The Lively Show

Today on The Lively Show we are having a very real and very inspiring conversation with May Designs founder and mother of three, Mica May. Mica is sharing openly about her journey to grow her multi-million dollar customizable notebook business, become a mother of three – including a son with down syndrome, and grapple with the perceived expectations online of what “the modern woman’s” life really looks like. This chat also explores the two energies we have within ourselves, the yin and yang, or the “masculine” and “feminine” energies — and why I believe that our society has so much to gain from learning how to use both energies simultaneously and interchangeably. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to explore our “masculine” and “feminine” energies (or yin and yang energies) and become the most empowered version of ourselves, independent of gender. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   Mica tells us how her career evolved from advertising to marketing and into graphic design work for a non-profit before beginning her own multi-million dollar business. She tells us what inspired her to create her notebook product, which was initially based on her personal needs for the perfect notebook. Mica grew her business by word of mouth and describes how being featured on a national morning news show made her business explode exponentially almost overnight. She tells us the story of how the birth of her son Jackson, who has Down Syndrome, affected her family and how raising three kids while growing a business has been one of the most challenging aspects of her life. Mica tells us about the guilt she has from the high expectations that she either put on herself or feels that the world put out there for her. She tells us about the sphere of influence and how she uses that to guide her decisions and direction of her life and business. Mica describes the liturgies of the heart and how the things you believe in at your core are reinforced by the little things you do everyday that are habits.   SHOW NOTES National Stationary Show Good Morning America Robertsonian Translocation Smart Passive Income Podcast with Pat Flynn TLS# 115: Tara Mohr episode about Playing Big Playing Big TLS #121: Alisa Vitti about embodying pleasureAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today I’ve got one of my very favorite types of Lively Show episodes for you: My March Q+A. Today I’m diving into a wide array to topics including: what my vision for my career future looks like, intuition catalysts, developing self-esteem (or not even trying), my personal faith, how we can have a healthy approach to personal growth, and how to overcome income jealousy. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to get a hefty dose of inspiration, grace, and insight into how I approach various aspects of my life + career.  In this episode you’ll find out about   Do you play any instruments, Jess? If not, which would you choose? What are your processes for choosing and reaching out to potential Lively Show guests? How do you structure a day and a week with the variety of priorities you’re balancing? Have you begun making plans for traveling the world or traveling and working remotely yet? Where do you see your business in the next few years? What is your ideal vision for the lively show? I know you mentioned you’re working hard now to slow down a bit later! I’m interested in learning more about intuition catalysts for those of us in more location specific jobs. What do you think of minimalism? I’d love to hear more about your college extracurricular life. What were you involved in outside of classes? What are your current top 5 sources of inspiration? Ie. favorite blogs, books, podcasts, tv shows, people… How to find the time and motivation to write a book? I have always wanted to be a writer, but I choose lazing in from of the TV over writing again and again. Then hate myself for it. Can you discuss anxiety and if and how you’ve ever struggled with it? Do you have any pointers for developing self-esteem? What’s your number one money maker and is it the thing you enjoy the most? What are some things you really like to splurge on? How do you practice self-care? What recommendations do you have for women just starting to cultivate a self-care practice? My brother works in finance and gets bonuses twice a year totaling tens of thousands of dollars. I’m really jealous of his income and I don’t like that at all about myself. Any suggestions for how to deal? How can you stop work from causing you stress when you’re done working for the day or week? I’d be interested to hear about any of the authors/principles/religions that have contributed to your faith and spiritual foundation. How do you find the strength, motivation or power to go on on days when you just do not want to do even the smallest tasks and due to that the pile of tasks and jobs just gets bigger and you get even more frustrated? Do you ever find that you have fallen off the wagon with your intentions-whether for a day or for a bit longer, and how to you get back to them? Especially without beating yourself up! After all the time you invest in your jewelry brand… Why you decided to close the shop? Did you already have a backup plan? I love savory teas like vanilla or caramel but would like something without artificial flavoring. Any suggestions? I would love to know how you deal with negative

