The Juggle is Real
Andryanna Gonko
You’re juggling work, family, and everything in between—and it can be a lot. The Juggle is Real is your weekly dose of strategies, mindset shifts, and honest conversations to help you stress less and enjoy more. Host Andryanna Gonko, an educator and mom of three, shares real-life insights, expert advice, and proven tools on topics that matter, so you can create a life that feels lighter and more fulfilling. Because 'balance' isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters most. Tune in for the fresh takes you didn't know you needed to actually embrace and enjoy this stage of life.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 27, 2025 • 37min
A Different Way to Think About Debt, Taxes & Your Financial Future with Robinson Smith | E177
In this episode, Robinson Smith, Founder & CEO of Smith Manoeuvre Services Corp and Smith Consulting Group Ltd., joins Andryanna for a conversation on easing mortgage and financial overwhelm for everyday Canadians—especially as holiday spending and gifting expectations ramp up.In this episode, he breaks down:Where financial overwhelm is really coming from for Canadian homeownersHow to reframe your mortgage from burden → long-game wealth toolThe difference between “good debt” vs “bad debt”Why taxes matter so much when it comes to family financesWhy this strategy works without needing extra monthly incomeHow busy parents can realistically implement itSmart holiday budgeting + intentional gifting adviceA clear first step families can take now to feel more confident in the new yearIt's an insightful, practical listen for parents balancing mortgages, bills, and holiday spending pressure—without sacrificing hope for their financial future.CONNECT WITH ROBINSON:WebsiteBook: Master Your Mortgage for Financial FreedomOn InstagramLinkedInCONNECT WITH ANDRYANNA:Get your copy of The Juggle is Real: Authentic Self-Care Planner Vol. 2 HERE! On InstagramEmail: hello@andryanna.com* Get your Kids Daily Routines Chart HERE! *Click HERE for your FREE '30 Days For Me' Self-Care Guide and Releasing Guilt & Judgements Worksheet.And please visit Andryanna.com for blogs, giveaways, workshops, tools, resources and more.Key themes include:homeownership + tax systems in Canada, mortgage mindset reframing, reducing non-deductible debt faster, achievable financial literacy steps for busy parents, smarter holiday budgeting, intentional gifting, and building real wealth without extra cashflow.
Nov 20, 2025 • 27min
Yes to What Matters: How to Say No, Lighten the Load & Enter Holidays with Joy | E176
In this episode, Andryanna dives into the power of saying “no” as we enter the busiest season of the year. Drawing on research about the mental load of motherhood, boundary-setting psychology, and real-life examples, Andryanna unpacks why so many women overcommit and how to reset with intention.Learn how to protect your energy, reduce overwhelm, and say yes to what truly aligns with your values (not with what you think you "should" do). In this episode:• Why women struggle to say no and the impact of the mental load• How to set boundaries with clarity and compassion• A simple “yes/no” audit to prioritize what matters most• Research-backed strategies to prevent holiday overwhelm• Scripts and examples for saying no without guilt• How to delegate, release control, and lighten your schedule• Journaling prompts for reflection and intentionThis episode is designed to help you create more space, ease, and joy heading into the holiday season.CONNECT WITH ANDRYANNA:Get your copy of The Juggle is Real: Authentic Self-Care Planner Vol. 2 HERE! On InstagramEmail: hello@andryanna.com* Get your Kids Daily Routines Chart HERE! *Click HERE for your FREE '30 Days For Me' Self-Care Guide and Releasing Guilt & Judgements Worksheet.And please visit Andryanna.com for blogs, giveaways, workshops, tools, resources and more.Keywords: saying no, boundaries for women, mental load, motherhood stress, holiday overwhelm, burnout prevention, intentional living, reduce mental load, seasonal stress, holiday planning, work-life balance, women’s wellbeing, emotional labour, saying yes to what matters, mindset tools for mothers.
