Life Happens with Barb & Michelle

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Ep. 163 - Navigating Difficult Dynamics While Staying True to Yourself Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Have you heard of emotional monitoring? It’s when you anticipate and accommodate other people’s emotions at the expense of your own. This might look like constantly wondering if someone is mad at you or checking in excessively to make sure they’re okay. Over time, this hypervigilance can be exhausting.

This week, Barb shares her experience of divorce after spending 33 years as the peacekeeper and emotional monitor in her marriage. Through our personal stories, Barb and Michelle explore how to recognize emotional monitoring and, more importantly, how to break free from it.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Cultivate Awareness – Ask yourself: Are you walking on eggshells in certain relationships? Are you telling small lies or half-truths to avoid conflict?
Give Yourself Time to Heal – Realizing you’ve been emotionally monitoring is a breakthrough, but change doesn’t happen overnight. Healing requires mindfulness, intentional shifts, and small but meaningful actions.
Tune Into Your Own Feelings – Other people’s emotions aren’t your responsibility to manage. Pay attention to how you feel in these interactions. When stress or anxiety arise, shift your focus from fixing them to bringing yourself peace.
Stay in Alignment With Your Truth – Before acting, pause and reflect: Am I doing this to fix things or to keep the peace? It’s not your job to clean up someone else’s mess—your role is to show up as your most authentic self.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

This episode is sponsored by Factor, TruDiagnostic, & Happy Mammoth.

Factor’s fresh, chef-prepared meals take the guesswork out of eating healthy. Every meal uses thoughtfully sourced ingredients with no hormones, antibiotics, GMOs, or additives. Head over to factormeals.com/factorpodcast to get 50% off your first box, plus 20% off your next month.

Discover Happy Mammoth's nature-inspired custom formulas for women's hormone and gut health. Try Hormone Harmony a natural formula intended to reduce hormonal symptoms in women of all ages. Visit happymammoth.com and use code BARBKNOWSBEST for 15% off your entire first order today!

Think about it, what would it be like to know exactly how your lifestyle is impacting your body? TruDiagnostic makes it easy to get started, offering simple, actionable insights that you can use right away. Right now, our listeners can get 20% off their entire order at trudiagnostic.com by using the code BARBKNOWSBEST at checkout. Plus, if you subscribe, you’ll get an additional 20% off the 50% discount.

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Ep. 162 - Stop Apologizing for Who You Are Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

On this week's brand-new episode, Barb and Michelle are encouraging you to stop apologizing. In this vulnerable conversation, they discuss their personal practices of noticing the instinct to over-apologize or even apologize when not warranted, and how that affects confidence, clarity, and self-esteem. They also share how they've been overcoming this pesky habit, and the benefits they've discovered.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

This episode is sponsored by Factor, TruDiagnostic, & Happy Mammoth.

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Ep. 161 - Embracing the Strength and Power of Women Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

In this week's all new episode, in celebration of Women's History Month, Barb and Michelle dedicate this episode to YOU—to all women.

They unpack the struggles women face daily—from the impossibly high expectations to the ongoing battle for equality. If you’ve ever felt like you were too much, too little, or simply not enough, this episode is for you.

Here are some key takeaways from today’s episode:

Be aware of societal expectations. The beauty standards, lifestyle pressures, and timelines imposed on us are often unrealistic. Release the need to conform to them.
Give yourself grace. Who you are and what you do is already more than enough. Trust your own timing and path, even if it looks different from others.
Support other women. Show up for the women in your life—listen, check in, and uplift them whenever you can.
Speak Up. Push back or speak up when you can against injustice, even in small ways. Sometimes, simply validating someone’s experience by saying, “That wasn’t okay, and you were treated unfairly,” can make a difference.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

This episode is sponsored by Factor, TruDiagnostic, & Happy Mammoth.

Our Sponsors:
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Ep. 160 - How We Rebuild Trust & Rise Above Betrayal Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

This week, in an all-new episode of Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle dive deep into the painful reality of betrayal. Through sharing personal stories, you'll learn how they healed from broken trust, and, most importantly, how they reclaimed their power in its aftermath.

