The Everyday Awesome Project

Polly Mertens & Samantha Pruitt

The Everyday Awesome Podcast is your mega dose of multivitamins for building your mental muscles, physical body and an empowered life. Your hosts Polly and Sam are on your dream team; lifelong coaches in business, health & fitness and human potential. They are on fire to ignite change in the lives they touch. Subscribe now to your weekly jam session where we walk you through actionable tools, game changing insights and inspiring stories to light the path towards YOUR awesome life.   The Everyday Awesome Project is a movement. We invite you to join our mission to connect and inspire humans to live their full potential and reconnect to themselves and others. Through our coaching programs, live experiences and weekly podcast we explore what is possible for everyday humans.  Their motto is  "Every day is a new opportunity to find your AWESOME!"

  1. 5D AGO

    113: Build Capacity Not Self Improvement

    Tired of chasing endless fixes that leave you drained and doubting yourself? We flip the script on self-improvement by introducing a sturdier, kinder lens: capacity. Instead of treating your life like a DIY project, we focus on expanding what you can hold, produce, and experience—so your days feel grounded, energized, and truly yours. We start with the nervous system, the control room that sets your baseline. You’ll learn why vagus nerve tone matters and how simple practices—meditation, slow breathing, grounding walks, and real human connection—create the calm needed for better choices. From there, we dig into the stories that run your mind. Many are outdated and unhelpful; we show you how to spot them, question them, and rewrite them with practical tools like journaling, therapy, and deep conversations that shift identity from the inside out. Then we get into the body, guided by science instead of trends. Adopting a “life athlete” mindset, we map a training approach that builds strength, endurance, mobility, and balance while honoring your unique capacity. Food becomes targeted fuel: we touch on the gut microbiome, protein and fiber essentials, and timing that supports steady energy and clear thinking. Finally, we elevate recovery from afterthought to core discipline, with sleep routines, light management, boundaries around screens and noise, and daily non-negotiables that anchor your rhythm. Across these pillars—regulation, clean stories, trained body, and real recovery—you’ll find a path away from comparison and into momentum that actually feels good. If you’re ready to expand your container and design a bigger life on your terms, this conversation is your starting block. If it resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a gentler way to grow, and leave a review to help more people find these tools. What’s the first capacity habit you’ll build this week? Follow Coach Polly @getbusythriving and Coach Sam @thesamanthapruitt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayawesomeproject Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydayawesomeproject Linktree for ALL THE THINGS: https://linktr.ee/everydayawesomeproject Website/About Us: https://everydayawesomeproject.com/about-us/

    18 min
  2. FEB 12

    112: Art Of The Comeback; Rising Strong After The Life's Reckoning Moments

    A wrecking ball can shatter plans, but it doesn’t have to shrink your future. We dig into the real mechanics of a comeback—how to move from shock and spirals to post‑traumatic growth that outgrows your old life. From job loss to heartbreak to a scary health setback, we share how to separate “what’s so” from the heavy meanings that keep you stuck, then rebuild with a vision that actually pulls you forward. We get practical about mindset and language, swapping “starting over” for “starting fresh,” and trading “why me?” for questions that open doors: What else could this mean? Where’s the gift? You’ll hear stories about training through setbacks, finishing the race you didn’t plan to finish, and learning to chunk the impossible—one ledge, one lamppost, one aid station at a time. We talk about owning your part without shame, identifying missing skills, and training for life like an athlete: coaching, reps, better tools, honest feedback. Community is a throughline. Stabilize first, then share early so shame can’t grow in the dark. Celebrate micro wins because they compound into self-trust, and self-trust is built before the storm. We challenge comparisons, nostalgia for the dotted line that never truly existed, and the shoulds that keep you anchored to a past identity. Along the way, we add humor and humanity, because levity helps pressure release and clarity return. If you’re in the dip or helping someone climb out, this conversation offers clear steps, grounded examples, and a reminder that the comeback isn’t a single moment—it’s a series of brave, ordinary choices that stack into something extraordinary. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a hand up, and leave a quick review to help others find the path back to themselves. Follow Coach Polly @getbusythriving and Coach Sam @thesamanthapruitt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayawesomeproject Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydayawesomeproject Linktree for ALL THE THINGS: https://linktr.ee/everydayawesomeproject Website/About Us: https://everydayawesomeproject.com/about-us/

