This Was Supposed to be Easy Podcast

What makes some gatherings leave us feeling energized, connected, and glad we came while others just feel like another thing on the calendar?
Inspired by Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering, Amy and Cheryl explore what changes when we stop thinking only about what we’re planning and start asking why we’re bringing people together in the first place. From dinner with friends and family celebrations to conferences, retreats, meetings, and travel experiences, they talk about the small choices that can completely change how people experience being together.
Along the way, they dig into the energy of a space, why a gathering begins long before anyone arrives, the surprisingly important things people want to know ahead of time (yes, including food, parking, and what everyone is wearing), and how thoughtful hosts create the conditions for people to feel comfortable enough to actually connect.
Takeaway:The best gatherings aren't necessarily the fanciest or most perfectly planned. They're the ones designed with intention—where the purpose, people, space, and little details work together to help people feel welcomed, comfortable, and connected.
This week:Think about the next time you're bringing people together—even if it's just dinner with friends. Before deciding what you'll serve or what you'll do, ask: Why are we gathering, and how do I want people to feel while we're together?

What turns an ordinary cup of coffee into something you look forward to? Why does Sunday dinner feel different from simply eating dinner? And why are there certain little things we do with family, friends, or coworkers that we would genuinely miss if they disappeared?
In this episode, Amy and Cheryl explore the power of rituals—the repeated moments that carry meaning and help ground us in our lives. From morning coffee and quiet time to family dinners, workplace celebrations, candles, birthday meals, and even the annual Nelson Week T-shirt reveal, they talk about the difference between a routine, a tradition, and a ritual—and how intentionality can transform something ordinary into something meaningful.
They also explore why rituals can create connection and belonging within families, friendships, and workplaces—and why the best shared rituals aren't simply another obligation. Sometimes the moments that matter most are the ones we collectively decide are worth doing again. 
As we move into fall and toward the winter months, take a look at the rituals already woven into your life. Which ones bring you joy? Which ones help you feel connected or grounded? And which ordinary routine might become something more meaningful if you approached it with a little more intention?

What makes someone more than a favorite singer or celebrity? In this special episode, Amy and Cheryl are joined by friends Holly Hoffman and Kim Davidson for a conversation about why Dolly Parton became something more - a source of joy, possibility, generosity, and, of course, plenty of sparkle.
There are Dolly wigs (yes, on an audio podcast), concert tickets that definitely blew the budget, Dollywood memories, records, chip clips, an emotional-support Dolly, favorite songs, and lots of laughter. But the conversation also goes deeper into the Dolly behind the rhinestones: the storyteller, businesswoman, philanthropist, proud Appalachian, champion of children and books, and woman who seemed determined to use what she had to make life a little better for someone else. The group reflects on Dolly's extraordinary Imagination Library legacy, including a contribution from Dr. Chad Waldron, and on what all of us might learn from the way Dolly chose joy, stayed true to herself, and gave back.
Because maybe the best way to describe Dolly's legacy is also the simplest: the world is a little better because Dolly Parton was in it.

There’s something about the shift into fall that just feels different. The sweaters come back out, favorite drinks taste better, the leaves start changing, and suddenly there are little things everywhere to look forward to. In this episode, we’re talking about the sights, smells, tastes, traditions, and plans that make us excited to welcome the “-ber” months.
But maybe our love of fall is about more than pumpkin spice and cozy blankets. A changing season can also bring that feeling of a fresh start—a chance to reset, notice what we’re anticipating, and decide how we want to experience the months ahead. Because January doesn’t get to have all the fresh-start energy.
This Week’s Challenge
Choose one thing you want to look forward to this fall and put it on your calendar. It can be as simple as a walk through the changing leaves, a favorite fall drink, a cozy movie night, a trip to the pumpkin farm, or trying something completely new. Give yourself something to anticipate—and then make sure you actually do it.

