Stephanie O'Dea

Caring for Aging Parents. Episode 229 of the Slow Living Podcast

Stephanie O'Dea — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 17:05:10 +0000

Episode 229: Caring for Aging Parents Without Losing Yourself

If you are caring for aging parents — or even just beginning to step into that role — this episode will likely feel very familiar.

In Episode 229 of the Slow Living Podcast, Shelly and I share updates from a very full season of life.

From hectic workdays to a simple, sweet ice cream outing with her dad, this conversation highlights something many adult children quietly wrestle with: how to shift from being a caregiver back to simply being a daughter.

Shelly talks about intentionally changing the dynamic with her father. Instead of managing, organizing, or overseeing, she’s experimenting with presence. Sitting together. Enjoying ice cream. Letting moments be simple.

When you are caring for aging parents, it can be easy to slide into logistics mode and forget that relationship still matters.

We also talk openly about end-of-life planning — those conversations most families avoid. Estate plans, wishes, paperwork, and preferences aren’t easy topics, but they are loving ones. Planning ahead reduces stress later. It protects relationships. And it gives everyone clarity during emotional times.

If you are navigating caregiving responsibilities, this episode offers encouragement to:

— Shift from constant management to meaningful connection
— Have the hard conversations before they become urgent
— Balance caregiving with your own home, work, and health

A Gentle Reminder for Caregivers

Caring for aging parents is layered. It’s logistical. Emotional. Tender. Sometimes frustrating. Often beautiful.

You can be organized and sentimental. Responsible and tired. Loving and overwhelmed.

This episode is a reminder that you don’t have to carry it alone — and that slowing down, even in busy seasons, is still possible.

Past Episodes You May Love

If today’s conversation resonates, here are a few episodes that pair beautifully:

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Episode 228: From Survival Mode to Strength — Reimagining Health and Identity

Stephanie O'Dea — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:28:37 +0000

see all podcast notes, here.

Episode 228: From Survival Mode to Strength — Reimagining Health and Identity

In this episode of the Real People, Real Coaching series, Shelly and I begin with a simple but powerful exercise: choosing adjectives.

What words describe you right now?
What words describe the season you’re in?

What unfolds from that small starting point becomes a deeply honest conversation about identity, health, discouragement, and resilience.

Shelly shares openly about menopause, ongoing frustrations with doctors and health insurance, and how repeated roadblocks in the healthcare system have slowly shaped her mindset.

When you feel dismissed or unheard long enough, it doesn’t just impact your body — it impacts your confidence and your sense of agency.

At one point, Shelly describes her life as being in “survival mode.” That phrase opens the door to talk about her experience with breast cancer, family relationships, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when life feels heavy.

Together, we explore:

How discouragement can affect self-image and identity
The emotional toll of navigating complicated healthcare systems
What it means to move from survival mode toward intention
Reimagining health for your future self
Aging well, staying active, and Shelly’s growing love of hiking

There’s a gentle shift in this episode — from reacting to what’s happening now, to imagining what could be possible next. Not in a toxic positivity way. Not in a “fix yourself” way. But in a grounded, hopeful way.

We also revisit insights from Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson and how the book helped Shelly better understand her relationship with her father. Healing doesn’t always mean rewriting the past. Sometimes it means seeing it clearly and choosing how you want to move forward.

have you taken a listen? Let me know your thoughts!!!

xoxo steph

Past Episodes You May Love

If today’s episode resonates, here are a few that pair beautifully with this conversation:

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Episode 227: Time, County Fairs, and Creating a Routine That Actually Works

Stephanie O'Dea — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:11:17 +0000

see all podcast notes, here.

Episode 227: Time, County Fairs, and Creating a Routine That Actually Works

In this episode of the Real People, Real Coaching series on the Slow Living Podcast, Shelly and I begin in the most delightful place possible: county fairs.

We chat about table scapes, the charm of Home and Hobby Garden entries, and the simple joy of putting yourself out there just for the fun of it. (There is something deeply aligned with Slow Living about entering your jam or your zucchini bread into a county fair, isn’t there?)

But as always, the conversation gently deepens.