    50 min
  3. JAN 29

    111: Why Change is So Scary | Post Traumatic Growth Moments

    Change doesn’t just knock; sometimes it blows the door off the hinges. We dive into the kind of change you didn’t choose—losses that upend your plans, injuries that shake identity, and detours that feel like freefall—and show how to find your footing again without pretending it’s easy. We start with the brain. Uncertainty isn’t neutral; it’s costly. That electric-shock study where a guaranteed shock was calmer than a 50% chance? It reveals how ambiguity spikes stress and drains focus. Layer that with identity—how tightly we cling to roles like athlete, partner, or founder—and no wonder forced change feels like annihilation. But there’s a way through: grieve the old story, then root down into values that exist beneath titles. If you loved sport for discipline, nature, and community, those values can live in a new form. If you built a future around marriage or a business, you can still create belonging and contribution, even if the container changes. From there, we reframe. The mind is a meaning-making machine; give it better prompts. Ask, “What’s possible now?” “What matters most?” and “Who do I choose to be?” These questions steer you out of doom loops and into agency. We share practices that build resilience before the next curveball—micro-doses of uncertainty, a day with no plan, trips without itineraries, journaling that turns rumination into insight, and conversations that let grief move instead of harden. Gratitude becomes a state shift at the starting line, whether that’s a race with real risk or a hospital corridor where you hold a hand and breathe. The throughline is simple and strong: accept impermanence, anchor in values, and train your recovery. The dip between impact and rebound can get shorter with practice. You’ve survived 100% of your changes so far; you’re more capable than your fear suggests. If this conversation helps, share it with a friend who’s navigating a hard pivot, subscribe for more grounded tools, and leave a review to tell us what question you’ll carry forward. Follow Coach Polly @getbusythriving and Coach Sam @thesamanthapruitt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayawesomeproject Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydayawesomeproject Linktree for ALL THE THINGS: https://linktr.ee/everydayawesomeproject Website/About Us: https://everydayawesomeproject.com/about-us/

    49 min
  4. JAN 26

    110: Women's Circles: The History of Thriving

    Swipe culture says you’re connected. Your nervous system says otherwise. We dig into why loneliness is surging despite endless “friends,” and how small, trusted circles restore the regulation, resilience, and joy our bodies and hearts are wired for. Drawing on women’s history—from red tents to kitchen tables—we explore how multi‑generational community once kept families strong, and how to rebuild that fabric now without making it complicated or woo‑woo. We break down practical design for meaningful groups: the sweet spot of eight to ten people, why clarity of purpose matters, and the core agreements that create safety—confidentiality, equal airtime, no gossip, and sharing from experience instead of fixing. You’ll learn how oxytocin and mirror neurons fuel empathy and healing, why voice beats text for connection, and how relatedness turns scattered teams into A‑teams that can carry heavier lifts at work and at home. Expect real stories—from gym sisterhoods to grief held well—that show how circles help us laugh, grieve, and grow without pretending. Ready to act? Start with a simple audit of your week for restorative versus performative time, then make the call of three: invite three trusted humans for a device‑free coffee or walk and use a single prompt to open the space. Keep it light, honest, and consistent, and watch the compounding effect of belonging strengthen every part of life. If this conversation sparked something, follow along, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review so more people find their circle. Your phone can’t hug you; your people can—let’s build that, together. Follow Coach Polly @getbusythriving and Coach Sam @thesamanthapruitt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayawesomeproject Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydayawesomeproject Linktree for ALL THE THINGS: https://linktr.ee/everydayawesomeproject Website/About Us: https://everydayawesomeproject.com/about-us/