Here are some key takeaways from today’s episode:

Awareness: Recognize when trust issues and paranoia start creeping into your relationships. Self-awareness is the first step in breaking the cycle.
Acceptance: Healing begins when we accept what happened without allowing it to define us. We can’t change the past, but we can learn, grow, and choose not to see ourselves as victims.
Vulnerability: Be intentional about who you let in. Not everyone has earned the right to your trust, and protecting your peace is an act of self-care.
Freedom: You are not meant to stay stuck in the pain of betrayal. Feel your feelings, process them, and remember—your worth is never defined by someone else’s actions. You deserve to move forward and live fully.

Resources Referenced in this week's show:

Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

Rising Strong by Brene Brown

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

This episode is sponsored by Factor, TruDiagnostic, & Happy Mammoth.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Ep. 159 - Breaking Free From Codependency Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle honor the memory of Melody Beattie, a teacher and guide who profoundly impacted so many. Her wisdom, shared through her books and teachings, is a beacon. In this revisited episode, Barb and Michelle reflect on one of her most influential works, Codependent No More, and discuss how it helped them release codependency and build healthier, more empowering relationships.

References Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

This episode is sponsored by Factor, TruDiagnostic, & Happy Mammoth.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 158 - Stop Settling: Step Into the Life You Deserve Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

In this week's all-new episode, Barb and Michelle tackle the tricky and subtle dynamic of settling. They share their personal perspectives on shifting their mindsets from settling to fully owning it.

They share personal struggles with breaking free from self-doubt, elevating standards, and trusting that the right things will come at the right time. Not settling isn’t just about getting what you want, it’s about believing in yourself enough to wait for it.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or afraid to ask for more, this episode is for you.

Key takeaways from this episode:

Let Go of "Good Enough" – Settling for the bare minimum or something that almost fits your needs can lead to resentment. What you welcome into your life should align with your worth—because you deserve it.
The Power of Reflection – Take time to check in with yourself. Where are you feeling unaligned? What do you truly desire? Quiet moments of reflection help reveal where you may be settling instead of honoring your worth.
Prioritize Yourself – When you put your peace, joy, and well-being first, making choices that align with your dreams and standards becomes second nature. Self-love isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
Celebrate Your Growth – Every experience has taught you something valuable. Forgive yourself for the past, embrace the lessons, and trust that you are always evolving toward your best life.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

This episode is sponsored by Factor, Medik8, TruDiagnostic, & Happy Mammoth.

Medik8 is an award-winning, age-defying skincare brand. Medik8 combines medical-grade efficacy with cutting-edge skincare innovation.Visit us.medik8.com to learn more and use code BARB20 for 20% off your first order!

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EP. 157 - Redefining the True Essence of Love Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, this week, Barb and Michelle take this holiday of love as reminder that real love comes in many forms. Some years, this day feels joyful and full of connection, while others, it may stir up longing or reflection. No matter where you are in your journey, one thing remains true: love isn’t limited to romance. It exists in the beauty of nature, the bond with your children, the kindness of a friend—but most importantly, in the love you give yourself.

Love is a verb: it’s something we practice and infuse into everything we do. The more we cultivate self-love, the greater our capacity to share love with others. When we build a strong foundation within, we no longer seek external validation to feel whole. You are already complete and worthy.

Key Takeaways from Today’s Episode:

You are already complete and worthy. Stop searching for others to fulfill what is already within you. True love starts with self-acceptance.
Love is a verb. It’s not just something we receive—it’s something we practice. Look for opportunities to spread love in your daily life, whether through kindness, gratitude, or simple acts of care.
Self-love expands your capacity for love. When you nurture a strong foundation within, you create more space to give and receive love authentically.
Love is all around you. It exists in nature, in the people who support you, and in the small, meaningful moments of life. You don’t have to define it—just allow yourself to feel and appreciate it.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

This episode is sponsored by Factor, Medik8, & Happy Mammoth.

Factor’s fresh, chef-prepared meals take the guesswork out of eating healthy. Every meal uses thoughtfully sourced ingredients with no hormones, antibiotics, GMOs, or additives. Head over to factormeals.com/barbknowsbest50off to get 50% off your first box, plus 20% off your next month.