Shelly shares about her new role at work and the very real challenge of adjusting to different hours and a different rhythm. When your schedule changes, everything changes — morning routines, energy levels, downtime, even how you relate to the people in your home.

Together, we dig into:

— How to create a routine that fits your actual life (not the one you used to have)
— Why productivity isn’t about doing more — it’s about seeing clearly
— A simple time-blocking exercise that helped Shelly understand where her time and energy were really going
— Morning routines that support instead of pressure
— The quiet power of daily connection (including Shelly’s supportive scrapbooking community)

One of the biggest shifts in this episode comes from awareness. When Shelly mapped out her time, she wasn’t looking for judgment — she was looking for clarity. And clarity always gives you options.

We also revisit themes that have been unfolding throughout this coaching journey: boundaries, caregiving, and the emotional complexity of family dynamics. Shelly describes herself as an “introverted extrovert,” which opens up a meaningful conversation about how we show up socially versus what we actually need to feel restored.

Have you taken a listen? Let me know your thoughts!!

To catch up on any of the past Real People, Real Coaching episodes with Shelly and also to listen to the Melessa and Kelsea series, check out the podcast notes page for the full line up.

Happy Slow Living!!!
oxox steph

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Learning to Set Boundaries. Episode 226 of the Slow Living Podcast with Shelly

Stephanie O'Dea — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 16:46:35 +0000

see all podcast notes, here.

Episode 226: Learning to Set Boundaries — Continuing Shelly’s Coaching Journey

In Episode 226 of the Slow Living Podcast, we continue the very first coaching session with Shelly—and this second half goes deeper into the emotional work of boundaries, caregiving, and self-acceptance.

Shelly opens up about what it’s really like to care for an aging parent, especially within the complexity of her relationship with her biological father.

This part of the conversation is honest, tender, and deeply human. We talk about the quiet grief that can exist even when no one has passed away yet, and the emotional weight of showing up for someone while also trying not to lose yourself in the process.

Using insights from Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson, we explore what acceptance truly means—not as approval, but as clarity.

Acceptance allows you to stop fighting reality and start making decisions that protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being.

In this episode, we discuss:

— Setting and holding boundaries without guilt
— The emotional layers of caregiving and family estrangement
— Grief that doesn’t always have a name
— Letting go of who you wish someone could be
— Planning ahead for retirement, finances, health, and time
— How simple tools like time blocking can create breathing room and peace

This conversation isn’t about cutting people off or doing anything drastic. It’s about learning how to put yourself back into your own life—especially if you’ve spent years putting everyone else first.

If you’ve ever struggled with people pleasing, over-functioning, or carrying more than your fair share of responsibility, this episode offers reassurance that you’re not doing it wrong—and that it’s okay to choose yourself with intention and care.

Shelly’s journey is just beginning, and this episode reflects the powerful (and often quiet) work that happens when we slow down enough to tell the truth.

Past Episodes You May Love

Each of these episodes builds on the same theme: living thoughtfully, setting gentle boundaries, and creating a life that feels sustainable—not overwhelming.

As always, I think you are wonderful.
lots of love to you and those you love.
oxox steph

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Meet Shelly. Episode 225 of the Slow Living Podcast

Stephanie O'Dea — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 17:51:16 +0000

see all podcast notes, here.

Episode 225: A New Coaching Series Begins — Meet Shelly

There’s something tender and honest about the very first coaching conversation.

In Episode 225 of the Slow Living Podcast, I begin a brand-new coaching series with Shelly, who is standing at the crossroads of a big life transition.

At 60, she’s navigating a new role in a completely different industry, processing the ripple effects of a corporate buyout, and helping care for aging parents—all while quietly wondering, Is this really it?

Shelly shares that her life isn’t “bad”… but it feels stuck. What once felt steady now feels like a rut. And underneath it all is a longing for more joy, more sparkle, and a sense of adventure that doesn’t feel rushed or reckless—but intentional.

In this first half of our very first session, we talk about:

— Why “rest” often feels uncomfortable or undeserved
— How guilt sneaks in when we try to take time off
— The identity shifts that happen in midlife
— Caregiving, emotional labor, and carrying too much for too long
— And Shelly’s deeply emotional experience of reconnecting with her biological father later in life

This conversation isn’t about fixing anything. It’s about paying attention to the “rules” we have been conditioned to believe in and follow for years and years.

