Ready to rediscover your creative spark? This episode of The Grit Show features author Laura Munson, whose new book "The Wild Why" inspires us to rethink creativity and wonder in our everyday lives. Host Shawna Rodrigues explores themes of self-expression, overcoming creative blocks, and finding awe—even in a world filled with distractions and self-doubt. Laura shares powerful stories about reclaiming your voice, the importance of curiosity, and how simple shifts—like changing the words you use—can help you unlock hidden inspiration.

Whether you think creativity is reserved for “artsy” types or you’re just feeling stuck, this conversation offers uplifting guidance, practical tips, and a reminder that magic is for everyone. Tune in to learn how Montana’s landscape sparked Laura’s insights and pick up teasers about her transformative writing retreats. Don’t miss out if you’re searching for motivation, self-development, or a creative reset!

Laura Munson is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the novel Willa’s Grove and the memoir This Is Not The Story You Think It Is. Founder of the acclaimed Haven Writing Retreats, she has been featured or published in Vanity Fair, Elle, Redbook, Time, Newsweek, The New York Times “Modern Love” column, The New York Times Magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine, and many others. She has appeared on Good Morning America, The Early Show, WGN, NPR, London’s This Morning, Australia’s Sunrise, and other global media outlets. She lives in Whitefish, Montana. For more information, visit: lauramunson.com.

Connect with her on social media:

Facebook- Laura Munson

Instagram- @lauramunsonauthor

LinkedIn- Laura Munson

Get her book here.

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come...

Ever wondered how gratitude can survive when your world falls apart? On this powerful episode of The Grit Show, Shawna Rodrigues opens up about her own journey after receiving a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis right in the middle of recording. Shawna explores what it’s like when “the collapse” happens—when plans unravel, certainty disappears, and surface-level priorities burn away. Using compelling stories and nature-inspired metaphors like the serotinous pine cone, Shawna teases out how destruction can set the stage for unexpected growth.

If you’ve ever found inspiration in resilience, personal growth, or finding hope in difficult times, you’ll want to hear the three unique stages she reveals for moving from darkness to dawn. This episode is perfect for those searching for strength, mindful gratitude, and authentic hope amidst life’s toughest challenges.

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Word of mouth builds podcasts - we appreciate your support!!

Ever wonder why some people are confident in relationships while others are filled with anxiety or tend to withdraw? In this eye-opening episode of The Grit Show, Dr. Jaime Goff unpacks the hidden force shaping our adult behaviors: attachment styles. Discover why your leadership style at work and the way you connect with loved ones might both be rooted in your earliest relationships. Host Shawna Rodrigues and Dr. Goff use familiar pop culture examples—think Michael Scott’s neediness and Miranda Priestly’s icy exterior—to illustrate the three primary attachment patterns.

If you’re curious about how to improve your relationships, become a better leader, or simply understand yourself on a deeper level, this conversation offers actionable insights and a hopeful message for personal growth. Stay tuned and find out how your "blueprint" for connection can be transformed—no matter your past.

Dr. Jaime Goff is the founder of The Empathic Leader, LLC, where she specializes in helping leaders unlock their full potential through executive coaching, insightful workshops, and thought-provoking keynotes. With her unique blend of expertise in psychology and leadership development, Jaime helps individuals and teams navigate their toughest challenges, build resilience, and achieve transformative growth.

Dr. Goff’s thought leadership has been featured in academic journals and industry magazines. She shares her insights regularly on her blog and LinkedIn, where she engages a thriving community. A seasoned speaker, Jaime has delivered presentations and workshops at more than 30 professional conferences.

Jaime holds a PhD in Couple and Family Therapy from Michigan State University and a graduate certificate in executive coaching from Southern Methodist University. She is an ICF-certified coach and holds the SHRM-CP designation. With over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist, professor, and executive coach, she is passionate about helping leaders craft empowering stories that help them become more secure.

When she’s not empowering others, you’ll find Jaime hiking with her husband, Eric; spending time with her dog Ursa and her cat Amos; painting, or building Lego sets.

Connect with Dr. Jaime:

Webiste- drjaimegoff.com

LinkedIn- Jaime Goff, PhD, ACC, SHRM-CP

Instagram- @dr_jaimegoff

Youtube- Jaime Goff

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of The Secure Leader: Discover the Hidden Forces That Shape Your Leadership Story-- And How to Change Them at Bookshop.org

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram

Ready to upgrade your approach to challenging conversations? In this episode of The Grit Show, Shawna Rodrigues uncovers the surprising science behind mirror neurons—those “copycat” brain cells at the root of empathy, communication, and even emotional contagion. Shawna shares a fascinating story from a groundbreaking 1992 study in Parma, Italy, showcasing how a monkey’s brain responded to a researcher eating ice cream, changing everything we know about human connection.

Curious why your mood sets the tone in any interaction, or why tension can seem contagious in a room? Discover how mastering your own emotional state can transform tricky discussions, both at work and at home. With real-life examples and practical tips, Shawna guides you to harness this brain science to create smoother, more empathetic conversations.

Tune in to start using your “superpower” for deeper, more meaningful connections!

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Word of mouth builds podcasts - we appreciate your support!!

Ever cross everything off your to-do list, only to feel your stress stubbornly hanging around? As part of our Summer of Encores series, The Grit Show brings back a fan-favorite with guest Matt McKinnon for a heartfelt encore focused on demystifying the “stress cycle.”