    43 min
  5. JAN 22

    109: Stop Self Sabotaging with Coach Polly

    Coach Polly solo this week telling you that your goals aren’t failing because you’re weak; they’re colliding with a brain designed for safety, comfort, and the familiar! We dig into the real engine of self-sabotage—how pain and pleasure drive every choice—and show how to flip those circuits so action becomes the easy path. I break down why the brain, an energy-hungry survival machine, resists change even when the change is good for us. We explore Tony Robbins’ pain–pleasure framework, the role of limiting beliefs, and how motivation often appears when staying the same becomes unbearable. From the client who “checks the weather” instead of organizing, to my own rituals that moved from effort to identity, you’ll hear how our neuroassociations quietly steer our days. Then we go deep on dopamine. It’s not the molecule of liking; it’s the molecule of wanting. Social feeds and slot machines use variable rewards to spike anticipation, then leave you in a trough that makes real life feel flat. I outline a practical dopamine reset—delete or wall off apps, set hard evening cutoffs, and commit to 30 days—to help subtle joys like deep work, prayer, movement, and connection feel rich again. You’ll also get a seven-day self-leadership plan: run a pain–pleasure audit, use the five-minute rule, emotionalize your future self, and design an environment where good choices are your default. You’re not stuck with the wiring you inherited. With leverage, accountability, and a smarter context, you can reassign pain to inaction and pleasure to progress. If you’re ready to stop self-sabotage and start building momentum, hit play, subscribe, and share the one five-minute habit you’ll start today. Your future self is waiting—what’s your first move? Follow Coach Polly @getbusythriving and Coach Sam @thesamanthapruitt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayawesomeproject Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydayawesomeproject Linktree for ALL THE THINGS: https://linktr.ee/everydayawesomeproject Website/About Us: https://everydayawesomeproject.com/about-us/

    36 min
  6. JAN 15

    108: Commitment to (your) Self

    Tired of resolutions that fizzle by February? We’re trading quick fixes for a revolution of agency, and it starts with a bold commitment to self. Together we unpack how to stop outsourcing your life to motivation, approval, or trends and start building a direction you actually believe in. This isn’t about more goals; it’s about fewer, truer priorities—and the consistency to make them real. We dig into the mindset traps that keep you stuck, from fear of change to the brain’s obsession with sameness, and show how small wins compound into real self-trust. You’ll hear why intrinsic drive outlasts hype, how to choose meanings that empower action during discomfort, and the simple shift from push to pull motivation. We get practical with a strategy-first approach: clarify values, uncommit from distractions, pick sound methods and timelines, and schedule the work. Expect detours and plan for them—cruise ships don’t turn like speedboats, and course correction is part of the journey. Identity shifts matter, so we talk “act as if,” internalized modeling, and the power of proximity—spend time with people who live the standards you want. Relentlessness shows up as full expression in hard moments, not performative hustle: showing up at the gym, the boardroom, the blank page, and for loved ones with your whole self. The foundation beneath it all is worthiness: you don’t earn your value by overcommitting; you protect it by choosing what truly matters. Boldness has genius and magic because decisive action organizes your world around the choice. If you’re ready to feel momentum, meaning, and ownership, press play. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend who needs a spark, and leave a review telling us the one commitment you’re making today. Follow Coach Polly @getbusythriving and Coach Sam @thesamanthapruitt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayawesomeproject Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydayawesomeproject Linktree for ALL THE THINGS: https://linktr.ee/everydayawesomeproject Website/About Us: https://everydayawesomeproject.com/about-us/