If you’re in a season of transition—career changes, midlife questions, caregiving responsibilities, or just that quiet inner nudge that says there has to be more than this—you’ll likely see yourself in Shelly’s story.

This is just the beginning of our work together, and it sets the foundation for what Slow Living coaching really looks like in real life.

The fact is — no matter what age you are listening to this podcast episode or reading these words —

YOU ARE NOT DEAD YET.

You have time to make your life however it is you want to. Learn how to get there in a Slow, Steady, and Sustainable way.

Want to Take Your Own First Step?

If this episode resonates with you, here’s where I always recommend starting:

Step One: Read the book.

My newest book, Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World, lays the groundwork for everything we talk about on the podcast and in coaching. It’s not about doing more—it’s about learning how to listen inward and build a life that actually feels good to live.

—> BUY THE SLOW LIVING BOOK HERE!

Step Two (only if you want more support): Book a free coaching call.

If you’d like to explore working together, you can schedule a no-pressure, free coaching call to see if we’re a good fit. This isn’t a sales call—it’s a conversation.

Sometimes clarity starts with being heard.

Take things slowly. Follow what’s calling you. And remember—nothing is wrong with you for wanting something different.

xoxox
lots and lots of love. I think you are wonderful.
xoxo steph

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Episode 224. Soft Living vs Slow Living

Stephanie O'Dea — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:20:52 +0000

see all podcast notes, here.

Soft Living vs Slow Living: A Gentle Conversation for the New Year

At the start of a new year, a lot of people feel pressure to change everything all at once.

New routines.
New habits.
New versions of themselves.

But lately, I’ve been noticing something different. There’s a growing desire for softness — for ease, rest, and a slower pace. That’s where the idea of soft living comes in, and it’s been showing up everywhere.

In this episode of the Slow Living Podcast, I talk about why soft living is resonating right now and how it connects to the slow living philosophy I’ve been teaching for years.

Why soft living feels so appealing right now

Soft living is a response to how tired many of us feel.

Life has been loud.
Schedules are packed.
We’re constantly connected.

Soft living invites us to slow down, to choose gentleness, and to give ourselves permission to rest. For many people, that permission alone feels like relief.

And that makes sense.

Where slow living fits in

In the episode, I also talk about an important distinction.

Soft living can be soothing.
Slow living is stabilizing.

Slow living is less about creating a certain mood or aesthetic and more about designing a life that feels sustainable. It’s intentional and proactive. It helps you build your days around what actually matters instead of reacting to constant demands.

Both are valuable, but they server different purposes.

You don’t need to change everything

One of the reminders I share in this episode is that you don’t need a dramatic overhaul to live differently.

Small changes matter.
Slowing down matters.
Choosing what fits you matters.

Slow living isn’t about doing less for the sake of doing less. It’s about doing what aligns — and letting go of what doesn’t.

Listen in

If you’ve been feeling drawn toward a softer, gentler way of living, this episode is a good place to start.

You can listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.

Want even more?

I also wrote a companion article that goes a bit deeper into the difference between soft living and slow living:
Soft Living and Slow Living: What Is the Difference?

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The Beginning of the Rest of Your Life

Stephanie O'Dea — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 13:39:59 +0000

see all podcast notes, here.

Episode 223: The Beginning of the Rest of Your Life

This episode of the Slow Living Podcast was recorded on New Year’s Eve — that in-between space where one year is ending and another hasn’t quite begun yet.

It’s usually when people feel pressure to make big decisions, big promises, and big plans.

This episode isn’t about that.

Instead of talking about resolutions or what you should be doing in January, I wanted to talk about something quieter: how to make choices that actually feel good to you.

Not your neighbor. Not social media. Not the version of you who thinks she needs to “get it together.”

Just you.

We talk about setting goals in a way that doesn’t lead to burnout or that constant feeling of being behind.

About letting go of the idea that productivity equals worth.

And about asking a really simple (but powerful) question: What am I doing today that my future self will be glad I did?

