Soul Stories With Jill

Soul Stories With Jill
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

I LOVE stories! I enjoy listening to & of course, sharing stories. Having been a massage therapist for going on 16 years, I'm sure you can imagine the stories I've heard! The beauty is EVERYBODY has a story! Our story is what makes us who we are & sharing them is what makes us feel connected. In the world today we are bombarded with so much doom & gloom. My intentions on creating this podcast is to share stories that will make us laugh, give us hope, inspire us, & believe in miracles. I can't wait to share some stories with you!

  1. 22h ago

    The Climb Before the Summit: Lessons from Mount Whitney

    In this episode, I’m joined by my brother, Matt, as he shares the story of climbing Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. This wasn’t his first attempt. After being forced to turn back because of weather on a previous climb, Matt talks about what it was like to return with renewed determination, the months of physical and mental preparation it took, and the discipline required to accomplish a goal that once seemed just out of reach. We dive into the realities of preparing for a mountain like Mount Whitney, the training, the setbacks, the unpredictability of nature, and the perseverance it takes to keep moving forward when things don’t go according to plan. Along the way, we draw powerful parallels between climbing a mountain and navigating everyday life. Whether you’re pursuing a dream, overcoming obstacles, or simply trying to become a stronger version of yourself, success often comes from preparation, resilience, and the willingness to try again after disappointment. We also talk about the peace and perspective that nature offers, the friendships built along the trail, and the incredible sense of accomplishment that comes from standing at the summit after earning every step. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply facing your own mountain in life, this conversation will leave you inspired to keep climbing, one step at a time.

  2. Jul 15

    The Climb Within Returns: Inside Our Second Mt. LeConte Retreat

    The Climb Within is back! In this episode, Averie Thayer, occupational therapist, owner of Living Revived Therapy, and retreat co-host, joins me to share everything you need to know about our second annual Mt. LeConte Women’s Retreat. After an incredible first year, we’re expanding the experience to help you feel even more prepared, supported, and connected before you ever step onto the trail. We talk about our three-month training program designed to help participants build confidence, endurance, and strength leading up to the hike. Averie shares how her background as an occupational therapist will help prepare women physically while we both focus on the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the journey. We also introduce our new VIP experience beginning Thursday, October 29, where participants can gather the evening before the hike to connect, settle in, and begin the retreat together. The adventure officially begins on Friday, October 30, as we hike approximately six miles to LeConte Lodge, spend the night on the mountain, enjoy dinner together at the lodge, and soak in one of the most unforgettable sunsets and sunrises the Smokies have to offer. On Saturday, October 31, we’ll hike back down the mountain and celebrate the completion of our journey with a special Greenhouse Dinner at the Wellness Farmhouse. This retreat is about so much more than reaching the summit. It’s about discovering what you’re capable of, pushing beyond your comfort zone, building meaningful friendships, and realizing that the climb often mirrors life itself. If you’ve been looking for a sign to challenge yourself, reconnect with nature, and experience personal growth in a supportive community, this just might be it. We can’t wait to climb with you! Registration information and retreat details are available through the Wellness Farmhouse. We hope you’ll join us for an unforgettable weekend of adventure, growth, and connection.

  3. Jul 8

    Stories from the Chair: What Your Hairdresser Wishes You Knew

    If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the salon chair, this episode is for you! In this fun and lighthearted conversation, Jill sits down with her best friend, Michelle Hurst, who has spent more than 30 years behind the chair as a hairstylist. Together, they share some of the funniest, most surprising, and unforgettable stories from Michelle’s career, along with tales she’s heard from fellow hairstylists over the years. From awkward moments and hilarious client encounters to the things every hairstylist secretly wishes their clients knew, this episode is full of laughter, honesty, and plenty of “I can’t believe that happened!” moments. Whether you’re a regular salon-goer, a fellow beauty professional, or just enjoy hearing entertaining stories about people and life, you’ll leave this episode with a whole new appreciation for the work that happens behind the chair.

  4. Jul 1

    The Life You Didn’t Plan Might Be the One You’re Meant to Live

    Have you ever looked at your life and thought, I never saw this coming? In this solo episode, Jill shares how a series of small nudges, unexpected conversations, and repeated encouragement led her from massage therapy and yoga into sound healing, breathwork, podcasting, and now creating guided audio meditations. She explores why the biggest pivots in life rarely begin with certainty, why fear doesn’t always mean “stop,” and how the compliments people consistently give you may actually reveal gifts you’ve overlooked. If you’ve been feeling called toward something new, wondering if it’s too late to reinvent yourself, or talking yourself out of a dream because it feels unfamiliar, this episode is your reminder that the next chapter of your life may begin with something as simple as listening to the whisper instead of the doubt.