Nov 13, 2025 • 54min
Releasing Your “Vocal Kanye”: Jam Gamble on Shame, Power & Reclaiming Your Voice | E175
In this episode, Andryanna sits down with Jahmeelah “Jam” Gamble — speaker, educator, and creator of Slay the Mic®, a transformative method helping people reconnect with their voice and use it with confidence, authenticity, and power.Jam has spent over a decade teaching people how to trust their voice again — not just on stage, but in everyday moments that matter: setting boundaries, asking for what they need, and speaking up without apology.Together, Andryanna and Jam explore:Why so many women carry shame around their voice and how early experiences can shape that;How to identify and release your “Vocal Kanye” (the voice of criticism and self-doubt);Practical ways to speak up with confidence at home, at work, and in relationships;How to raise kids who feel free to use their voices;The link between voice, self-trust, and leadership.This is an episode for anyone who’s ever quieted themselves to fit in and is finally ready to be heard.CONNECT WITH JAM:Jams Website Your Vocal Turning Point // Launching January 2026: https://www.slayerofthemic.com/ On Instagram On LinkedInCONNECT WITH ANDRYANNA:Get your copy of The Juggle is Real: Authentic Self-Care Planner Vol. 2 HERE! On InstagramEmail: hello@andryanna.com* Get your Kids Daily Routines Chart HERE! *Click HERE for your FREE '30 Days For Me' Self-Care Guide and Releasing Guilt & Judgements Worksheet.And please visit Andryanna.com for blogs, giveaways, workshops, tools, resources and more.
Nov 6, 2025 • 30min
How I Manifested Our Dream Lakefront Home (and how you can use these tools too!) | E174
In this solo episode, Andryanna shares the story behind manifesting her family’s dream lakefront home — and the powerful mindset, energetic, and practical steps that made it possible.But this isn’t just a story. You will walk away with prompts, tools, and a grounded framework to support your next chapter — whether you’re calling in a home, a new season of life, more peace, more alignment, or simply a spark of belief again.In this episode, you’ll learn:The visualization and journal prompt that started everything;How to expand beyond your “invisible circle” (Steven Bartlett analogy);Lessons from Neville Goddard and Wayne Dyer applied in real life;Why letting go is the hardest — and most necessary — step in manifestation;How gratitude amplifies and accelerates receiving;What to do when impatience shows up (“why isn’t it here yet?”);Practical steps you can start today to align with what you desire.This isn’t manifestation theory — it’s manifestation lived.CONNECT WITH ANDRYANNA:Get your copy of The Juggle is Real: Authentic Self-Care Planner Vol. 2 HERE! On InstagramEmail: hello@andryanna.com* Get your Kids Daily Routines Chart HERE! *Click HERE for your FREE '30 Days For Me' Self-Care Guide and Releasing Guilt & Judgements Worksheet.And please visit Andryanna.com for blogs, giveaways, workshops, tools, resources and more.
Oct 30, 2025 • 17min
'Rest is Productive' is a Myth - The Truth about Restorative Rest | E173 (replay)
In one of the most-loved episodes, Andryanna challenges the phrase “rest is productive” and explores why framing rest as another task can keep us stuck in hustle mode.She unpacks what restorative rest truly means—how it supports emotional well-being, nervous system regulation, and resilience—and offers practical ways to bring more calm and recovery into daily life.Gain perspective on how to step away from performance-based rest and move toward a deeper, more sustainable sense of renewal.In this episode:Why “rest is productive” can reinforce perfectionism and pressure;What restorative rest really looks like;How rest supports nervous system regulation and emotional health;Practical ways to recharge without guilt or overthinking;ON THE BLOG: Avoiding the Fall Energy Slump: Smart Shifts for More CalmGIVEAWAY! - Enter to win a 4-Year Anniversary prize pack that includes: The Juggle is Real Authentic Self-Care Planner, personal development books + a $100 Amazon Gift Card. To enter: write a review of The Juggle is Real on Apple Podcasts and send a screen capture to hello@andryanna.com!CONNECT WITH ANDRYANNA:Get your copy of The Juggle is Real: Authentic Self-Care Planner Vol. 2 HERE! On InstagramEmail: hello@andryanna.com* Get your Kids Daily Routines Chart HERE! *Click HERE for your FREE '30 Days For Me' Self-Care Guide and Releasing Guilt & Judgements Worksheet.And please visit Andryanna.com for blogs, giveaways, workshops, tools, resources and more.
Oct 23, 2025 • 41min
Shine Without Shame: The Truth About Bragging, Confidence & Growth with Lisa Bragg | E172 (replay)
In this episode replay, Andryanna sits down with best-selling author, former TV anchor and visibility expert Lisa Bragg to unpack why so many ambitious women stay silent—and how refusing to dim your light might be the key to your next big leap.Lisa draws on deep research and her book, Bragging Rights: How to Talk About Your Work Using Purposeful Self‑Promotion, to show how self-promotion isn’t a dirty word—it’s a strategy for impact and influence.Highlights:How a chance encounter with a pop star redirected Lisa’s career and purposeWhy women often hesitate to share success—and how “modesty” may be holding them backThe concept of “flip it to test it”: how receiving and giving compliments can become your first toolHow sharing your wins actually serves others, elevates your field, and amplifies your impactPractical steps to go from “hidden gem” to visible leader, brand, or businessWhether you’re prepping for 2026 goals, ready to ask for a raise, or craving to be seen for your value—this episode gives you the mindset shift and tools to step into the light.ON THE BLOG: Avoiding the Fall Energy Slump: Smart Shifts for More CalmGIVEAWAY! - Enter to win a 4-Year Anniversary prize pack that includes: The Juggle is Real Authentic Self-Care Planner, personal development books + a $100 Amazon Gift Card. To enter: write a review of The Juggle is Real on Apple Podcasts and send a screen capture to hello@andryanna.com!CONNECT WITH LISA:Get the book: Bragging Rights: How to Talk About Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion WebsiteFree Bragging Rights Riff Tool for idea generation LinkedInInstagramFacebookCONNECT WITH ANDRYANNA:Get your copy of The Juggle is Real: Authentic Self-Care Planner Vol. 2 HERE! On InstagramEmail: hello@andryanna.com* Get your Kids Daily Routines Chart HERE! *Click HERE for your FREE '30 Days For Me' Self-Care Guide and Releasing Guilt & Judgements Worksheet.And please visit Andryanna.com for blogs, giveaways, workshops, tools, resources and more.
Oct 16, 2025 • 30min
When You’re Running on Empty: 5 Reminders for Relief & Renewal (replay) | E171
Feeling burnout, stretched too thin, or longing for renewal? In this replay episode, Andryanna shares five grounded strategies for relief and renewal designed especially for overwhelmed moms.These five reminders continue to help her — and listeners — find calm, relief, and renewal when life feels overwhelming.This episode is a gentle, relatable guide to slowing down without guilt, honouring your body’s limits, and remembering that self-compassion is the most productive thing you can practice.This week’s replay couldn’t come at a better time. After losing her voice to a cold, Andryanna revisited these lessons herself — a real reminder that even those who teach mindfulness sometimes need to pause and refill their cup.Highlights:Why rest isn’t a reward — it’s a requirementThe real power of small wins and progress over perfectionHow to listen to your body’s signals before they become “screams”Mindset shifts for finding gratitude, even in hard momentsPractical, real-life self-compassion exercises you can do todayAS MENTIONED - ON THE BLOG: Avoiding the Fall Energy Slump: Smart Shifts for More CalmGIVEAWAY! - Enter to win a 4-Year Anniversary prize pack that includes: The Juggle is Real Authentic Self-Care Planner, personal development books + a $100 Amazon Gift Card. To enter: write a review of The Juggle is Real on Apple Podcasts and send a screen capture to hello@andryanna.com!CONNECT WITH ANDRYANNA:Get your copy of The Juggle is Real: Authentic Self-Care Planner Vol. 2 HERE! On InstagramEmail: hello@andryanna.com* Get your Kids Daily Routines Chart HERE! *Click HERE for your FREE '30 Days For Me' Self-Care Guide and Releasing Guilt & Judgements Worksheet.And please visit Andryanna.com for blogs, giveaways, workshops, tools, resources and more.
Oct 9, 2025 • 45min
Connection Over Control: Raising Kids in a Screen-Saturated Digital World with Randi Crawford | E170
On this episode of The Juggle is Real, Andryanna sits down with certified life coach Randi Crawford, whose no-nonsense approach to parenting has helped hundreds of families navigate the messy realities of screens, independence, and modern family life.In this conversation, she and Andryanna explore the challenges and opportunities of parenting in a digital world—and how we can raise resilient kids who know how to connect both online and in person.Navigating Screen Time & Building Real Connections:How to balance freedom and boundaries with kids’ screen use;Why our own device habits matter more than we think;Simple rituals to build connection at home—no “perfect parent” required;Helping teens and young adults develop confidence and real-world social skills;Staying close to older kids and young adults without overstepping online;Three no-BS tools parents can start using this week to reduce conflict and strengthen family bonds.Whether you’re managing screen battles with your 8 year old or learning how to stay connected with a college-aged child without smothering them, this episode is packed with practical tools, fresh perspective, and a lot of reassurance that you’re not alone.GIVEAWAY! - Enter to win a 4-Year Anniversary prize pack that includes: The Juggle is Real Authentic Self-Care Planner, personal development books + a $100 Amazon Gift Card. To enter: write a review of The Juggle is Real on Apple Podcasts and send a screen capture to hello@andryanna.com! (entry required by 11:59 p.m. EST October 31, 2025). CONNECT WITH RANDI:WebsiteOn InstagramOn TikTokOn LinkedInCONNECT WITH ANDRYANNA:Get your copy of The Juggle is Real: Authentic Self-Care Planner Vol. 2 HERE! On InstagramEmail: hello@andryanna.com* Get your Kids Daily Routines Chart HERE! *Click HERE for your FREE '30 Days For Me' Self-Care Guide and Releasing Guilt & Judgements Worksheet.And please visit Andryanna.com for blogs, giveaways, workshops, tools, resources and more.