Sometimes the answer is something small such as adding in more rest.

Sometimes it’s finally admitting that something in your life just isn’t working anymore.

And here’s the reminder I really wanted to share in this episode:
Nothing — and no one — gets unlimited access to you.

If something consistently leaves you feeling small, rushed, or not good enough, it’s okay to step back and trust your gut and intuition.

Please note: That’s not failure. That’s listening to yourself.

A little nudge before you go

After you listen to this episode, I want to gently encourage you to wander through the Podcast Show Notes page and see what catches your eye.

There are 222 other episodes there.

Just scroll and notice which titles make you pause, and trust your gut. Pick one and listen with fresh ears — you might be surprised how differently it lands now than it did the first time.

Slow living isn’t about doing all the things.
It’s about choosing what feels right for this season of your life.

I’m really glad you’re here — enjoy the rest of your week.
I think you are wonderful.

oxox steph

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Being Slowly Productive

Stephanie O'Dea — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 17:37:25 +0000

see all podcast notes, here.

How to Be Slowly Productive

In Episode 221 of the Slow Living Podcast, Melessa and I sat down for a conversation that felt especially tender and real. We talked about transitions—the kind that don’t make flashy before-and-after photos, but quietly reshape your life from the inside out.

This episode is part of the ongoing Melessa Series, where we’ve been documenting what long-lasting change actually looks like when you move slowly, intentionally, and with compassion for yourself.

What Does It Mean to Be Slowly Productive?

Being slowly productive means choosing progress without pressure. It’s the decision to keep moving forward while honoring your capacity, your health, and the season you’re currently in.

Slow productivity isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about doing what matters—without urgency, burnout, or comparison. It’s downsizing before it becomes a burden. It’s building routines that feel supportive instead of punishing. It’s allowing life to feel spacious, even while you’re still growing.

In this episode, Melessa shares how clarity came to her after a Peace Corps session. She realized how grateful she was to close the chapter on an old family home now, rather than leaving that emotional and logistical weight to her children later.

Redefining Healthy Living

Our conversation also explores what “healthy living” looks like in this stage of life. For Melessa, it’s not extreme rules or rigid routines. It’s weekly gym visits, long walks, pool time in her new neighborhood, and movement that feels enjoyable instead of forced.

Slow living allows health to be sustainable. When life slows down, habits have room to take root.

Legacy, Pride, and Looking Back Gently

One of the most meaningful parts of this episode is Melessa’s reflection on legacy. She talks about the strength she hopes her children remember—and the accomplishments she’s proud of, including earning her master’s degree while raising four young children.

Slow productivity honors these truths: you can work hard and move gently. You can be ambitious and deeply present. You don’t have to rush to prove your worth.

Past Episodes You May Love

If this episode resonated, here are a few others from the Slow Living Podcast you might enjoy:

If you are interested in deciding on purpose to take the next part of your life forward in a slow, sustainable, and productive way — reach out to me.
You can email me at any time or sign up for coaching.

lots of love, xoxo steph

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Wrapping Up the Melessa series — episode 222 of the Slow Living Podcast

Stephanie O'Dea — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 17:21:27 +0000

see all podcast notes, here.

Wrapping It All Up: What Slow, Steady Coaching Really Creates

Coaching with Melessa – Episode 222

In this final episode of my coaching series with Melessa, we take time to wrap it all up—not with a dramatic reveal or a viral-worthy transformation, but with something far more meaningful: lasting change.

Because real coaching, especially when done slowly and intentionally, doesn’t always produce a flashy “before and after.” Instead, it creates shifts that are quieter, deeper, and far more sustainable.

When Life Starts to Feel Easier

As Melessa reflects on the past several months, she shares something many people experience but rarely talk about: the moment when life begins to feel easier—and the discomfort that can come with that.

Is something wrong if things aren’t hard?
Am I missing something if I’m not struggling?

Together, we explore how ease can actually be a sign of alignment. Melessa talks about moving through big life changes, learning to trust the process, and recognizing that peace isn’t a red flag—it’s progress.

The Power of Supportive Relationships

This episode also highlights the importance of close friendships and meaningful connections. Melessa shares how her relationships have supported her through transitions and how her life now feels more grounded, more spacious, and more aligned than ever before.