Medik8 is an award-winning, age-defying skincare brand. Borne from years of clinical and consumer research, Elliot embarked upon a unique mission to deliver one simple customer promise: results without compromise. Medik8 combines medical-grade efficacy with cutting-edge skincare innovation.Visit us.medik8.com to learn more and use code BARB20 for 20% off your first order!

Discover Happy Mammoth's nature-inspired custom formulas for women's hormone and gut health. Trusted by over 1.64 million customers from 33 countries. Try Hormone Harmony a natural formula intended to reduce hormonal symptoms in women of all ages. Visit happymammoth.com and use code BARBKNOWSBEST for 15% off your entire first order today!

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 156 - Disrespect and Difficult People Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Have you noticed that kindness, understanding, and patience feel harder to come by these days? You’re not alone! In a world that feels increasingly tense and on edge, it can be challenging to navigate interactions with difficult people while staying true to your own sense of peace.

In this week's episode, Barb and Michelle dive into an important conversation: How do we handle disrespect? Many of us absorb negative encounters and allow them to impact our moods and mindsets—but we don’t have to.

While we can’t control the external world, we can control our reactions and responses to it.

In this powerful episode, we share our personalized emotional health toolkit to help you navigate difficult times, uncomfortable feelings, and challenging interactions. We share our practical tools and essential practices for staying grounded, emotionally regulated, and responding with compassion—even in the face of triggers and heightened emotions.

It’s not always easy, and no one is perfect, but we hope that by listening to this episode, you’ll walk away with a few valuable tools to help you navigate life’s challenges with more ease and resilience.

References in this week's show:

The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by Factor, Medik8, & Happy Mammoth.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 155 - Revisiting Ep. 47: Choosing Peace Amid Drama Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

This week, Barb and Michelle invite you to revisit a past episode with a timely message of managing difficult times and finding peace amid drama.

Barb and Michelle unpack a quote that has been simmering in their minds, “Please let go of the habit of comforting people after they have harmed you” by Liana Naima. It’s easy for many of us to go into people pleasing mode to keep the peace in our relationships, but at what cost? Listen to learn their thoughts!

Episode Notes:

Give yourself space and allow yourself to sit in the uncomfortable and unfamiliar.
Remember there is power in the space. You do not always need to be reactive, fix and comfort. Allow yourself that space to determine what is comfortable for you in that situation.
Remember you are worthy of kind and loving relationships where you don’t have to fix things.
Have at least one trustworthy person who you can talk to, and who will be unbiased and not judge you. Someone who will just listen.
Be gentle, loving and caring with yourself while you learning, while you are growing, while you are healing and uncovering what’s underneath.

References Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm by Thich Nhat Hanh

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by Factor, Medik8, & Happy Mammoth.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EP. 154 - The Struggle of Not Being Your Best Self Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

In this week's episode of Barb Knows Best, Barb shares a personal experience of acting out of alignment in the heat of the moment. Facing self-criticism and judgment, Barb walks us through her healing and acceptance process, as well as provides practical tips to help prevent future triggers and unnecessary outbursts.

This episode serves as a reminder that it’s normal to have difficult interactions in life; life happens! The trick is not not letting missteps and mistakes derail us from being the best versions of ourselves. Challenges always provide wonderful opportunities for reflection, learning, and growth.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Give Yourself Grace: Know that you’re not always going to get it right—and that’s okay. What matters is how you use your mistakes to grow.

Recognize Triggers and Set Boundaries: If someone unsettles your nerves, take the time to identify your triggers and establish boundaries to protect your peace.

Pause and Reflect: When you act out of alignment, pause. Reflect on your feelings, consider what you could do better, and decide how you want to move forward.

Let It Go: Give yourself permission to move on. Dwelling on mistakes only keeps you stuck and prevents healing and growth.

Being intentional and responsible with our emotions and our actions is a lifelong practice of discipline and learning. But it is worth it when we each do our part to quell the traumatic cycle of rage-fueled interaction. Life feels so much better when we own our thoughts, feelings, actions and emotions, it provides for a greater space of healing and harmony.

And remember, every step forward—no matter how small—is a victory on the path to becoming your best self.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast.

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click here for Barb’s book, The Practice.

Don’t miss a thing, sign up for our newsletter, here!

This episode is sponsored by Factor.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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