Optimistically Overwhelmed

Latest Episodes:

145: Poise Above the Noise Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

The ladies are so excited to bring you more of their "beauty hunting" finds in this week's episode.

DeDe found beauty as she has implemented a new "15 minute rule" in her life that helps her choose "poise" instead of reacting emotionally, and she teaches us that when storms come we can be steady, graceful and ready by using that "poise."

Chelsea found beauty this week as she learned about a great intentional conversation we can have as families that include our "Pits, Peaks, Proverbs and Prayers," and how it's personally helped her kids open up, share, and become invested in each other's days.

Come and listen as they discuss these topics, and don't forget to hunt for "beauties" in your own lives!

144: Pull Up Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

DeDe and Chelsea are excited to share their latest "beauties" on this week's new episode. The ladies are constantly looking for inspiration and optimism to share with this tribe, and are so grateful to you for listening!

Chelsea shares an inspiring post she read about the "Invisible Audience" we each have, and discusses what type of people are in that audience and what happens when we let them affect our choices. She challenges the tribe to CHOOSE their audience and only give tickets to those that support us.

Later in the episode DeDe shares about the last year she's spent surrounding and being stretched, and how an amazing thought and painting by Jenedy Paige (her favorite artist!) inspired her to "pull up" against the negative forces that try to pull us down each day.

The ladies hope you enjoy this episode and feel so grateful for your support! Please share with friends and spread the "beauty!"

Episode links:

"All in" episode with Jenedy Paige here
"Lean In With Lizzy" episode with Jenedy Paige here
"Pull Up" - the story behind the video on YouTube here

143: Cheers, Ears, and Prayers Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

Welcome Tribe! DeDe and Chelsea are so glad you are joining them for their latest episode. 🎙️

On today's episode DeDe recalls the many expectations she's had in her life and her family's lives, and how learning to live in the "Even if…" has brought her so much joy and peace.

Chelsea has been on the look-out for advice as a fairly new parent of an "adult" child and shares an amazing formula she found to support those kids in the ways they need.

We're so glad you are here. Enjoy the episode and share with friends!

142: Trust and Adjust Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

Are you ready for some "beauties?" 😍

DeDe and Chelsea are coming at you some brand new "beauties" that have inspired them this week. 💐

Chelsea shares one of her family's favorite traditions ("Back to School Feast") and their "theme" for the 2025-26 school year. She hopes it will inspire the tribe, and encourages them to go listen and DANCE along to the song it is based off of.

DeDe talks about the out-of-control feelings she experienced in the last few years, and how trusting and adjusting got her through those rough times. She shares the analogy of going from cheering for her oldest child on the sidelines to having to then cheer from far away outside the stadium.

Come listen in, and feel free to share this episode with friends!

Episode links

"Sunday Best" song by Forrest Frank

141: Make It a Claudine Day 2025 Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

Join DeDe and Chelsea as they mark another "Make it a Claudine Day" by sharing Claudine's story, legacy and light! This year Chelsea asked some special guests, who never met Claudine in real life, to share how she has impacted them … and their thoughts are so beautiful and inspiring. ❤️

Chelsea and DeDe also both share their Claudine-inspired "beauties" for this year. Please join the ladies in doing small acts-of-service for family, friends or strangers this year in Claudine's honor and help spread her light and love!

Previous Make it a Claudine Day episodes

Episode 59 (2020): with Brent and Justin
Episode 96 (2021): with Brooke
Episode 116 (2022): with Annie
Episode 134 (2023): Go on the Offense with Grief

140: Still Optimistic, Still Overwhelmed Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

DeDe & Chelsea are back after a (very) long podcast break! Come and listen as they share a little bit of where they've been and why they put away the mics for a season.

In this special episodes the ladies reflect back on the last two (podcast-free) years and each picked 3 "beauties" from the archive that helped them through that time or defined that season of their lives.

They hope you feel like time hasn't passed at all, and that you are still members of the "Optimistically Overwhelmed Tribe" forever and always! ❤️ Enjoy!

Episode links to Chelsea's "beauties":

Drink While you Pour (Episode 111)
Judge Your Juggle (Episode 88)
Unleash the Power of Families (Episode 135)

Episode links to DeDe's "beauties":

Show up on the Fun Bus (Episode 124)
You Must Be So Proud of Yourself (Episode 127)
"Mayonnaise from Heaven" (Episode 124)

139: Values are Your "Life Raft" Oct 30, 2023

Show notes

DeDe & Chelsea are so excited to join their tribe this week, and are sharing their latest "beauties" on this new episode! 🎙

Chelsea leads thing off with a discussion of finding joy in midst of the "piles" of our lives … the tangible "to-do" piles (like laundry, to-do lists, etc) and the non-tangible piles (like phases of our lives, the different hats we wear, etc).

Next, DeDe defines what "values" mean to her, and what she's learned in a mothering class about pinpointing which values are *most* important to each of us. It's harder than you think, but it is so eye-opening.

Come listen in, and feel free to share this episode with friends!

Episode Links:

Brent Brown: Dare to Lead - List of Values

138: Guard Your Inputs Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

Hello to our Optimistically Overwhelmed tribe! Thank you for being here … we hope you come away from this episode with some great takeaways and the encouragement to stay optimistic!

DeDe starts out the "beauties" by sharing some wonderful insights and points about shifting your perspective. She asks herself, Chelsea, and you listeners what in our lives need a perspective change, and then gives her thoughts on how she puts on her "perspect-ables."

Next, Chelsea discusses the affect our "inputs" (what we read, watch, and listen to) have on our lives, our brains, our mood, etc. She goes on to suggest the importance of guarding those inputs and shares some of her favorite "inputs" she's enjoyed lately.

137: Pinch Yourself...It's Real Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

Join in and listen as DeDe & Chelsea chat about their latest "beauties!"

Both ladies are BIG fans of tiny/consistent habits, and Chelsea discovered some amazing advice for habits that are good for your brain and for your happiness! Listen in as she explains the difference between flooding and dripping your dopamine.

In this episode DeDe brings up a topic the ladies haven't touched on too much … Marriage! After reflecting on her wedding anniversary DeDe came up with some tangible tips and advice on this important relationship.

Thank you for joining the ladies … they are so happy to have you in their "tribe" of listeners!

136: Be a Glimmer-Seeker Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

Welcome Tribe! DeDe and Chelsea are so glad you are joining them for their latest episode.

Chelsea starts things off by sharing a cool concept she learned about "glimmers" and the positive impact it can have on our daily lives when we seek them out and notice them! You're going to want to listen and start listing of your OWN "glimmers!"

DeDe discusses the strong feelings of being offended, having feelings hurt, and jealousy or comparison … and a phrase she has learned to switch her viewpoint and do the work to be less-judgmental.

We're so glad you are here. Enjoy the episode and share with friends!

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