A LOT with Audra

Audra Dinell
  • 5.0 (47)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

"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

    62. Choosing the Unknown: A Second Act Conversation on Work, Worth & Risk with Bryan Steele, Founder of Forge Podcast Co.

    What happens when your five-year-old asks, "When can you retire?" and it forces you to reconsider everything? Today's guest, Bryan Steele—the producer of this podcast—shares the story of how that single question from his daughter revealed a profound truth: the corporate path he'd carefully followed wasn't creating the life he actually wanted. After 15 years as an aerospace engineer, Bryan found himself building a recording studio in his basement, falling backwards into podcasting, and eventually making the leap to full-time entrepreneurship. We talk about following breadcrumbs from music to recording to podcasting, setting financial milestones before leaving corporate life, and creating the freedom and flexibility he'd been chasing all along. If you're feeling the tension between the life you're living and the life you want, or if you've been ignoring those creative side quests that keep calling to you, you'll want to hear this conversation. HIGHLIGHTS • The moment Bryan's daughter asked when he could retire—and how her simple question revealed he needed to change everything about his career path • Why Bryan built a recording studio in his basement while working full-time as an aerospace engineer • How Bryan accidentally fell into podcasting through Wichita State basketball in 2014 • The two milestones Bryan and his wife set before he could leave his corporate job: becoming debt-free and building a two-year financial cushion • Why tearing his ACL delayed Bryan's entrepreneurial leap but didn't stop it • The 13-year timeline from first creative exploration to full-time business owner • How Bryan balanced side hustle work while staying present for coaching his kids' sports teams • The "putting ideas in amber" strategy for managing creative distractions without losing focus CHAPTERS [1:03] Introduction and Welcome [1:53] Engineering Success Path [3:46] Big Company Machine [4:46] Redefining Success [6:24] Values Misalignment [8:58] Creative Roots Return [9:42] Basement Studio Side Hustle [10:50] Falling Into Podcasting [12:45] Breadcrumbs To Business [14:33] Daughter's Retirement Question [18:04] Building Time Boundaries [20:31] Outsourcing And Support [21:50] Outsourcing Home Tasks [22:12] Debt Free Milestones [24:03] Building a Safety Net [25:25] Torn ACL Setback [27:21] From Studio to Full Time [29:19] Following Breadcrumbs [30:52] Ideas in Amber Method [32:17] Launching Side Hustle Dad [34:15] Why It's for Dads [35:17] Mindset Strategy Tactics [35:47] Where to Listen and Wrap Up RESOURCES • The Side Hustle Dad Podcast - Bryan's new podcast launching to help dads create flexibility and freedom through side businesses; www.sidehustle.dad • Forge Podcast Co. - Bryan's podcast production company; www.forgepodcast.co 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

  2. MAR 2

    61. Encouragement for the Entrepreneur

    What if the key to lasting success isn't perfect execution, but a willingness to experiment and iterate? As entrepreneurs, we're constantly bombarded with advice—some brilliant, some misaligned—and it can feel overwhelming to know which path to take. I'm sharing the mindset shifts that have helped me navigate the uncertainty, the comparison traps, and those moments when you're standing at the edge, wondering if you should keep going or burn it all down. This is about building something that feels aligned with who you are, not just impressive on paper. Highlights • Entrepreneurship is an experiment, not a performance—mistakes become data, not shame • "Good" advice isn't always the right advice for you; alignment matters more than credentials • Stop abandoning your strengths in pursuit of someone else's version of success • The edge is where growth lives, but you need self-awareness to navigate it safely • Surround yourself with "wow people" who expand your vision, not just "how people" who focus on logistics • Identity expansion is the real work—becoming someone who can take risks and adjust in real time • Joy isn't at the finish line; it's in the messy, brave journey of becoming Chapters [0:00] Introduction[1:02] Entrepreneurship as Experiment[2:17] Iterate Not Inconsistent[2:39] Advice Is About Fit[4:50] Stop Abandoning Your Strengths[6:46] Finding Your Edge[7:54] How People vs Wow People[9:56] Identity Expansion and Bravery[10:40] Resilience Contract Closing 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.

    12 min

  3. FEB 23

    60. You Are the Most Important Person You'll Ever Lead with Jeana Marinelli

    What if the key to becoming a better leader isn't learning more skills, but simply becoming more yourself? I sit down with leadership coach Jeana Marinelli for an honest conversation about the journey from "good girl" to authentic leader. We explore how women are conditioned to disconnect from their inner knowing, the physical sensations that signal something needs to change, and why the path to leadership starts with self-awareness, not achievement. Jeana shares her own story of walking away from medical school, finding her calling in Italy, and learning that becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself. We also talk about the tools that help us disentangle from societal expectations—therapy, coaching, movement, and community—and why the answer is almost always in the gray, not black and white. HIGHLIGHTS • The early signs that something isn't working often show up as physical sensations in your body—tightness in the chest, restlessness, discomfort • Society, education, and the "good girl complex" systematically disconnect us from our inner knowing • Movement and somatic work are powerful tools for reconnecting with your body's wisdom • Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself—it's that simple and that difficult • The stories we tell ourselves are often binaries that hold us back; nothing in life is truly black and white • If you can't do something perfectly, the temptation is not to do it at all—but the messy middle is exactly where we should show up • Standing at the edge of change means you've already begun the change process CHAPTERS [0:00] Introduction[2:15] Early Signs of Something Not Working[5:05] The Good Girl Complex and Socialization[7:59] Therapy and Personal Growth[11:46] Leadership and Becoming Yourself[18:37] Navigating Life's Decisions[32:26] Final Thoughts and Upcoming Plans RESOURCES MENTIONED • Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom• Beverly Daniel Tatum's work on "smog" and socialization• Come to the Edge poem by Christopher Logue CONNECT WITH JEANA Website: https://jeanamarinelli.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

  4. FEB 16

    59. Radical Honesty with Amber Dunn

    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.

    30 min

  5. FEB 9

    58. Feeling Behind in Life? Do This.

    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.

    26 min

  6. FEB 2

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

    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.

    36 min

  7. JAN 26

    56. Why I've Never Feared Getting Older

    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.

    29 min

  8. JAN 19

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

    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.

    43 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
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Forge Podcast Co. 2025
  • Show Website
    A LOT with Audra

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