A LOT with Audra

Audra Dinell
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"A LOT with Audra" is the podcast for women juggling big dreams and full lives. Each episode, host, Audra Dinell, Midwestern wife, mom and neurodivergent multi-six figure entrepreneur encourages women to embrace their many roles holistically by living a values-based life with confidence and joy. Through candid discussions, practical strategies and inspiring stories, this podcast is your guide to designing and achieving success without losing yourself in the process.

  1. 4D AGO

    59. Radical Honesty with Amber Dunn

    Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/apply What happens when you finally stop pretending to be fine? When you peel back the layers of people-pleasing, workplace masks, and self-abandonment, what's left? This conversation explores the messy, beautiful work of radical honesty—not the loud, dramatic kind, but the quiet, everyday practice of telling the truth to yourself first. Through the lens of Alison Espach's novel The Wedding People, Amber Dunn and I unpack what it means to stop performing, start listening to your body, and create safe spaces where you can show up fully as yourself. Whether you're navigating workplace dynamics, cycle syncing, or simply trying to ask for what you need, this episode is an invitation to stop abandoning yourself and start living aligned with who you really are. Highlights • The difference between radical honesty and just being honest—and why the softer approach might be more sustainable • How to identify safe spaces where you can unmask and why you need them to recharge • The workplace trap of "don't let them see you sweat" and what happens when you finally let people see you as human • Cycle syncing, rest as a gift, and why busyness is often a numbing mechanism • The powerful question "Can I have?" and how it opens doors to support, rest, and joy • Self-abandonment: what it looks like, what it costs, and how to stop doing it Chapters [1:02] Introduction to Amber Dunn and The Wedding People[1:55] Book Club Discussion: The Wedding People[2:33] Themes of Radical Honesty[4:22] Personal Reflections and Safe Spaces[13:03] Workplace Dynamics and Authenticity[22:00] Self-Abandonment and Personal Growth[28:40] Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources Mentioned • The Wedding People by Alison Espach - https://www.alisonespach.com/novels • Brené Brown's Dare to Lead - https://brenebrown.com/book/dare-to-lead/ Want to learn more? The Thread Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

    31 min

  2. FEB 9

    58. Feeling Behind in Life? Do This.

    Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/apply Ever catch yourself thinking you should be further along by now? That quiet fear that everyone else has it figured out while you're still trying to catch up? Here's the truth: being "behind" isn't a personal failure—it's a misdiagnosis. Whether you're hitting a milestone birthday, navigating a career shift, or simply comparing your life to others, that nagging feeling of not measuring up is more common than you think. Let's talk about three powerful tools to help you reframe this story and show up from a place of abundance instead of scarcity. Highlights • Why the feeling of being "behind" often stems from outdated timelines and comparison traps • The power of looking back to recognize how far you've actually come • How to identify who you're comparing yourself to and why it matters • Bill Gates' wisdom on overestimating one-year progress while underestimating decade-long growth • The danger of building a life that works for other people but not for you • Four essential questions to examine your thoughts: Is this true? What else could be true? What am I making this mean? What neutral thought could I choose instead? • Why your 80-year-old self has better perspective than your current anxious mind Chapters [0:00] Introduction: Are You Feeling Behind in Life? [1:30] Personal Anecdote: Cooking Misadventures [6:45] Reflecting on Milestones and Progress [9:20] Tool 1: Looking Back [15:45] Tool 2: Looking Up [22:30] Tool 3: Looking Ahead [25:15] Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources Mentioned • Super Simple cookbook by Tieghan Gerard (Half Baked Harvest) • How We Feel app • Rachel Hollis podcast Want to learn more? The Thread Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