Slow growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when you feel seen, supported, and safe enough to evolve.

Creativity, Family, and Making Space for Yourself

In the second half of the episode, Melessa opens up about her book-in-progress, her creative flow state, and her flexible goal to finish writing by March 2026. We talk about allowing creativity to unfold without pressure—and trusting that steady progress still counts.

We also reflect on family, caregiving as parents age, and how making space for herself early in motherhood helped Melessa stay connected to who she truly is. These aren’t small insights—they’re the kind that shape an entire life.

Why Slow Coaching Works

Over the course of the past 12 coaching podcast sessions, Melessa hasn’t become a different person.
She’s become more herself.

And that’s the heart of slow, sustainable coaching.

Working with me isn’t about fixing yourself or chasing an overnight transformation. It’s about creating lasting change, honoring your nervous system, and building a life that feels calm, intentional, and aligned.

Coaching is an investment in self-care at the deepest level. When you choose to work slowly and steadily, you don’t just meet your goals—you often exceed them, because you’re no longer fighting yourself along the way.

If you’re craving clarity, peace, and a way forward that actually feels good, this kind of coaching might be exactly what you need.

—> Listen to Episode 222: “Wrapping It All Up” wherever you get your podcasts.

And if you’re ready to invest in yourself—in a way that’s gentle, supportive, and sustainable—

I’d love to work with you.

Because slow change isn’t small change.
It’s the kind that lasts.

lots of love to you.
I think you are wonderful.
xoxo steph

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Becoming Authentically YourSelf.

Stephanie O'Dea — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:08:29 +0000

episode 220 of the Slow Living Podcast.
see all show notes, here.

Understanding Yourself at Last: Coaching with Melessa (Episode 220)

In this episode of the Slow Living podcast, Melessa and I have one of our most honest and grounding conversations yet — and it’s one centered on self-understanding, late diagnosis, and the deep relief that comes from finally having answers.

Melessa opens up about receiving an adult ADHD and level-1 autism diagnosis, and how reframing her past through this new lens has changed everything. Experiences that once felt confusing or shame-filled—like being placed in ballet as a child to “fit in”—now make sense.

Instead of asking What’s wrong with me?, she’s learning to ask: What do I need?

This is a very powerful shift.

As we have discussed in past episodes with Melessa: there is nothing wrong with her. Also, in case you might need to hear this for yourself:
There is Nothing Wrong with You.

This conversation is especially meaningful for anyone navigating a late(r) diagnosis, questioning their identity, or learning how to practice true self-acceptance in midlife.

There is so much freedom in realizing you were never broken — you were just misunderstood.

We also talk about Melessa’s growing commitment to a healthier lifestyle, not from a place of punishment or hustle, but from love. From weight-loss efforts and physical therapy to her motivation to stay strong and active for future grandchildren, her approach is thoughtful and sustainable.

She’s especially mindful of how body image conversations show up around her four daughters, choosing language rooted in respect, strength, and care.

As we check in on her writing journey, Melessa shares where she is in the process now—steady, intentional, and grounded. With the peace that’s come from their recent family move, she describes feeling more clarity than she’s had in years. Less noise. More calm. More space to be herself.

This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like understanding your nervous system. Sometimes it looks like letting go of old expectations. And sometimes it looks like finally exhaling and saying, Oh. This makes sense now.

If you’ve ever felt like you were trying harder than everyone else just to keep up…
If you’ve ever wondered why things felt harder for you…
If you’re craving compassion, clarity, and perspective—this episode is for you.

–> Listen to the newest coaching session with Melessa wherever you get your podcasts.

And remember: learning who you are isn’t a setback.
It’s the beginning of living in alignment—with kindness, intention, and peace.

How to Work with Steph:

—> Want to work together in a high touch 1:1 coaching container? You can apply for personalized 1:1 coaching, here.

—> Learn the proven strategies & foundational tools for creating a life of purpose and intention without hustle or hype. Get The Simple Shortcuts to Peace course, here!

—> Read Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World book and claim your bonuses! Details are here (scroll down): Claim book bonuses.

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