Revisit this powerful episode with host Shawna Rodrigues and Matt as they unpack surprising insights from the popular book Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski. They explore why simply solving problems doesn’t always clear stress from your mind and body—and share personal stories that reveal what really helps us complete the stress cycle. Expect smart, actionable tips involving laughter, movement, creativity, and even 20-second hugs! Whether you're navigating burnout, managing daily anxiety, or just looking for more effective self-care strategies—this episode is for you.

If you’d like to keep learning and explore into actionable solutions, blissful rest, and how to navigate modern stressors, don’t miss the follow-up episode: Actionable Solutions, Blissful Rest & Modern Stressors – How to Escape Burnout: Part 2 (Ep. 58).

Tune in for a fresh perspective on how to truly thrive, not just survive.

Our guest Matt McKinnon has a master's degree in social work with over 15 years of experience in home visiting. His most recent work supported individuals and families navigating the end of life through his work in hospice. Matt is passionate about helping individuals navigate difficult circumstances and supporting the journey towards well-being. Through his work and personal experiences, Matt brings a unique perspective to discussions on burnout, stress management, and self-care. With a compassionate and empathetic approach, he is someone learning alongside us, and providing the knowledge he's gained to positively impact others. Matt's expertise in social work combined with his commitment to improving mental health makes him a valuable voice in conversations surrounding burnout, stress, and emotional well-being.

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here

Ready to transform how you approach life’s challenges? On this special anniversary episode of The Grit Show, Robie Lawrence steps behind the mic to share the timeless lessons he’s learned from ancient Taoist wisdom, filtered through the gentle wit of Winnie the Pooh. Discover why chasing success and grinding expectations led to more stress than satisfaction, and how shifting focus toward the natural flow of life brought surprising peace and authentic joy. From lessons on the golf course to unexpected twists in his career path, Robie unpacks concepts like “Wu Wei” and the power of the “uncarved block”—and why letting go of rigid plans may be exactly what you need.

Curious how existential dread, hustle culture, and Taoism connect? Tune in for profound insights and practical inspiration that just might change your perspective on achieving happiness, well-being, and fulfillment.

Robie Lawrence is the guest host for this special anniversary episode of The Grit Show. A Brown University alumnus who wrestled internationally in his youth, Robie's life journey took him from high-achieving student and athlete to discovering transformative wisdom through "The Tao of Pooh" by Benjamin Hoff during college. This introduction to Taoist principles of natural flow and childlike openness helped him move from stress and existential dread to peaceful acceptance and joy. Although still a newlywed, he is married to the girl of his dreams—someone he first kissed when he was 16. As Shawna Rodrigues' husband, Robie steps behind the mic to celebrate the milestones of both the podcast and their partnership, offering listeners gentle wisdom and inspiration for approaching life's challenges with greater ease and authenticity.

If something about this episode resonated with you and you want to reach out to Robie, send a message to Shawna on Instagram (@ShawnaPodcasts)– she promises to get it to him!

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Word of mouth builds podcasts - we appreciate your support!!

Are you standing at a crossroads, feeling uncertain about what’s next? As part of our Summer of Encores series, this powerful episode of The Grit Show brings back a conversation with Lauren St. George—a change facilitator who has helped countless people navigate life’s messiest transitions with intention and creativity. Shawna Rodrigues and Lauren chat about why uncertainty is often our biggest opportunity for personal growth, and how embracing the fear of change can lead you to your next exciting chapter. You’ll hear about innovative tools, like the Five Whys, and group coaching secrets for breaking free from feeling stuck.

Whether you’re considering a career shift, retirement, or just searching for renewed purpose, this encore conversation delivers empowering strategies for moving from “lost” to “purposeful.” Listen in to discover how creativity, supportive communities, and simple mindset shifts can be your best allies in times of transition.

Lauren St George is a creativity expert and change facilitator. She helps companies and individuals navigate change, overcome big hairy challenges, and imagine bold solutions. Lauren is the founder of What's Next, a one-of-a-kind, highly engaging program that helps people figure out their best next chapter. Often this need for change is triggered by a major life event (divorce, grief, empty nester, retirement) or feeling stuck and unsure on what to do next (career, purpose, happiness). At the heart of it, we are all looking to live a more fulfilling life and Lauren has helped hundreds of people find theirs.

Connect with Lauren:

Website: www.answerwhatsnext.com

Instagram: @answerwhatsnext

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Word of mouth builds podcasts - we appreciate your...

Ever wonder why some people show up for you in life’s toughest moments—and why it often isn’t who you expect? In this heartfelt episode of The Grit Show, host Shawna Rodrigues shares eye-opening lessons from her own healing journey after surgery. She reveals how authentic support, community, and generosity come from the most unexpected sources, and offers a refreshing perspective on letting go of personal expectations. If you’re looking to explore themes of resilience, vulnerability, and the power of genuine human connection, this conversation provides both inspiration and practical reflection.

Tune in for stories of gratitude, surprising acts of kindness, and Shawna’s take on how being open to receive can change everything—whether you’re recovering, seeking support, or looking to be a bright spot in someone else’s life.

If you are interested in supporting Shawna during the final stretches of her healing journey you can learn more here: https://bit.ly/SupportSR - you can also add those pictures she mentioned to her posts on Facebook or Instagram – follow the links below!

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Word of mouth builds podcasts - we appreciate your support!!