Oct 2, 2025 • 18min
Four Years of The Juggle is Real: The Power of Messy Starts, Small Wins & Gain Thinking | E169
In this special anniversary episode, Andryanna reflects on four years of The Juggle is Real, celebrating the messy beginnings, the lessons learned, and the growth along the way.She revisits her very first episode—recorded when her youngest was just six months old and the pandemic was still reshaping everyday life—and shares how her advice has evolved since then. With a blend of personal reflection, audience prompts, and fresh takes, Andryanna offers listeners both inspiration and practical strategies to embrace their own milestones and new beginnings.Highlights from this episode include:Why messy starts matter—and how naïve beginnings can actually fuel momentum;How to measure progress using The Gap and the Gain framework (and why small wins build big change);Reflection prompts to consider where you were four years ago, and where you want to be four years from now;PLUS! GIVEAWAY - Enter to win a 4-Year Anniversary prize pack that includes: The Juggle is Real Authentic Self-Care Planner, personal development books + an Amazon Gift Card. To enter: write a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screen capture to hello@andryanna.com!Whether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re tuning in for the first time, this is an invitation to pause, celebrate your own growth, and keep moving forward—messy starts and all.CONNECT WITH ANDRYANNA:Get your copy of The Juggle is Real: Authentic Self-Care Planner Vol. 2 HERE! On InstagramEmail: hello@andryanna.com* Get your Back-to-School Routines Chart HERE! *Click HERE for your FREE '30 Days For Me' Self-Care Guide and Releasing Guilt & Judgements Worksheet.And please visit Andryanna.com for blogs, giveaways, workshops, tools, resources and more.
Sep 25, 2025 • 46min
Finding Your Style in Midlife: Confidence, Communication & Everyday Ease with Renée Lindo | E168
In this episode, Andryanna welcomes Renée Lindo, image strategist, speaker, and creator of the Style S.T.O.R.Y™ framework, for a conversation about style, confidence, and how we show up for ourselves in midlife.This conversation is filled with practical advice, powerful perspective shifts, and encouragement for women juggling motherhood, careers, and the changes that come with this season of life.In this episode:Renée’s journey from corporate pharmaceuticals to personal styling, and how she turned her passion into her purpose;Why style is communication—influencing how others perceive us and how we feel about ourselves;The midlife shift: the real challenges women face in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, and how to move through them with grace;Streamlining your wardrobe: Renée’s top tips for clearing the clutter and creating ease in getting dressed;Confidence through intention: how what we wear can change the way we show up in work, life, and relationships;Energy & vibe: how colour, fit, and accessories can transform mood and presence;Style as self-care: reframing style as empowerment rather than vanity, and one simple change to boost confidence right away.Whether you’re feeling stuck in a style rut, overwhelmed by a closet full of “nothing to wear,” or just ready to reconnect with yourself, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you use style as a tool for confidence and joy.CONNECT WITH RENEE:FREE Outfit Formulas GuidePurchase Renee's Fall Style Edit GuideWebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInCONNECT WITH ANDRYANNA:Get your copy of The Juggle is Real: Authentic Self-Care Planner Vol. 2 HERE! On InstagramEmail: hello@andryanna.com* Get your Back-to-School Routines Chart HERE! *Click HERE for your FREE '30 Days For Me' Self-Care Guide and Releasing Guilt & Judgements Worksheet.And please visit Andryanna.com for blogs, giveaways, workshops, tools, resources and more.