Season 3 is here—and we're starting with a question: What do you want to be new at?
We're talking about trying things without needing to master them, letting curiosity lead the way, and remembering that growth doesn't always mean doing more or becoming better. Sometimes it's about play, discovery, a little bit of awe—and continuing to become more fully who we already are.
TakeawayYou don't have to be good at something for it to be good for you.
Try This This WeekChoose one thing to do simply because you're curious about it. No goal. No need to turn it into a habit, side hustle, or new version of yourself. Try it. Play with it. Notice what happens.
And as we begin Season 3, we want to hear from you. What are you curious about? What do you want to try? What conversations do you want to be part of? This season, we're making more room for your stories, your questions, and this community we're building together.
Guest Links:
This Was Supposed to Be EasyThis Was Supposed to Be Easy (podcast home)Supposed to Be Easy (Instagram)Supposed to Be Easy (Facebook)Cozy Ground CollectiveCozy Ground Collective (Instagram)

What exactly happens at a writing retreat?Maybe you picture a quiet room, laptops open, and hours of focused writing. And while that can certainly be part of it, writing retreats can take on all kinds of shapes. They can include conversation, collaboration, coffee, meals, laughter, brainstorming, long stretches of focused work, and, in our case, the occasional reminder that eventually we really should go to bed.For Episode 75, Amy and Cheryl welcome back one of their favorite guests, Dr. Holly Hoffman, for her third visit to This Was Supposed to Be Easy. This conversation feels especially fitting because the three of us recorded the episode while spending several days together on a writing retreat of our own.Holly has become something of our unofficial writing retreat expert. Over the years, she has participated in virtual writing groups, writing retreats with colleagues, camping writing retreats, and collaborative retreats centered around specific projects. Through those experiences, she has discovered just how flexible and personal this kind of dedicated time can be. At its heart, a writing retreat is about intentionally creating space for something that matters. That intentional time became especially important when Holly realized how many unfinished projects she was carrying around. Some were barely started. Some were halfway there. Others were almost finished. Creating dedicated time helped her begin moving those projects toward the finish line instead of continuing to carry the weight of unfinished work.We talk about the many forms a retreat can take. It might happen at someone's house, at a campground, in a coffee shop, online, or through a more formally organized experience. It might last several days or a couple of hours. Everyone might collaborate on one project, or each person might bring something completely different. The structure grows from the people, the purpose, and the work they hope to accomplish.The common thread is saying, this matters enough for me to make space for it.We also talk about something we experienced firsthand during our retreat: flow.
There were moments when we would look at the clock and realize several hours had passed. We were working, talking, researching, writing, building databases, sharing ideas, eating, laughing, taking breaks, and then diving right back in. Staying immersed in the work gave ideas time to connect and conversations time to develop. And that opened the conversation even further, because this idea can extend far beyond academicwriting.
Maybe you work remotely with a team and would benefit from protected collaborative work time. Maybe you have a creative project you want to give more attention. Maybe you want to paint, scrapbook, journal, read, organize your family photos, work on a grant, finish a report, plan something new, or finally move forward on the project that has been sitting on your list for months. A retreat creates intentional space for something you value. Holly also reminds us of the power of the social experience. Talking, laughing, sharing ideas, checking in, and encouraging one another can build momentum. Working alongside people who care about the work and care about you can create energy that carries the project further.And there is plenty of room for joy.During our retreat there were meals together, coffee, conversations, work meetings, time on the boat, Holly singing from the cottage, moments of inspiration, and more than one reminder that eventually it really was time to close our computers. Purpose, friendship, accountability, creativity, productivity, and joy can all exist in the same space.In This Episode, We Talk About:
What a writing retreat can look like
Holly's experience with long-running virtual writing groups
The mental weight of unfinished projects
Creating dedicated time for work that matters
Community, encouragement, and accountability
Working alongside others while focusing on individual projects
Working retreats at homes, campgrounds, coffee shops, and online
Formal retreats and casual retreats with friends or colleagues
Creating group norms together
Building flexibility around real life
Writing, journaling, reading, grants, creative projects, and other possibilities
How social connection can build momentum
Making room for friendship, silliness, breaks, food, and joy
Giving important work a meaningful place on your calendar
Want to Try It?Start with something you keep saying is important and would love to give more time andattention. Find one or two people who also have something they want to work on.Put the time on your calendars. Spend a few minutes checking in and sharing your goals.Give yourselves focused time to work. Then come back together and celebrate what you accomplished.You can also create this same kind of intentional space independently by choosing a time, putting it on your calendar, and treating that commitment with the same importance you would give any other appointment.Maybe your version lasts two hours.Maybe it becomes a weekend away.Maybe it happens virtually every Monday morning.Maybe it is you, a friend, two laptops, and a table at your favorite coffee shop.Build the version that supports you and the work you want to accomplish.Mentioned in This EpisodeDr. Holly Hoffman - returning guest from Episodes 3 and 17