Today on The Lively Show, we’re speaking with New York Times bestselling author, Today Show dating expert, and Cosmopolitan dating columnist, Matthew Hussey of How To Get The Guy. I first found Matthew’s YouTube channel several months ago, and I have since become a huge fan of his practical and empowering advice which helps millions of women improve their confidence in the dating world and beyond. As someone who is new to dating in the online era, Matthew’s advice concerning attracting the partner you want, dating site/app do’s + don’ts, and texting have been particularly helpful for me personally. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to attract the partner they really want, learn how to approach online dating intentionally, hear about Matthew’s own personal journey as a well-respected coach at the age of 28. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   Matthew tells us how he began his career in self development as a child by studying self-help books on a continuous basis. He tells us how he figured out that the “secret sauce” of successful people was simply the way they acted around people. Matthew was always self-aware of what he needed to do to improve his situation at various times in his life. He tells us how he went from helping men to helping women with relationship advice since they needed to hear from someone who knows how men are. Mathew explains how he modeled himself from his “mentor” Tony Robbins and it took years to develop his own style and method for himself. He’s tells us that women tend to gravitate to people they are comfortable with which is the reason they seem to get the same quality of men in their lives. Matthew says that the only way to get a guy that you want is to break from what is comfortable for you. He explains that you need one really great dimension of yourself to make you attractive to another person. Mathew talks about how he shows people how to develop their unique pairings over time which can make them irresistible to the opposite sex.   SHOW NOTES   How To Win Friends and Influence People Get the Guy Get The Guy – Website Mathew Hussey – Cosmopolitan Mathew Hussey – YouTube Tony Robbins Brené Brown Nine Texts OfferAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Life coach and fan favorite, Brooke Castillo of The Life Coach School, is back on The Lively Show! Brooke’s first Lively Show about changing our negative thought patterns remains one of the episodes that people return back to again and again for guidance and inspiration the most (myself included!). And today’s episode? It’s just as powerful (if not even more so) than the first one. In today’s episode, we are discussing how to shift the not-so-peaceful emotions that we experience most frequently in our lives to positive emotions in a practical, step by step process. This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to improve the quality of their emotional life in a tangible and practical way. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   Brooke tells us that she create her program to help people feel better in their everyday lives. She has figured out the most important skill to learn is how to manage our emotional life. Brooke has discovered that thinking is automatic for most of us. She tells us that once our thoughts start going, they take over and we actually believe those thoughts. Brooke tells us that we can fuel everything we do in life with wonderful, positive emotion instead of negative “fumes.” She discusses the issues that Jess has and she can overcome stress and overwhelm that exists. Brooke mentions by putting new thoughts in our head, we can shift our perspective to get back on track. She points out that you can fuel the action of creating the result you want with the emotion that you think you’ll get when you get there. Brooks tells us about “thought download” and how this mini-meditation puts you in the position of the watcher and how that allows you to take control. She talks about those who are missing living a conscious life due to our automatic “autopilot,” since we don’t think about things enough beforehand. Brook wraps up with an idea that it’s all little things we do everyday will make the biggest difference in our lives.   SHOW NOTES   The Life Coach School Podcast with Brooke Castillo TLS #87 with Brooke Castillo StrengthsFinder 2.0 Eckhart Tolle The RobCast Podcast with Rob Bell Tony Robbins on YouTube Oprah Winfrey on YouTube TLS #120 with Alex Ikonn Joyce Meyer TLS #122 with Alisa VittiAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today it’s time to share my February Favorites with you! February was a busy month professionally… I traveled to Portland and Chicago, expanded Team Lively, and we got systems in place to coordinate with one another effectively. In my personal life, I’m sharing what tv show I watched, book I read, tea I sipped, and products I purchased. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about productivity tools I’ve found useful for our team, for anyone looking to learn about the fun things I’ve been enjoying personally, and for anyone curious about who is on Team Lively.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   My favorite new piece of clothing. The newest caffeinated and decaf rose teas I’m enjoying. The productivity tools I’m using to stay on top of things personally and on Team Lively. The members of Team Lively and what they do. What I’ve read + watched in February.   SHOW NOTES   Vince Camuto Women’s Floral Blouse (Birch Tan) Kendi Skeen wearing the floral top Me wearing the floral top Arabian Days tea Arabian Nights tea My first vlog Earl Grey tea candle by Wood & Wax Co. Minimalist Baker – Dana + John Fizzle Alisa Vitti’s TLS hormone episode Flo Living Slack Asana Megan, vlog producer Ilana, Sugar & Type Downton Abbey Highclere Castle Modern Romance Productivity Planner Alex Ikonn on TLS UJ Ramdas on TLS Brooke Castillo on TLSAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today on The Lively Show, we are talking with Meg Piercy, a Chicago-based wife, mother of two, and owner of the super-successful refinished furniture store, MegMade. Meg is sharing vulnerably about her journey to unhinge her self-worth from things like motherhood, marriage, and her career. She’s also discussing the powerful impact that counseling has had on her life and marriage with her husband and co-founder, Joe Piercy. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to hear about someone living the principles of Rising Strong (the subject of last week’s episode), or for anyone who wants to hear an open conversation about self-worth, marriage, motherhood, and career. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT Meg tells us the story of how she went from painting tables in a home basement into a nationwide furniture business. She discuss how determination and the mixture of timing, passion, talent and living in a big city led to her business growth and success. Meg describes how she makes owning a business and being a mom work together, and that it’s a work hard play hard balance. She tells us how she made the decision to parent her children using her own personal intuition. Meg tell us how her husband Joe is involved in her company as a business manager and her personal cheerleader. She explains how counseling has been extremely beneficial for both her marriage and her business and that has opened better communication in their lives. Through counseling, Meg found using the truth of who she is to drive her, rather than letting emotion drive her. She tells us what the counseling experience is like for her and who it would be beneficial for. Meg tells us how important it is for her to be secure in her parenting skills and how that is an everyday challenge for her. She tells us her lesson of how she is defining herself by being an overcomer, rather than being overcoming. Meg describes her thoughts on the direction of her business and her balance of personal and family life.   SHOW NOTES   Rising Strong   New Jess Lively Vlog!!! TLS #113 with Alex Ikonn TLS #75 with Mimi Ikkon Alex Ikonn Vlog Mimi Ikon Vlog Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

It’s Brené Brown Day on The Lively Show! I’ve been dreaming about this interview since I started this show… and it has finally come to pass — at the same time that TLS turns two years old (TLS’s 2nd birthday was February 6th)! In this episode, Brené and I discuss Rising Strong, why compassionate people are most capable of upholding personal boundaries in relationships, and how we can initiate difficult conversations about boundaries in our own lives. This episode is perfect for anyone who is facing emotionally tough stuff, who wants to understand how to lovingly set boundaries with loved ones, or anyone who is a fan of Brené and her work. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   Brené tells us about how Rising Strong became the focal point of her current research. She figured out that she needed to write a story about getting back up after falling down. Brené talks about how helpful it is to be honest about what you are in now and what you’ve been through. She reviews the physics of vulnerability and how it relates to Rising Strong. Brené discusses how many of those who were able to rise strong recognized emotion, understood being hooked by emotion, getting curious about emotion and rumbled with emotion. She tells us how our brains are “wired” for a story and has the needs the story to understand pain in our lives. Brené discusses her personal practice with the struggles of tough conversations and overcoming them. She tells us about what the term “emotional high centering” is and why its one reason we deny our feelings to ourselves. Brené tells us what a boundary is and what it means to our feelings, especially our compassion. She describes how living big is about boundaries, integrity, and generosity in our lives.   SHOW NOTES   STYLE + SPIRIT The Jess Lively Shop The Gifts of Imperfection Daring Greatly Santosha The new Santosha shirt and other Style + Spirit collaboration shirts!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today on TLS I’m doing another one of my favorite types of shows to do: I’m answering questions shared with me on Instagram last week! This episode is covering a lot of ground including things like podcasting, business, when I knew I was ready for dating again, how I’m “really” doing, my favorite Austin places, how I earn money, and more. This episode is perfect for anyone looking for a fun, casual Q+A on a variety of life, business, and relationship topics. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   How did you reach out to guest to be on your show when you were just getting started? How do you book your guest I’m considering starting a podcast, would you recommend naming your podcast the same as your blog if the content will be a little broader? What’s better – consistency or a different but really catchy title? Would love to learn about podcasting. Like how did you get started? What equipment would you recommend for beginners? How do you exercise in MI winter regularly? Have you started your capsule wardrobe and if so, how is it going? I’ve always had a really strong intuition & I know you do as well….how do you explain yourself when you make a choice in business based on the intuition? I just made a leap of faith choice lately & all I can really tell my husband/family is “I just know this is right” or “just trust me” or “I can’t explain it, but everything in me is telling me to do this…” What would you say to someone who is just starting out on this journey? (entrepreneurship)   Are you keeping the Lively name since you’ve built your brand on your name? What top 3 tactics do you use when at a crossroads on a major life decision?   