    1h 5m
  7. JAN 8

    107: Why You Slack - 3 Keys to Discipline with Coach Polly

    Coach Polly solo this week- helping you start strong towards goals without burning out! We take a clear-eyed look at why goals fade—especially right after the new year—and share a practical blueprint for unshakable discipline that doesn’t rely on white-knuckle willpower. From honoring real-life grief and messy timing to dissecting the brain’s energy-saving bias, we map the traps that derail consistency: decision fatigue, vague rules, loopholes, and challenges launched at the worst possible moment. Then we flip the script. You’ll learn how to design habits that actually stick by making them obvious, easy, and visible. We unpack why a compelling future matters, how to translate it into precise daily actions, and what to do when the “what-the-heck effect” whispers that one miss means total failure. We talk identity shifts—because every habit is a vote for who you’re becoming—and why the sweet spot for real change often lives in the 60–90 day range, not a quick 21-day sprint. You’ll also hear how strategic discomfort builds resilience, like committing to 45 minutes outdoors rain or shine to train your nervous system and your resolve. We share simple environment design tweaks, the power of habit tracking for honest feedback and dopamine, and a clean recommitment plan that kills loopholes and reduces decisions. Whether you’re building a creative practice, shifting your health, or redefining your career, this is a step-by-step system for momentum you can trust. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s recommitting this year, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Tell us: what single habit will you vote for over the next 60–90 days? Follow Coach Polly @getbusythriving and Coach Sam @thesamanthapruitt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayawesomeproject Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydayawesomeproject Linktree for ALL THE THINGS: https://linktr.ee/everydayawesomeproject Website/About Us: https://everydayawesomeproject.com/about-us/

    43 min
  8. JAN 1

    106: NY Day Happy Healthy Living Dispelling Myths

    New Year’s Day begs for a reset, but we’re not selling anti-aging fantasies—we’re building healthspan. We take on the loudest myths about getting older and replace them with choices that actually move the needle: frequent “exercise snacks,” whole and fiber-forward meals, sober or smarter rituals, and the kind of deep relationships that keep your brain and heart strong. The goal isn’t to live forever; it’s to feel sturdy, joyful, and fully here for as long as you’re here. We share how to make movement your default with simple timers and horizon breaks that calm the nervous system. We dig into fresh food that supports metabolic health, why earlier calories help sleep and energy, and how to reframe alcohol without losing ritual. Then we go where most wellness talk doesn’t: belonging. Strong, intentional communities protect mental health more than any supplement. You’ll hear stories of mentorship, women’s circles, and small groups that turn “someday” goals into real wins. Purpose ties it together. Don’t retire from life—rewrite it. Keep learning at your pace, craft a calendar you actually want, and practice emotional hygiene in micro-moments throughout the day. A quiet morning ritual can set your compass before the world spins up, and hourly check-ins bring you back to presence when the mind runs ahead. Confidence beats cosmetics, and agency beats algorithms. If you’re ready to trade longevity hype for a life that feels good now, press play, take one small step, and let it compound. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs a nudge, and leave a review with the one habit you’ll start today. Follow Coach Polly @getbusythriving and Coach Sam @thesamanthapruitt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayawesomeproject Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydayawesomeproject Linktree for ALL THE THINGS: https://linktr.ee/everydayawesomeproject Website/About Us: https://everydayawesomeproject.com/about-us/

    59 min
5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Everyday Awesome Podcast is your mega dose of multivitamins for building your mental muscles, physical body and an empowered life. Your hosts Polly and Sam are on your dream team; lifelong coaches in business, health & fitness and human potential. They are on fire to ignite change in the lives they touch. Subscribe now to your weekly jam session where we walk you through actionable tools, game changing insights and inspiring stories to light the path towards YOUR awesome life.   The Everyday Awesome Project is a movement. We invite you to join our mission to connect and inspire humans to live their full potential and reconnect to themselves and others. Through our coaching programs, live experiences and weekly podcast we explore what is possible for everyday humans.  Their motto is  "Every day is a new opportunity to find your AWESOME!"