August 26 is Women’s Equality Day in the United States. Did you know that?We will admit that, despite being two women who spend a lot of time thinking, talking, teaching, advocating, and occasionally getting pretty fired up about issues affecting women, this was not a day that had regularly made it onto our calendars.So when Cheryl noticed Women’s Equality Day while flipping through her daily planner, and realized that August 26 happened to fall on a Wednesday, the same day our podcastepisodes are released, we knew we needed to talk about it.In this episode, Amy and Cheryl begin with the congressional resolution establishing August 26 as Women’s Equality Day and reflect on why a day recognizing the continued fight for equal rights can still feel surprisingly unfamiliar. That conversation brings us back to something we experienced together earlier this year: seeing the musical Suffs. The show tells the story of the women who fought for the right to vote, but it also prompted us to think about whose stories get told, the words used to describe women who challenge the status quo, and how easily women's work, anger, ideas, and activism can be minimized.Even the difference between the title suffragist and suffragette gives us something to think about.From there, we move beyond history and ask a bigger question: What does supporting women look like today? We talk about the difference between mentorship and sponsorship. A mentor may share advice, encouragement, and lessons learned. A sponsor goes one step further. A sponsor says your name in a room you are not in yet. She notices an opportunity and thinks of you. She helps you recognize a door you may not have even known existed and reminds you that you belong on the other side of it.Cheryl reflects on the women who have done exactly that throughout her own life: women who encouraged her to pursue graduate degrees, helped her see possibilities she had not yet imagined for herself, and even asked whether she had considered becoming president of Michigan AEYC.We also talk about something that can be harder to acknowledge: the ways women can be taught to judge, compare, criticize, or compete with other women and the intentional work it can take to unlearn those patterns.Maybe supporting women looks like noticing those thoughts and choosing something different.Maybe it means listening without judgment.Maybe it means saying someone's name when an opportunity comes up.
Maybe it means telling another woman, “I think you could do this.”And maybe sometimes it simply means gathering.We talk about the power of female friendships, book clubs, retreats, dinners, travel, shared dreams, honest conversations, and the communities where women can encourage one another, challenge one another, celebrate one another, and remind each other not to give up too quickly.Women’s Equality Day gives us an opportunity to remember the women who opened doors before us but it can also challenge us to think about the doors we are holding open now.In This Episode, We Talk About:
Why August 26 is recognized as Women’s Equality Day
The history behind the day and its connection to the 19th Amendment
Our experience seeing the musical Suffs
Why language matters when we talk about womens activism and accomplishments
Suffragists versus “suffragettes”
How womens voices, anger, ideas, and advocacy can be minimized
Cheryl’s experience celebrating International Women’s Day in Italy
Being intentional about the stories and news we consume
The Girl News social media account
The difference between a mentor and a sponsor
Speaking another woman’s name in rooms she is not yet in
Women who encouraged Cheryl to see possibilities for herself
Unlearning comparison, judgment, and competition between women
Listening to and supporting other women without assuming their goals should look like ours
The power of gathering with other women
Friendship, community, encouragement, and creating opportunities together
Becoming the kind of woman who opens doors for the women coming next
Our Weekly ChallengeThink of a woman who has made a difference in your life and tell her specifically what she did. Not simply, “Thank you for being there.”Tell her about the conversation you still remember. The opportunity she gave you. Theencouragement you needed. The room she helped you enter. The moment she believed in you before you quite believed in yourself.Then, think about the other side of that challenge:Whose name can you say in a room this week?
Mentioned in This EpisodeWomen’s Equality Day - August 26The 19th AmendmentSuffs The Musical - the musical about the American women’s suffrage movementHamilton - and the story of Eliza HamiltonSix - and the stories of the six wives of Henry VIII beyond the man they marriedGirl News - a social media account focused on bringing greater attention to news and stories about and affecting women
A Thought to Take With YouThere were women before us who opened doors, some whose names we know and many whose names we never will.There were also women closer to us who said, "You can do this. Have you thought about trying? Ithink you belong here."Women’s Equality Day can be about honoring them.But it can also be about deciding to become one of them.Who can you encourage? Who can you support? Who can you sponsor? And whose name can you say in a room she has not entered yet?