    28 min

  3. FEB 2

    57. What Happens When You Stop Numbing with Life Transition Coach, Josh Luton

    Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/apply What if the thing you use to cope is actually keeping you from truly living? I sat down with Josh Luton to explore his journey from daily drinking to sobriety, and how removing alcohol revealed parts of his life that weren't working—his career, his presence with family, and his disconnection from himself. We talk about the courage it takes to feel your feelings instead of numbing them, why overwhelm is actually rooted in fear, and how small decisions (like buying a sauna) can lead to life-changing transformations. Whether your "thing" is alcohol, busyness, social media, or something else, this conversation will challenge you to get curious about what you're avoiding and what might be waiting for you on the other side. HIGHLIGHTS • Why alcohol (or any numbing behavior) keeps us from feeling discontent in our lives • The connection between overwhelm and fear, and how to get curious about your emotions • How sobriety opened up space for Josh to discover what he actually wanted • The three-year journey from stopping drinking to becoming a full-time entrepreneur • Practical tips for tracking what energizes vs. drains you • Why you don't have to tell everybody everything, but you should tell somebody something • How to live a regulated, honest life by listening to your body CHAPTERS [0:00] Introduction to Josh Luton [2:30] Josh's Journey with Alcohol [6:45] The Shift to Sobriety [8:15] Current Life and New Career [14:30] Understanding and Feeling Emotions [20:00] Emotional Sobriety and Internal Family Systems [28:00] The Promise and Reality of Sobriety [32:45] The Impact of Sobriety on Life and Career [34:00] Connecting Sobriety to Entrepreneurship [35:15] Discovering Unfulfilled Aspects of Life [38:30] The Role of Writing in Sobriety [43:00] Exploring New Ventures and Self-Discovery [49:00] Practical Tips for Self-Reflection and Growth [56:30] Living a Regulated and Honest Life RESOURCES MENTIONED • One Year No Beer - Challenge program for taking a break from alcohol • Laura McKowen - Author of "We Are the Luckiest" (sober memoir) • Julia Cameron - Author of "The Artist's Way" • The Feelings Wheel - Tool for identifying and naming emotions • Josh's Substack: Gone Dry • Josh's Coaching Website: joshualuton.com Want to learn more? The Thread Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

    37 min

  4. JAN 26

    56. Why I've Never Feared Getting Older

    Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/apply What if the best decades of your life are still ahead of you? My grandmother has spent her life proving that aging isn't about shrinking—it's about clarifying. From starting her first business in her fifties to becoming a master gardener in her late seventies, she's shown me that life doesn't have an expiration date on growth, reinvention, or joy. Today, she shares the wisdom she's gathered across eight decades: why your forties are transformative, how to stop judging yourself, what it means to be truly present, and why the past doesn't define your future. If you've ever felt like it's "too late" for something, this conversation will change your mind. HIGHLIGHTS • Why the forties are the best decade—and what makes them so transformative • How to learn from your mistakes without living in regret • The connection between judgment and presence (and why you can't have both) • What it takes to build character traits like integrity at any age • Why moving outside your bubble creates exponential personal growth • How to let go of worrying about what other people think • The importance of forgiving yourself—and others • Why women need to stop judging themselves and start saving for their future • What a good life actually looks like: health, presence, and acceptance CHAPTERS [1:04] - Introduction: Why I'm Not Afraid of Aging [1:58] - What Mattered Then That Doesn't Matter Now [3:50] - The Power of Being Present [7:53] - Remembering the Good Shots: Life Like Golf [9:33] - Seasons That Surprised Her [11:48] - Moving to Atlanta: Starting Over in Your Forties [14:23] - Building Integrity in Your Forties [16:08] - It's Never Too Late: Starting a Business at 50 [19:05] - Letting Go of Hesitation and What Others Think [20:26] - What I Want You to Know at 40 [21:57] - One Kind Truth for Your Younger Self [23:03] - What to Be Proud Of: Integrity and Acceptance [24:53] - What Women Worry About Too Much [26:17] - What Women Need to Worry About More [26:52] - What a Good Life Actually Looks Like Want to learn more? The Thread Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

