

PLAN GOAL PLAN | Goals, Transformation for Women, Mindful Time Management, Balance, Working Moms
Danielle McGeough, PhD | Burnout Recovery Strategist
** Top 1.5% Globally Ranked Podcast **
You know that feeling—when life looks full of achievement, but something inside still feels... off-script?
Welcome to the Plan Goal Plan Podcast, where we turn planning and goal setting into a ritual of self-revelation and intentional living.
I’m Danielle McGeough—professor, mom, recovering overachiever, and ritual nerd. After years of chasing big goals and crossing off endless to-do lists, I hit a milestone—and felt completely unmoored. That’s when I stopped planning to prove myself, and started planning to be myself.
Each episode offers tools, insights, and rituals to help you:
Set meaningful goals that reflect who you truly are
Create intentional routines that support joy and purpose
Turn everyday planning into a powerful personal growth practice
Feel focused and fulfilled—without the burnout
Whether you’re leading a team, managing a household, or navigating change, this podcast will help you reclaim your time, reimagine your goals, and build a life that feels lived-in—not just productive.
Let’s plan a life that feels like yours—on purpose, with heart, and one gentle step at a time.
Learn more: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Email: support@plangoalplan.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mcgeough-phd-b673334
You know that feeling—when life looks full of achievement, but something inside still feels... off-script?
Welcome to the Plan Goal Plan Podcast, where we turn planning and goal setting into a ritual of self-revelation and intentional living.
I’m Danielle McGeough—professor, mom, recovering overachiever, and ritual nerd. After years of chasing big goals and crossing off endless to-do lists, I hit a milestone—and felt completely unmoored. That’s when I stopped planning to prove myself, and started planning to be myself.
Each episode offers tools, insights, and rituals to help you:
Set meaningful goals that reflect who you truly are
Create intentional routines that support joy and purpose
Turn everyday planning into a powerful personal growth practice
Feel focused and fulfilled—without the burnout
Whether you’re leading a team, managing a household, or navigating change, this podcast will help you reclaim your time, reimagine your goals, and build a life that feels lived-in—not just productive.
Let’s plan a life that feels like yours—on purpose, with heart, and one gentle step at a time.
Learn more: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Email: support@plangoalplan.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mcgeough-phd-b673334
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2025 • 25min
When Joy Becomes the Goal: How to Make Joy Your Job at Work and Home with Lisa Even | Ep. 246
I am absolutely thrilled to bring you this episode with the one and only Lisa Even, a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and the queen of all things joy!
If you’ve ever wondered how to sprinkle more joy into your daily grind (yes, even when the laundry is piling up or work feels overwhelming), you’re in for a treat. Lisa and I dive deep into the “Joy Metric”, her brilliant, practical system for making joy a real, trackable part of life at work and at home.
We swap hilarious stories (wait until you hear about the whiteboard in the bedroom and the “swimming with roaches” vacation!), and Lisa shares how intentional choices can create a ripple effect that transforms not just your day, but your legacy.
Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or just yourself, this episode will leave you smiling, inspired, and ready to make joy your job one ripple at a time.
Links & resources:
Plan Goal Plan Planners! Join Here
Website: PlanGoalPlan.com
LinkedIn: (I post most here!) www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mcgeough-phd-🗓️-b673334

Sep 16, 2025 • 16min
How to Identify Your Core Qualities for Personal and Professional Goals in 2026 | Ep. 245
Have you ever stopped to think about the five core qualities that truly define you? In this episode, I’m taking you on a fun, reflective journey to discover the traits that make you, well… YOU! I’ll walk you through an activity that changed the way I see myself and my goals.
I’ll share my own process and the results that surprised even me! We’ll chat about the thought leaders who inspire me and how their unique qualities helped me shape my own “Defining Five.”
Grab your favorite notebook and let’s get introspective together. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a fresh perspective on what makes you shine and a toolkit to help you live with more clarity, integrity, and joy.
Book mentioned in this episode:
I Thought It Was Just Me by Brene Brown: https://amzn.to/3JPOA1A
Give and Take by Adam Grant: https://amzn.to/4m8ya1q
Grit by Angela Duckworth: https://amzn.to/3VbsjO8
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday: https://amzn.to/4mgcKQj
Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman: https://amzn.to/4goQIcU
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman: https://amzn.to/47EQkog
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport https://amzn.to/41OzCiq
Links & resources:
Plan Goal Plan Planners! Join Here
Website: PlanGoalPlan.com
LinkedIn: (I post most here!) www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mcgeough-phd-🗓️-b673334