Social media makes it look easy, doesn’t it? Take a picture, make a Reel, hit post, gainfollowers, and maybe even get a few free vacations along the way. But, as we tend todiscover on This Was Supposed to Be Easy, there is a whole lot happening behind thescenes.In this episode, Amy and Cheryl sit down with Kelsey Padgett, creator of Doing MomThings, to talk about what it actually takes to build and maintain a social mediapresence while also working full-time, raising four kids, planning travel, and managingall the other pieces of everyday life.Kelsey shares how Doing Mom Things began as a blog in 2014, when writing gave hera way to process and share what was happening in her life without necessarily havingto talk about it out loud. Over the years, that blog evolved alongside social media, andKelsey has had to evolve with it.We talk about the constantly changing world of algorithms, Reels, hashtags, SEO,content pillars, series, and the challenge of figuring out what works on Facebook versusInstagram versus TikTok. Kelsey also takes us behind the curtain of influencerpartnerships, sponsored content, user-generated content (UGC), affiliate marketing, andwhat really happens before someone receives the seemingly effortless “free” trip orproduct you see online.And yes, there is work involved.Kelsey shares the pitching, planning, photographing, editing, deadlines, rejection, andoccasional ghosting that happen long before a sponsored post appears in your feed.She also talks openly about some of the harder parts of sharing life online, includingcomparison, negative comments, feeling a little cringey sometimes, and creatingboundaries to protect her children and family.We also learn some of the tools Kelsey uses along the way, including CapCut,Lightroom, Instagram’s editing tools, Later, and platforms for finding UGC andpartnership opportunities.One surprisingly simple takeaway for those of us who are never going to becomeinfluencers? Interact with the content you enjoy. Like it. Comment. Save it. Share it.Those small actions can make a meaningful difference for the creators you follow.Ultimately, Kelsey says the greatest joy has come from the experiences social mediahas created for her family, the places they have been able to visit, the things they haveexperienced together, and even the lessons her children have learned about the workthat goes into creating those opportunities.
And for anyone thinking about starting something of their own, her advice is refreshinglysimple: watch and learn from others without trying to copy them, put yourself out there,be yourself, post what you love, and figure it out as you go.Growth probably will not happen overnight.Just keep going.In This Episode, We Talk About:How Doing Mom Things grew from a personal blog into a social media platformKeeping up with ever-changing social media trends and algorithmsContent pillars, series, reels, and platform-specific contentWhat UGC (user-generated content) actually isBrand partnerships, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and sponsored travelReaching out to brands, and sometimes hearing “no” or nothing at allTools Kelsey uses for creating and managing contentWhy engagement from followers mattersBatch creating and scheduling contentProtecting children's privacy when sharing family life onlineComparison and the less glamorous side of being a content creatorBalancing social media with a full-time job and four childrenCreating family experiences through content creationWhy authenticity, persistence, and simply putting yourself out there matter
Connect with KelseyFollow Doing Mom Things on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.Doing Mom Things | FacebookDoing Mom Things (@doing.mom.things) | TikTokKelsey Padgett | Family, Travel, Budget (@doing.mom.things) • Instagram photos andvideos
Tools & Resources Mentioned
CapCut • Lightroom • Instagram editing tools • Later • UGC/brand partnershipplatforms • Amazon Influencer/Affiliate programsIf you enjoyed this episode, remember Kelsey’s advice: when you see content youappreciate, take a second to like, comment, save, or share it. Sometimes that tinyclick is a much bigger way of supporting a creator than we realize.