    30 min

  5. JAN 19

    55. Starting Small: Act Two Habits to Anchor You with Dr. Rebecca Culver-Turner

    Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/apply Are you listening to your body, or just pushing through? Discover how tuning into your physical and emotional signals can transform your leadership, career, and personal fulfillment. Join the conversation with Dr. Rebecca Culver-Turner, a seasoned therapist, educator, and founder, as we explore the power of systems theory, the courage to start over, and the habits that support meaningful change. Highlights Dr. Rebecca’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship and what inspired her leapHow systems theory applies to both therapy and organizational leadershipThe impact of the pandemic and demographic shifts on higher educationRecognizing the physical signs of stress and the importance of listening to your bodyInternal Family Systems therapy and the challenge of suppressing emotions in professional lifeThe three identities: personal, professional, and positional—and how to balance themHabits for personal growth: pausing, journaling, community, and strength trainingOvercoming self-doubt and embracing lifelong learning at any agePractical ways to apply systems thinking to leadership and team dynamicsChapters 00:00 – Meet Dr. Rebecca 02:21 – Dr. Rebecca's Professional Journey 04:02 – Challenges in Academia 04:47 – Applying Systems Theory 05:30 – Impact of the Pandemic 06:48 – The Perfect Storm and Transition 08:09 – Listening to the Body 10:03 – Recognizing Stress and Seeking Therapy 14:13 – Internal Family Systems Therapy 15:21 – Suppressing Emotions in Professional Life 16:27 – Emotional Agility and Energy Drain 17:44 – Identity Shift and Personal Realizations 18:31 – Balancing Personal, Professional, and Positional Identities 21:15 – Listening to the Body for Professional Decisions 22:06 – Finding Joy in Personal and Professional Life 23:00 – Listening to Your Body 23:35 – Postgraduate Supervision in Therapy 24:18 – Journaling and Self-Reflection 25:01 – Discovering Professional Joy 26:21 – Mental Notes and Casual Reflection 27:46 – Balancing Work and Personal Life 28:33 – The Importance of Pausing 29:20 – Supportive Habits for Personal Growth 30:11 – The Role of Community and Connection 31:17 – Prioritizing Physical Health 32:16 – Starting Over and Lifelong Learning 32:57 – Overcoming Self-Doubt 35:23 – Applying Systems Theory to Leadership 36:19 – Understanding Triangulation in Systems 39:28 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information Resources Culver Turner Institute: culverturnerinstitute.comDr. Rebecca Culver Turner on LinkedIn: LinkedIn ProfileBook: The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté: Amazon LinkBook: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: Amazon LinkMartha Beck (on following joy and authenticity): marthabeck.comDiana Chapman (on professional decision-making and body wisdom): conscious.isSusan David (on Emotional Agility): susandavid.comWant to learn more? The Thread Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

    44 min

  6. JAN 12

    54. When A Life Shift is Out of Your Control w/ Kristen Selby, Founder of Executive Assistance

    Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/apply Are you navigating a season of unexpected change, feeling lost in your roles, or searching for your own definition of success? Discover how one woman rebuilt her life, career, and sense of self after a pivotal turning point, and find inspiration to trust your own inner voice—no matter what life throws your way. Kristen Selby, founder of Timely Executive Assistants and Chief Administrative Officer at The Thread, shares her raw and honest journey through divorce, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and rediscovering self-trust. This conversation is a heartfelt look at what it means to let go of external expectations, set boundaries, and build a life that feels truly authentic. Highlights The moment everything changed: turning 40 and facing an unexpected divorceFeeling like a single mom within a marriage and the challenges of raising three young childrenThe power of boundaries and the “only love in, only love out” philosophyRebuilding self-trust after years of seeking external validationStarting a business against the odds and finding empowerment in adversityLetting go of relationships that no longer serve youParenting through messy times and embracing vulnerabilityAdvice for anyone facing an unplanned life shiftThe importance of agency, self-compassion, and finding your “rainbow colors”Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Kristen Selby 02:16 — The Big Shift in 2020 03:01 — Turning 40 and Reflecting on Life 04:03 — Life in Wichita 04:46 — Single Mom Within a Marriage 06:32 — The Unexpected Divorce 08:10 — Rebuilding After the Divorce 08:24 — Finding Breadcrumbs of Self 14:39 — Rediscovering Self-Trust 17:10 — Seeking Freedom and Love 18:06 — Building a New Home and Life 19:10 — Starting a Business Against the Odds 20:03 — Trusting Inner Knowing 20:18 — Getting Your Sea Legs 20:29 — Becoming Your Own Expert 20:58 — Building Inner Trust 21:09 — The Importance of Self-Trust 21:56 — Facing Hardships with Self-Trust 22:48 — Boundaries and Rebuilding 23:49 — Support from Friends 24:54 — Letting Go of Relationships 27:18 — Parenting Through Messy Times 28:54 — Homeschooling and Consistency 29:28 — Embracing Vulnerability 30:23 — Advice to 30-Year-Old Self 31:39 — Letting Go of Control 32:11 — Dealing with Your Own Issues 33:49 — Finding Your Rainbow Colors 35:44 — Closing Reflections Resources Mentioned Timely Executive Assistants — Kristen’s business providing fractional executive assistant support: https://www.timelyea.com/We Can Do Hard Things Podcast (Abby Wambach & Glennon Doyle): https://wecandohardthingspodcast.com/Want to learn more? The Thread Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