Sep 11, 2025 • 29min
How Planning Fuels Spontaneity with Clare Duffy & Eric Hanson | Ep. 244
I am SO excited to share this episode with you because I got to sit down with the incredible Clare Duffy and Eric Hanson, the award-winning voices behind Iowa’s beloved Morning Scramble! If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to wake up a whole community with laughter, heart, and a dash of chaos, you’re in for a treat.
We dive into everything: how Clare and Eric keep their show fresh and fun every single morning, the magic of teamwork (even at 5am!), and why a little bit of planning can actually fuel the best kind of spontaneity. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories about on-air mishaps, creative brainstorming, and how they turn everyday moments into radio gold.
Plus, we get real about leadership, self-growth, and the power of showing up for your audience (even when you haven’t had your coffee yet). There’s so much wisdom, laughter, and genuine connection in this conversation. I promise you’ll walk away smiling and inspired.
Links & resources:
Tune in to The Morning Scramble: https://www.kzia.com/the-morning-scramble/
Plan Goal Plan Planners! Join Here
Website: PlanGoalPlan.com
LinkedIn: (I post most here!) www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mcgeough-phd-🗓️-b673334

Sep 9, 2025 • 15min
Top 3 Things to Look for in a Planner: Expert Advice for Choosing the Best 2026 Planners | Ep. 243
Hey planner pals! I’m so excited to dive into one of my favorite topics. Whether you’re a paper-and-pen enthusiast, a digital devotee, or a hybrid hero like me, this episode is packed with tips to help you find your perfect planning match.
In this episode, I share the top three things I always look for in a planner: the perfect layout, space for reflection, and just the right size. I’ll let you in on my own planner journey, the systems that keep my life organized, and why writing things down is my secret weapon for staying present and peaceful.
Plus, I give you a sneak peek at my upcoming 2026 planner (get on that waitlist if you’re curious!) and shout out some of my favorite brands and layouts. If you’ve ever struggled to stick with a planner or wondered what features really matter, this episode is for you.
Links & resources:
Plan Goal Plan Planners! Join Here
Website: PlanGoalPlan.com
LinkedIn: (I post most here!) www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mcgeough-phd-🗓️-b673334

Sep 2, 2025 • 16min
Consistency as Self-Care: How to Reach Your Goals Without Burnout | Ep. 242
Discover the secrets to building consistency without burnout. Explore how meaningful rituals can transform your routines into powerful habits. Learn why self-care is essential for sustainable success and how to keep your motivation high even during chaotic times. With personal stories, uncover a compassionate approach to identity and habit formation that fuels personal growth. Plus, get customized insights through a free assessment to help you break free from feeling stuck!

Aug 26, 2025 • 18min
Finding Time For Planning And Goal Setting When Life Is Busy | Ep. 241
This podcast almost didn’t happen because life got lifey—and that’s exactly the point. In this episode, we get real about finding time to plan when your schedule is full, your brain is scattered, and the back-to-school whirlwind (or just…life) won’t slow down. I share eight grounded, research-backed strategies—from micro-planning and pocket rituals to goal subtraction—to help you plan in motion, reclaim stolen moments, and treat planning as identity work, not another chore. If you’ve been overwhelmed, banana-pants busy, or stuck in “I’ll plan when things calm down,” this one’s your gentle reset.
You’ll learn:
Why planning is the work—a core leadership act that sharpens your saw
How to use micro-planning (2-minute Daily Top Three) to create momentum
The difference between rituals vs. routines—and why rituals stick
Goal subtraction: remove what’s not the goal so you can focus on what is
Plan in motion: walk, commute, fold laundry—reflection travels with you
How to reclaim liminal “pocket” moments for quick clarity
A reframing of time as identity work, not scarcity
The courage to leave white space and say a powerful no
Perfect for: busy parents, educators, and women leaders who want intentional planning, not hustle-harder hacks—especially during back-to-school and seasonal transitions.
Links & resources:
✨ Plan Goal Plan Your Year Retreat — Sept 26, 12–4 pm CT (retreat box delivered!)
Join Here
Website: PlanGoalPlan.com
LinkedIn: (I post most here!) www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mcgeough-phd-🗓️-b673334

Aug 21, 2025 • 31min
From Money Stress to Wealth Goals: Edita Mo on Financial Independence Without Sacrifice | Ep. 240
What if your money goals weren’t about grinding harder, but about creating freedom, alignment, and legacy? In this episode of Plan Goal Plan, Danielle McGeough, PhD, sits down with wealth strategist Edita Mockute to explore how women can reshape their relationship with money and finally claim financial independence without sacrificing joy.
Together, Danielle and Edita dive into:
Why traditional money goals leave so many women feeling stuck and unworthy
How to rewrite your money story and step into wealth with self-worth at the center
The difference between confidence and self-worth — and why that distinction changes everything
Practical ways to align your financial goals with your values, purpose, and wellbeing
This is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about creating wealth that feels expansive, soulful, and sustainable — wealth that supports who you are becoming.
If you’re ready to stop grinding through goals and start designing a life rooted in freedom and prosperity, this episode is your invitation.
Connect with Edita:
https://www.facebook.com/edita.mockute
https://editamo.com/
edita.mockute@gmail.com
https://editamockute.com/wealthassessment
Shop:
FREE: Stuck Assessment
Sense The Possibilities Planner & Journal
Connect with Danielle:
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Facebook Group: Join Here
Website: PlanGoalPlan.com

Aug 19, 2025 • 13min
Rituals that Recharge: Why Your Team’s Lunch Break Culture is Sabotaging Focus, Creativity & Goals | Ep. 239
Ready to supercharge your afternoons and spark more creativity at work? In this episode, I dive into the surprising power of lunch break rituals and why skipping that midday pause might be sabotaging your focus and team energy.
We’ll explore the science behind mindful breaks, how movement and gratitude can reset your brain, and why a simple lunch together can fuel innovation and connection. I’ll give you practical ideas from gratitude bites to no-work-talk lunch dates that you can try right away.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or just plain tired by 3pm, this episode is for you! Tune in for upbeat inspiration and easy micro-rituals to help you (and your team) recharge, reconnect, and crush the rest of your day. Let’s rethink the lunch break together!
Shop:
FREE: Stuck Assessment
Sense The Possibilities Planner & Journal
Connect with Danielle:
Email: support@plangoalplan.com
Facebook Group: Join Here
Website: PlanGoalPlan.com

Aug 14, 2025 • 35min
Overcoming Overwhelm: Mindset Shifts for Goal Setting with Ambitious Working Moms with Rebecca Olson | Ep. 238
In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Olson, international life coach and host of the Ambitious and Balanced Working Mom podcast, to talk all about overwhelm. We dive into experiences of ambitious women and working moms who are juggling careers, families, and their own dreams, and how that often leads to chronic overwhelm. Rebecca shares her own journey through a motherhood identity crisis, and how that experience inspired her to help other women find clarity, confidence, and calm.
We break down the “overwhelm equation,” discuss why overwhelm is more than just a busy schedule, and explore the emotional and mindset shifts that can help us move from chaos to clarity. Rebecca walks us through practical tools and daily practices that can help us recognize overwhelm before it takes over.
We also talk about the connection between overwhelm, urgency, and people-pleasing, and why learning to process our emotions is the key to breaking the cycle. If you’ve ever felt like you have to choose between your ambition and your well-being, this conversation is for you.
Don’t miss Rebecca’s free Daily Kickstart tool, and find out how you can connect with her for more support and inspiration.
Connect with Rebecca:
Website: https://www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/
Podcast: https://www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/podcast
https://www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/daily-kickstart
Shop:
Free: Stuck Assessment.
Sense The Possibilities Planner & Journal
Connect with Danielle:
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Facebook Group: Join Here
Website: PlanGoalPlan.com

Aug 12, 2025 • 14min
Back-to-School Reset: Science-Backed Rituals for a Focused, High-Performance Workday | Ep. 237
In this episode, I share how the back-to-school season isn’t just for kids, it’s a powerful reset button for all of us. I open up about my own experience of slipping into autopilot and how I realized my daily rituals had become empty routines. I dive into the science behind rituals, explaining how infusing meaning and presence into our actions can transform not just our productivity, but our sense of fulfillment at work.
I walk you through essential rituals that help me stay focused and avoid burnout I talk about how I use these rituals to transition between roles—mom, professor, and planner—and how even small moments of intention, like a deep breath before a tough meeting or a quick check-in with myself before recording, can make a huge difference.
If you’re feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or just ready for a fresh start, this episode will help you reimagine your workday and reclaim your focus—without burning out. I hope you’ll join me in making this back-to-school season a “back to you” moment, full of meaningful transitions and new possibilities.
Free Back-to-School Workbook
Shop:
Join the Plan Goal Plan Your Year.
Sense The Possibilities Planner & Journal
Connect with Danielle:
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Facebook Group: Join Here
Website: PlanGoalPlan.com