rachel's "Big Feelings" song — because apparently it's doing real work in Lacey's house K-Pop Demon Hunters / Golden — Lacey's K-Pop moment that actually made a point Tell UsWhat's a word someone used to describe you growing up that you're still working to shake? We'd love to hear it. Submit a Joy Moment or Submit a Question with us at pracitcalhug.com/submit .

    25 min

  10. Episode 10

    Big Feelings & Shame Origins: Part 2

    This one got big in the best way. We started with Lacey's shame story about being called "too dramatic" as a kid — and somewhere along the way, we landed on silk robes, talk show beds, and the power of living your life out loud. Turns out, when you're told your feelings are too much, you learn to shrink. And when you shrink long enough, you start to believe the universe doesn't want big things for you. Spoiler: it does. Sara and Lacey dig into how childhood shame becomes the box we live in as adults — until we realize we get to rewrite the rules. They talk about the difference between shame that protects and shame that diminishes, why "of course it's me" is a perfectly reasonable thought to have, and how chronic illness might just become a feature instead of a bug. It's messy and hopeful and honestly, a little bit of a breakthrough in real time. If you've ever felt too much, too loud, or too whatever — this one's for you. Listen in and see what happens when you stop asking permission to take up space.

    23 min

  11. Episode 11

    Lazy: The Shame Turducken

    Sara's been carrying shame about being lazy since she was a kid waking up to chore lists on the kitchen table every summer morning. In this episode, she and Lacey get into where that shame actually came from, what it did to her body when it went unchecked, and how she secretly loved a week on the couch with a heating pad and a bag of saltines. They work through the difference between actual laziness and rest that feels forbidden, land on a pretty good definition of what lazy even means, and Sara has a real-time breakthrough about personal operating manuals and butter knives. The "what's making you happy" at the end involves sunflowers and a new room setup. Topics CoveredSara's childhood chore lists and what her kid brain decided they meant about belongingThe wedding day moment that captures her mom's worldview in one sentenceWhy Sara secretly loved being couch-bound with an ulcer and what that says about permissionLacey's two-year-old pushing back on "hardworking" as an affirmationThe butter knife breakthrough: what happens when you try to operate outside your own manual Links & Resources"Rest is Productive" merchSubmit your own question for No Shame in Our Game or apply to be a guest: practicalhug.com/submit

    39 min

  12. Season 4 Trailer

    No Shame in Our Game Trailer

    Welcome to No Shame in Our Game: Where self-help meets community support. This is the podcast that doesn't care about the right step, just your next step. Not sure how to start a budget? Need help with home systems? Wondering about etiquette or boundaries? We're Sara and Lacey, your loving aunties who care about how your life feels, not how it looks. We're co-founders of the Joyful Support Movement, and we created this podcast because we believe you shouldn't have to figure out life alone. We answer your real-life questions about home management, budgeting, life systems, and anything else where you're not sure where to turn. We're anti-girl-boss, pro-community. No shoulds. No shame. Just possibilities and support. Submit your questions at Welcome to No Shame in Our Game: Where self-help meets community support. This is the podcast that doesn't care about the right step, just your next step. Not sure how to start a budget? Need help with home systems? Wondering about etiquette or boundaries? We're Sara and Lacey, your loving aunties who care about how your life feels, not how it looks. We're co-founders of the Joyful Support Movement, and we created this podcast because we believe you shouldn't have to figure out life alone. We answer your real-life questions about home management, budgeting, life systems, and anything else where you're not sure where to turn. We're anti-girl-boss, pro-community. No shoulds. No shame. Just possibilities and support. Submit your questions and join us for real conversations about real life. Connect with us: Instagram, TikTok & Threads: @joyfulsupportmovement Join The Village: village.joyfulsupportmovement.com Newsletter: joyfulsupportmovement.substack.com and join us for real conversations about real life. Connect with us: Instagram, TikTok & Threads: @joyfulsupportmovement Join The Village: village.joyfulsupportmovement.com Newsletter: joyfulsupportmovement.substack.com

    2 min
See All Season 4 (12)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

4.1
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Life is messy, complicated, and full of moments where we don't have it all figured out. And you know what? There's no shame in that. There's no shame in asking questions, trying imperfect solutions, or getting the support you need to move forward. Welcome to No Shame in Our Game - the podcast that believes self-help was never meant to be a solo journey. Hosts Sara and Lacey from the Joyful Support Movement invite you into honest conversations about navigating work, relationships, health, creativity, and all the beautiful chaos of real life. This isn't about having the right answers or taking perfect steps. It's about creating a safe space where community support meets personal growth, where getting help is celebrated, not hidden, and where your next imperfect action matters more than waiting for the "right" one. Whether you're figuring out career transitions, relationship challenges, health journeys, or just trying to make it through the week with a little more joy - you belong here. Because there's no shame in our game, and there's definitely no shame in getting help. **New episodes weekly. Because where self-help meets community support, magic happens.** It’s a space for no judgement, giggles, and leaving fake rules behind.

Information

  • Creator
    Practical Hug
  • Episodes
    70
  • Seasons
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Practical Hug
  • Show Website
    No Shame in Our Game