  5. Jun 24

    The Art of Receiving: Why Accepting Can Be Harder Than Giving with Lauren Jewel

    We often hear about the importance of giving, serving, and showing up for others. But what happens when it’s our turn to receive? In this heartfelt episode, Jill sits down with mind-body practitioner Lauren Jewel to explore a challenge that many women quietly struggle with: receiving. Lauren shares a powerful story from a birthday trip to Peru that unexpectedly became one of the greatest lessons of her life. Surrounded by strangers who wanted to celebrate her, honor her, and offer gifts of kindness, she found herself face-to-face with something surprisingly uncomfortable—allowing herself to receive. Together, Jill and Lauren dive into why so many of us have been conditioned to pour into others while feeling guilty, uncomfortable, or even undeserving when love, support, or generosity is directed toward us. They discuss the delicate balance between masculine and feminine energy, how both exist within each of us, and why embracing our feminine energy often requires us to soften, trust, and open ourselves to receiving. This conversation is an invitation to examine where you may be over-giving, over-functioning, or carrying more than your share. It’s a reminder that receiving isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Whether it’s accepting help, receiving a compliment, allowing someone to care for you, or simply resting without guilt, learning to receive can be one of the most healing practices of all. If you’ve ever struggled to let others show up for you, this episode may be exactly what your heart needs to hear. INFO: Name: Lauren Jewel Job title: Trauma-Informed Mind-Body Practitioner — specializing in decoding stress-driven physiology — her work bridges functional nutrition, nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and identity recalibration to create real, sustainable change at the root. Email: Jewelandcoaching@gmail.com Social Media Handles: IG: @Lauren_michelle_jewel FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AG9EPzFEn/

  6. Jun 17

    The Summer of Calm: Simple Ways to Regulate Your Nervous System

    What if the things that help heal and regulate us aren’t complicated at all? In this solo episode of Soul Stories with Jill, Jill explores the importance of nervous system regulation and why so many of us are living in a constant state of stress without even realizing it. From racing thoughts and difficulty relaxing to feeling overwhelmed by everyday life, chronic stress can show up in ways we often overlook. Jill shares the signs of a dysregulated nervous system, why rest can sometimes feel uncomfortable, and how our bodies often respond to imagined worries the same way they respond to real threats. She also dives into the science behind nature, laughter, connection, and simple summer activities that can help shift us out of survival mode and back into a place of calm. From walking barefoot in the grass and watching a sunset to spending time with loved ones and creating your own “Nervous System Menu,” this episode is a gentle reminder that healing doesn’t always require doing more. Sometimes it begins by slowing down, reconnecting with what brings us joy, and remembering how to simply be. If life has felt heavy lately, consider this your invitation to take a deep breath, step outside, and discover the power of small moments that help your mind, body, and spirit find balance again. Take a listen and let this be your reminder that peace isn’t something you have to earn. It’s something you can begin practicing today.

  7. Jun 10

    The Untold Side of Motherhood: Postpartum, Identity Shifts & Asking for Help with Averie Thayer

    Motherhood is often portrayed through soft baby blankets, sweet snuggles, and picture-perfect moments, but what about the parts that aren’t talked about nearly enough? In this week’s episode of Soul Stories with Jill, returning guest Averie Thayer, occupational therapist, retreat co-host, and new mom to a six-month-old baby boy, joins Jill for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the realities of life after bringing a child into the world. Together, they explore the emotional, physical, and mental adjustments that come with becoming a mother. Averie shares her personal experience navigating postpartum life, the invisible responsibilities that often fall on mothers, and the profound identity shift that can occur when caring for a new baby becomes your primary focus. The conversation also touches on the importance of support systems, why so many women feel pressure to “do it all,” and how isolating the postpartum season can be for mothers who don’t have family, friends, or partners nearby to help. Jill and Averie discuss the conversations that need to happen more often, including postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, and the importance of recognizing when a mother may need additional support. This episode is a reminder that while motherhood can be beautiful, it can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and deeply transformative. Most importantly, it reminds women that they are not alone in what they’re feeling. Whether you’re a new mother, an expecting parent, a grandmother, a partner, or someone who simply wants to better understand the postpartum experience, this conversation offers compassion, validation, and a much-needed look behind the curtain of early motherhood. Join us for a heartfelt discussion about resilience, support, identity, and the often-unspoken realities of one of life’s biggest transitions. INFO: https://www.livingrevivedtherapy.com/ Name: Averie Thayer Job title: Occupational Therapist/Owner of Living Revived Therapy Email: averie@livingrevivedtherapy.com Social Media Handles: Living Revived Therapy or @livingrevivedtherapy

  8. Jun 3

    Borrowing Tomorrow While Worry Steals Today

    This week on Soul Stories with Jill, we’re exploring something that affects every one of us: worry. Inspired by a simple church sign that stopped me in my tracks, this episode dives into the ways we borrow trouble from tomorrow and miss the beauty of today. Together, we’ll explore why our minds tend to live in the future, how worry impacts the body, and what we can learn from nature about trusting the process. Through stories, reflection, a powerful Cherokee teaching, and an original poem called “Borrowing Tomorrow,” we’ll examine the difference between fear and faith, control and surrender, and worry versus trust. If you’ve ever found yourself replaying conversations that haven’t happened, stressing over outcomes you can’t control, or feeling weighed down by “what ifs,” this episode is for you. What if peace isn’t found in controlling the future, but in fully living the present moment? Take a deep breath, settle in, and join me for a conversation about worry, trust, and the freedom that comes when we stop carrying tomorrow today.

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About

I LOVE stories! I enjoy listening to & of course, sharing stories. Having been a massage therapist for going on 16 years, I'm sure you can imagine the stories I've heard! The beauty is EVERYBODY has a story! Our story is what makes us who we are & sharing them is what makes us feel connected. In the world today we are bombarded with so much doom & gloom. My intentions on creating this podcast is to share stories that will make us laugh, give us hope, inspire us, & believe in miracles. I can't wait to share some stories with you!

Information

  • Creator
    Soul Stories With Jill
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    135
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Soul Stories With Jill
  • Show Website
    Soul Stories With Jill

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