    38 min

  7. JAN 5

    53. Are You in Your Second Act?

    Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/apply What if turning 40 isn’t a crisis, but a coming of age? Are you feeling a quiet shift—a pull toward something more honest, grounded, and true to yourself? Today we begin exploring the beauty and complexity of entering a new season of life, where ambition is redefined, softness is embraced, and the “second act” becomes a time for intentional living. Drawing inspiration from family, mentors, and cultural shifts, I reflect on what it means to move beyond proving yourself and start becoming who you truly are. Whether you’re approaching a milestone birthday or simply sensing a change, you’re not alone—and there’s so much more ahead. Highlights Embracing aging and the excitement of turning 40Lessons from my grandmother and mentors about thriving in your fortiesThe inspiration behind launching a new podcast season: “The Second Act”Shifts in workplace culture and the rise of the “human skills revolution”Balancing ambition with softness and clarityReflecting on Act One: building, striving, and learningDefining Act Two: living and leading with intentionChallenging the “midlife crisis” narrative and embracing a coming of ageInsights from Mary Oliver and Jane Fonda on living a meaningful lifeWhat to expect from this season: interviews, community stories, and honest conversationsChapters 00:00 — Introduction: Embracing 40 00:54 — Inspiration from Grandma and Mentors 02:09 — The Second Act: A New Podcast Season 02:28 — Shifts in Workplace Culture 02:53 — Balancing Ambition and Softness 03:44 — Life’s Precious Moments 04:24 — The Human Skills Revolution 04:42 — Reflecting on Act One 05:25 — Defining Act Two 10:12 — Midlife Crisis or Coming of Age? 13:14 — Excitement for the Future 14:10 — Mary Oliver’s Wisdom 14:41 — Jane Fonda’s Advice 16:10 — Season Overview and Expectations 17:45 — Conclusion: Welcome to the Second Act Resources Mentioned Lean In & McKinsey: Women in the Workplace 2025 ReportMary Oliver, “The Summer Day” (poem)Jane Fonda’s Advice on Aging (YouTube)Audra Dinell on Substack: The Second ActIf you’re feeling the softening, the clarity, or the pull to live a little differently, you’re not having a midlife crisis—you’re having a coming of age. Welcome to the Second Act. Want to learn more? The Thread Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

    21 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    52. What to Expect from A Lot with Audra in 2026

    Cohort 11 for The Thread is open now! To apply, visit www.thethreadwichita.com/apply Are you ready to step into your second act? What if the next chapter of your life isn’t about starting over, but about becoming more of who you truly are? As we close out 2025, I invite you to pause, reflect, and get excited for what’s ahead. This isn’t just a recap—it’s a doorway to new beginnings, deeper clarity, and the freedom to design a life that feels like your own. Let’s talk about what it means to embrace change, honor your journey, and boldly step into the next phase with courage, curiosity, and community. Highlights The meaning and inspiration behind “the second act”Why turning 40 feels like a recalibration, not a crisisHow to clarify what truly matters and set new boundariesThe difference between proving yourself and believing in yourselfUpcoming interviews with women navigating their own second actsTools, questions, and frameworks to help you build your next chapterHonest behind-the-scenes of my own journey—marriage, motherhood, ambition, and moreEncouragement for anyone feeling behind or uncertain as the new year beginsInvitation to join the written companion on SubstackChapters 00:00 — Introduction and Welcome01:08 — Reflecting on 202501:20 — Introducing the Second Act01:58 — Defining the Second Act02:14 — Life’s Timeline and Career Midpoint02:45 — Clarifying What Matters03:18 — The Concept of the Second Act03:50 — Exploring Identity and Skills04:32 — Emotional Agility and Boundaries04:54 — Interviews and Stories05:37 — Coaching and Tools06:09 — Behind the Scenes of My Second Act06:47 — Encouragement for the New Year07:10 — Believing in Yourself08:03 — Looking Forward to 2026Resources Mentioned The Second Act Substack: https://substack.com/@audradinellThank you for listening, sharing, and being part of this journey. If you feel the second act stirring in you, make sure you’re subscribed and join me on Substack for more. Here’s to turning the page—together. Want to learn more? The Thread Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

    10 min
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5
out of 5
47 Ratings

About

"A LOT with Audra" is the podcast for women juggling big dreams and full lives. Each episode, host, Audra Dinell, Midwestern wife, mom and neurodivergent multi-six figure entrepreneur encourages women to embrace their many roles holistically by living a values-based life with confidence and joy. Through candid discussions, practical strategies and inspiring stories, this podcast is your guide to designing and achieving success without losing yourself in the process.

Information

  • Creator
    Audra Dinell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Forge Podcast Co. 2025
  • Show Website
    A LOT with Audra