I have a pretty small budget so do you have any suggestions for how to upgrade your life without spending big bucks? Thanks!   I’ve only been listening for a few months and love the topics and guests but you always sound so darn happy. I find that hard to believe and I’m sure you just want to show your most optimistic self but would love a dose of reality. Not tears or anything just wouldn’t mind hearing about the hard parts because then we would understand and relate to the journey more. Really get into why you were lacking pleasure in your life. Two questions: 1. How did you build up your audience (both on your blog and podcast) to where it is today? How did you initially get people to know about you? And 2. Since you mentioned it, I’d love to know your favorite murder mysteries! I know you lived in Austin and love it there; any favorite hangouts or restaurants or places to see? Also, having made several moves in your life, do you have any tips for making a big move? I would love to know more about how you transitioned from your jewelry business to your Life With Intention work? I love my work as a professional organizer, but want to transition from cleaning people’s messes to helping my clients make meaningful life transformation (and yes, I believe organization can do that!). You seem very confident about who you are and what you believe. Have you always felt self-assured or is there a story there?  Can you share with us some tips on design, interior architecture and decorating, especially for college students? I loved your posts about the house renovation, and would love to see more. Also, what did you have to eat today? I was wondering how you cop

Welcome to part two of our deep dive into pleasure with hormone specialist, Alisa Vitti, of Flo Living (you can listen to part 1 here). Note: This episode contains adult content, so you may want to listen without children nearby. In the show, we’re exploring how we can communicate what brings us pleasure to those around us, we’re discussing how we can help people tap into their personal pleasures, we’re addressing the idea of whether pursuing pleasure is inherently ‘selfish,’ and we’re going “into the bedroom” and discussing how we can explore pleasure with our significant others. This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about how to share the pleasure approach with others, wants to overcome the feeling that pleasure is selfish, or for those who want to learn about how to bring this form of pleasure into the bedroom. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   Alisa talks about being oriented first to your self pleasure which leads to a power sexual partnership. She gives examples of the practice of bringing feminine creative energy in the context of a relationship. Alisa describes how by communicating to others, you can enroll other people on the path to self pleasure. She discusses with us how to overcome the internal resistances to self pleasure in everyday life. Alisa explains how the practice of self pleasure can prime you to be open to receive physical pleasure when you are engaged in it. She told us how her current path in life was led by being courageous, speaking her truth and following her pleasure. Alisa mentions that there are many great techniques to use in a relationship which should be used in a conscious, curated and purposeful way.      SHOW NOTES   The Lively Show #85 with Alisa Vitti The Lively Show #121 with Alisa Vitti Get The Guy Website – Matthew Hussey AnthropologyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This week I’ve got a two-part Valentine’s Day special for women of every relationship status. : ) Hormone expert Alisa Vitti, of Flo Living, is back on TLS today and Thursday talking about the most fascinating subject I’ve been learning about in the last several months: PLEASURE. In Part 1, we are discussing how we can embody pleasure in our daily lives to transform our experience of wellbeing. We’re also discussing pleasure as it relates to our sexuality, and on Thursday we’ll be discussing how to bring this pleasure into our relationships, including with our significant others.   This episode is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about how to incorporate more pleasure into our daily lives (in non-sexual ways), as well as how my own personal hormone journey has been going so far. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   Alisa tells us about her philosophy regarding fixing a woman’s hormone system by unlocking the code of their body. She describes her passion of women recognizing their psycho-synced relationship between mind and body. Alisa mentions how well you eat will determine how well your body will perform. She shows us how the relationship with ourselves begins with trust, respect an compassion and how that spreads to other aspects of our life. Alisa tells her conversation and perspective on women’s sexuality and how it has been presented in history. She believes that none of us has the opportunity to have an authentic sexual evolution. Alisa describes how women generally choose either the path of hyper sexualization or the path of disembodiment; focusing on achievement. She talks about her study of both feminine energy and masculine energy archetypes. Alisa hits on the third pathway for women which is not about pleasing anyone else but rather pleasing themselves. She discusses the embodiment of pleasure and how it relates to the five senses.   SHOW NOTES   The Lively Show #85 with Alisa Vitti Ted Talks with Alisa Vitti Gloria Steinem The Outlander SeriesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands