EducationSelf-ImprovementKids & Family

Patience in Progress

Melanie, Shelly & Karissa

We are revamping our mission and podcast. With this new idea our goal is to still focus on the how to's of navigating through life, what we have personally been through, but also this is a space for honest moments, and the quiet lessons that shape us. In each episode we will explore the messy, beautiful, in-between stages of life. We will explore the places where we are still growing, still healing, and still figuring it all out together. Here, the stories don't have to be perfect to matter. They just have to be true so we can all feel and heal together on this journey we call life.

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22 episodes
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Avg 31 min
English

Episodes 22

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S1 · E33
October 9 · 30 min
Confessions of a Nurse: You Can’t Make This Stuff Up
Twenty-five years of nursing comes with a lot of stories, some funny, some gross, some frustrating, and some that stay with you forever. In this episode, Shelly shares her confessions of a nurse: difficult families, unbelievable hospital moments, wild patient stories, things you truly cannot make up, and the moments that push a nurse’s patience to the limit. confessions of a nurse episode … But this episode is also about the side of nursing most patients and families never get to see, the constant communication, problem-solving, advocating, worrying, and planning happening behind the scenes. Nurses are often the ones making the calls, talking with doctors, gathering the team, translating medical information, and picking up the emotional pieces after hard news. confessions of a nurse episode … Through the funny and the completely unbelievable, Shelly also shares what it really means to care for people when they are scared, overwhelmed, or having one of the hardest days of their lives. Sometimes the most important thing a nurse can say is simply, “We’re going to get you through this.” confessions of a nurse episode … This one is funny, raw, slightly horrifying, and surprisingly heartfelt.
S1 · E32
October 5 · 34 min
Wait… Why Is This Normal?
Have you ever stopped to think about the things we all do without questioning them? We sing to someone while they sit there awkwardly, blow all over a birthday cake and then serve it to everyone, shake strangers’ hands, repeatedly check the same refrigerator, decorate bathrooms with towels nobody is allowed to use, and send kids door-to-door asking strangers for candy. Totally normal… right? 😂 In this episode we go down the rabbit hole of everyday habits, traditions, and social rules we’ve somehow all agreed are completely normal, even though they’re actually kind of weird. From airplanes and parking lots to eyelashes, Halloween, the tooth fairy, bathroom etiquette, and everything in between, this episode will probably have you asking: “Wait… why DO we do that?” Come laugh with us, question everything, and discover a few weird things you probably do too.
S1 · E31
September 23 · 32 min
Overexplaining — Why We Do It & How to Stop
Ever catch yourself giving a 10-minute explanation when a simple “no” would have worked? Yeah… us too. In this episode, we’re talking about overexplaining, where it comes from, why we feel like we have to justify our decisions, and why being misunderstood can feel so uncomfortable. We get into people-pleasing, conflict avoidance, perfectionism, seeking validation, and the exhausting habit of trying to control how someone else receives what we say. We also talk about learning to pause, say less, stop explaining for permission, and trust that sometimes a clear answer really is enough. And because it’s us, there are plenty of life updates, kids, work, travel, everyday craziness, and probably a little too much explaining along the way. 😂
S1 · E30
August 24 · 44 min
The Weight Behind the Badge - Mental Health with Fire Captain Andrew
What happens when the person everyone depends on is struggling too? In Episode 30, we sit down with Andrew, a Salt Lake City Fire Department Captain and paramedic, for a powerful conversation about life as a first responder and the things that happen long after the emergency lights turn off. Andrew shares what drew him to firefighting, what years of responding to emergencies can do to the mind and body, and why some of the hardest parts of the job aren't always the major calls—but the constant accumulation of stress, lack of sleep, and trauma. We talk about PTSD, burnout, family relationships, therapy, journaling, resilience, parenting, social media, and learning to ask “What happened?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?” Andrew also introduces us to Red Line Rising, his work focused on giving first responders and their families practical tools to better understand trauma, mental health, and recovery. This conversation is honest, eye-opening, funny at times, heavy at others, and one we think applies to far more than just first responders. Because sometimes strength isn't pretending you're fine. It's learning what happened, finding the right tools, and continuing to rise.
S1 · E32
August 11 · 33 min
Finish My Sentence Challenge the Funny Podcast Game
Sometimes you just need to laugh! In this episode of Patience in Progress, we're taking a break from the heavy conversations and playing a hilarious game of Finish My Sentence. From guilty pleasures and irrational fears to pet peeves, reality shows, and the most random things in our purses, nothing is off-limits. Expect lots of laughs, unfiltered answers, and a few embarrassing confessions. So play along with us! Pause the episode, finish the sentence before we do, and see if your answers match ours. We promise you'll learn a little more about us, and maybe even about yourself.
S1 · E29
July 10 · 31 min
The Red Flags – What Everyone Should Know About Them
Not every red flag is obvious, and not every relationship starts out unhealthy. In this episode, we're talking about the warning signs that too many people ignore. From manipulation and gaslighting to controlling behaviors, lack of accountability, and emotional abuse, we discuss the red flags that can show up in romantic relationships, friendships, family dynamics, and even the workplace. We also talk about why people overlook these warning signs, how to trust your instincts, and what healthy relationships should actually look like. Whether you're currently in a relationship, healing from one, or simply want to protect your peace moving forward, this conversation is for you. Remember: recognizing red flags isn't about judging others, it's about valuing yourself enough to know when something isn't right.
S1 · E28
July 2 · 32 min
Confessions: Are We Actually the Jerks?
Have you ever ignored a phone call after texting someone? Hidden snacks from your family? Left someone on read? Or pretended you just saw an email from three days ago? In this episode of Patience in Progress, Mel, Shel, and Karissa tackle hilarious "Am I the Jerk?" scenarios that every one of us has probably been guilty of. From social etiquette and family life to texting habits and awkward public encounters, we debate whether these moments make us terrible people, or simply human. Join us for plenty of laughs, honest confessions, and a reminder that sometimes we all need a little grace...
S1 · E27
June 24 · 30 min
The Hidden Cost of Being the Strong One
For years, we've been told that strength means handling everything on our own. But what happens when being "the strong one" becomes the very thing that keeps us isolated? In this heartfelt episode, we dive into why strong, capable people often struggle the most when it comes to asking for help. We discuss the fear of being a burden, the pressure to keep it all together, trust issues, vulnerability, and the hidden emotional toll of carrying life's heaviest burdens alone. Through personal experiences with cancer, caregiving, grief, divorce, family struggles, and mental health challenges, we explore the difference between true strength and self-sufficiency. We also share lessons learned from watching loved ones carry more than anyone should have to bear and the importance of allowing others to show up for us. If you've ever said, "I'm fine" when you weren't, struggled to accept help, or felt like you couldn't afford to break down, this episode is for you. Because sometimes the bravest thing we can say is: "I can't do this alone."
S1 · E26
June 17 · 31 min
Embarrassing Moments
We've all had them, the moments that make us want to disappear, laugh uncontrollably, or replay the event in our heads for years afterward. In this hilarious episode of Patience in Progress, Shel, Mel, and Karissa share some of their most embarrassing stories, from wardrobe malfunctions and public mishaps to awkward work moments, parenting fails, texting disasters, and Zoom call catastrophes. Join us as we laugh at ourselves, prove that nobody has it all together, and discover that some of life's most cringe-worthy moments eventually become our favorite stories. Whether you've accidentally hugged a stranger, sent a text to the wrong person, called someone by the wrong name for a year, or said something you definitely shouldn't have with your microphone on, you'll feel right at home. Grab a friend, settle in, and get ready to laugh with us as we embrace the awkward, celebrate our imperfections, and remember that sometimes the best memories come from the moments we'd rather forget.
S1 · E25
June 8 · 34 min
All Things Trauma: A Neuro Trauma Nurse's Summer Safety Guide
Summer should be filled with adventure, fun, and memories—but it can also be one of the busiest seasons for pediatric trauma injuries. In this episode of Patience in Progress, Shel and Mel sit down for an eye-opening conversation about the real-life accidents and injuries that bring children to the trauma unit every summer. Drawing from years of experience as a pediatric neuro trauma nurse, Shel shares powerful stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical safety tips every parent should know. From helmets and e-bikes to ATV safety, drowning prevention, window falls, gun safety, and recognizing the signs of a serious head injury, this episode is packed with information that could help prevent a tragedy and protect the children you love most. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, or simply someone who spends time around children, this conversation offers valuable insights into how quickly accidents can happen, and the simple steps that can make all the difference.
S1 · E25
May 27 · 31 min
The Lies We Carry: Breaking Negative Core Beliefs
In this episode of Patience in Progress, we take a deep dive into negative core beliefs, the hidden thoughts and stories we carry about ourselves that quietly shape our relationships, confidence, boundaries, and self-worth. We open up about personal experiences that planted beliefs like “I’m not good enough,” “People always leave,” and “If I rest, I’m lazy,” and discuss how childhood experiences, criticism, trauma, rejection, and unhealthy dynamics can follow us into adulthood without us even realizing it. This episode is raw, honest, emotional, and relatable as we unpack perfectionism, people-pleasing, burnout, abandonment fears, and the struggle to truly love ourselves. Most importantly, we talk about how healing often starts by recognizing the lies we’ve believed for years, and learning to replace them with truth. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, struggled with boundaries, over analyzed silence, or felt like you had to constantly prove yourself, this conversation is for you.
S1 · E24
May 13 · 27 min
Building Confidence One Bad Day at a Time
In this episode of Patience in Progress, we dive into the complicated world of confidence, what it is, where it comes from, and why it can disappear so quickly. From negative self-talk and perfectionism to body language, sports, parenting, relationships, and professional growth, we unpack the small things that shape how we see ourselves. We talk about surviving hard seasons, learning to trust yourself again, and why confidence isn’t about being perfect, it’s about continuing to show up anyway. Plus, we debate participation trophies, discuss the fine line between confidence and arrogance, and share plenty of real-life moments, laughs, and honest struggles along the way. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, doubted yourself, or needed a reminder that growth takes grace, this conversation is for you.
S1 · E23
May 6 · 31 min
Questions That Reveal More About You Than You Think
This week on Patience in Progress, the girls are diving into the ultimate controversial questions, the kind that somehow turn into full-blown debates. From the “correct” way to load a dishwasher to whether pineapple belongs on pizza, nothing is off limits. The conversation gets hilarious as they tackle hot dogs being sandwiches, milk-before-cereal people, clapping when planes land, checking your partner’s phone, and whether you should ever go to bed angry. Along the way, they share funny personal stories, marriage moments, parenting opinions, and the little everyday things people get surprisingly passionate about. It’s lighthearted, relatable, and full of laughs, because sometimes the best conversations come from the silliest questions. Be patient with yourself. Progress is happening even when you don’t see it.
S1 · E22
April 29 · 26 min
Real Talk: It’s Fine… We’re Fine… Everything’s Fine
This week on Patience in Progress, we’re keeping it real… like really real. No scripts, no structure, just honest, slightly chaotic, very relatable “real talk.” We’re diving into anxiety, overstimulation, and those moments where one tiny thing (looking at you, messy house or whining dog) sends us completely over the edge. You know… the “how did I get here?” kind of moments. We laugh through the chaos as we talk about what helps (and what definitely doesn’t), why sometimes you need to put yourself in timeout, and how a girls’ trip might actually be considered therapy at this point. If you’ve ever overreacted, needed a reset, or just felt like life is a little too much sometimes, this episode is basically a conversation with friends who get it. Because let’s be honest… we’re all just figuring it out as we go. And some days, that’s more than enough.
S1 · E21
April 22 · 28 min
Your Juniper Tree Moment
What do you do when you’ve hit your limit… when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and feel like you have nothing left to give? In this episode of Patience in Progress, we talk about “juniper tree moments” those breaking points in life where everything feels too heavy, too hard, and too much. Inspired by the story of Elijah, we open up about burnout, mental exhaustion, and the quiet truth that even the strongest people have moments where they just can’t keep going. But here’s the part we don’t talk about enough: sometimes the answer isn’t to push harder, it’s to rest, to be taken care of., to sit in the hard and let yourself breathe again. If you’ve ever felt alone, defeated, or like you’re barely holding it together, this conversation is for you. You’re not broken.... you’re human. And you’re not alone.
S1 · E16
March 20 · 34 min
Let's Talk About Cancer
Cancer changes everything.......not just for the person diagnosed, but for everyone who loves them. In this episode, we share our personal experiences with cancer, from the moment of diagnosis to the reality of treatment, fear, family, and resilience. We talk about the emotional highs and lows, the unexpected humor that sometimes gets you through, and the strength it takes to keep going. If you or someone you love is facing cancer, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone.
S1 · E15
March 5 · 28 min
Parenting In a Digital World
Social media isn’t just part of our kids’ lives anymore, it’s their world. In this episode, we talk about the real impact social media is having on teenagers: comparison, cyberbullying, anxiety, and the pressure to chase likes and validation. We share personal experiences as parents trying to figure out how to protect our kids while still giving them room to grow. We also discuss monitoring phones, online predators, algorithms, and why teaching our kids their self-worth matters more than any number of followers. Parenting in the digital age isn’t easy, but conversations like this matter.
S1 · E13
March 3 · 28 min
Starting Over, or Starting Fresh?
What if “starting over” isn’t the end… but the beginning of something better? In this episode of Patience in Progress, Mel and Karissa hold down the fort (sorry, Shel 😘) and dive into what it really means to start over. In this episode we have menopause brain moments, forgotten laptops… to pillow meltdowns and career pivots… to divorce, addiction, and rebuilding life in your 40'; nothing is off the table. We talk about: The fear that comes with starting over Why discomfort is often a sign of growth Reframing “failure” into fresh beginnings Career changes, divorce, and emotional maturity Letting go of the future you thought you’d have Gratitude as a tool to shift your mindset Through honest stories, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, we remind ourselves that starting over doesn’t mean you failed, it might mean you’re finally building something healthier, stronger, and more aligned. Because sometimes it’s not “starting over.” It’s starting fresh......
S1 · E12
February 20 · 31 min
Can I opt out of being an adult?
Remember when you thought adulthood meant freedom, money, and no curfew? Yeah… same. In this episode of Patience & Progress, we’re talking about what our teenage selves believed adult life would look like, and the reality check that followed. From paying registration every year (WHY?!) to learning insurance doesn’t cover everything, we’re unpacking the funny, frustrating, and humbling parts of growing up. We also dive into: Parenting adult kids The things we swore we’d never say (but now do) Breaking generational patterns Why no one prepares you for how much your heart can hurt as a parent And why maybe… ignorance is bliss when you’re young If you’ve ever looked at your life and thought, “This is not what I pictured,” you’re not alone. Let’s laugh about it together.........
S1 · E12
February 11 · 31 min
Addiction, Betrayal & Survival - Special Interview Part 2
In this Part 2, we pick up right where we left off going deeper into the aftermath of addiction and the choices that come when survival becomes the priority. Lisa opens up about boundaries, self-preservation, and the moment when empathy has to coexist with hard decisions. This part of the conversation explores what healing looks like when trust has been broken, and how choosing yourself doesn’t mean you failed, it means you survived. We talk about: When compassion turns into self-sacrifice The difference between supporting someone and losing yourself What healing looks like after addiction and betrayal If you’ve ever loved someone in active addiction or had to walk away to protect your own peace, this episode is for you.

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