What happens when a deeply logical researcher, educator, and leadership coach begins seeing angels?
In this episode, Amy and Cheryl take a joyful step into what they lovingly call “the woo-woo” with their friend and guest, Dr. Michelle Burkhard. Together, they explore intuition, spiritual connection, personal freedom, and the possibility that the logical and spiritual parts of our lives may not be as separate as we sometimes believe.
Michelle shares how her experiences with angels began unexpectedly during a challenging season in her life. What initially felt frightening and confusing eventually became an important part of how she understands situations, supports others, and approaches her work as a coach and leader.
About Our Guest
Dr. Michelle Burkhard is the founder of Grow By 1 and brings a rich background in education, assessment, evaluation, accountability, leadership development, coaching, and organizational change.
She is an author, speaker, coach, researcher, and intuitive practitioner who believes that people do not need to separate the logical, emotional, professional, and spiritual parts of themselves. Her work brings these elements together in service of growth, healing, stronger relationships, and meaningful action.
In This Episode, We Talk About:
How Michelle first began seeing and communicating with angels
Why she initially struggled to understand and accept her spiritual gifts
How intuition can be strengthened through practice
The connection between movement, creativity, nature, and intuitive thinking
Why Michelle does not separate her logical and spiritual work
Her guiding values of safe space, service, and love
The unforgettable story of being told to inform a stranger that her shoes were ugly
How children, animals, and people nearing the end of life may offer a different kind of wisdom
The importance of unconditional love, freedom, responsibility, and choice
Why vulnerability can be a meaningful source of strength
How our words can bring comfort, connection, and help to others
Why even a powerful insight eventually needs a “so what?” and an action step
What to Think About This Week
Michelle reminds us that intuition does not look the same for everyone. Some people may experience it as a spiritual message, while others notice it when they are walking, gardening, swimming, dancing, creating, or simply stepping away from the noise of everyday life.
This week, consider creating a little more room to listen. Slow down, spend time outside, move your body, drink some water, or return to an activity that helps you feel more present.
Then notice what comes up.
The challenge is not only to receive an insight, but also to ask what you will do with it. 
Questions to Ask Yourself
When do I feel most connected to my intuition?
What helps me step out of my thinking brain and become more present?
Are there parts of myself that I have been placing into separate boxes?
Where might I need to slow down, listen, or ask for help?
What words of appreciation, encouragement, or love could I offer someone?
What insight have I received that now needs an action step?
Additional Resources
Through Grow By One, Michelle offers books, coaching resources, courses, intuitive readings, a coaching academy, and a podcast. Visit https://growby1.com/
Her courses explore topics such as working with angel energy, emotional management with archangels, divine feminine energy, and different types of thinking. Michelle is also the author of Coaching Skills for Educators: 52 Tips to Maximizing Others Performance in the Classroom and other works that bring together her experience, research, intuition, and practical approach to supporting others.
Visit Grow By One to learn more about Michelle’s work, books, podcast, courses, and services.
Connect With Us
We would love to hear what this conversation brought up for you.
Have you ever experienced a moment of intuition that was difficult to explain? Is there an activity that helps you slow down and hear yourself more clearly? What does the phrase “You can’t do this life wrong” mean to you?
Connect with us on social media and share your thoughts. You can also follow or subscribe to This Was Supposed to Be Easy wherever you listen to podcasts so you do not miss an episode.
Thanks for joining us for another conversation about the things in life that were supposed to be easy—but rarely are.

Introduction
In Part 2 of our conversation with early childhood leader and entrepreneur Rhonda Meyers, we move beyond leadership strategies and into something even deeper: how leaders sustain themselves while continually pouring into others. Rhonda shares the intentional practices, mentors, and accountability relationships that help her stay grounded, continue growing, and lead with authenticity.
Together, we explore what it really means to flourish—not as a destination, but as an ongoing process of self-awareness, courage, trial and error, and choosing ourselves so that we can continue choosing others. Along the way, we discuss creating spaces where teachers feel seen, heard, and valued, the importance of investing in every person who crosses our path, and why leadership requires both humility and hope.
About Our Guest
Rhonda Meyers is the CEO and co-founder of Heartfelt Impressions Learning Centers and ECE Subhub, an entrepreneur, leadership coach, speaker, and passionate advocate for early childhood education. Known for her relationship-centered leadership style, Rhonda has spent decades creating organizational cultures where children, educators, and families can thrive. She is also the host of The Heartfelt Way podcast, where she shares practical leadership lessons, honest reflections, and encouragement for leaders committed to making a lasting impact.
Heartfelt Impressions Learning Centers: https://heartfeltimpressions.net/
ECE Subhub: https://www.ecesubhub.com/our-mission/founders-story
The Heartfelt Way Podcast: https://theheartfeltway.org/ 
In this episode, we talk about:
Where leaders go when they need someone to pour into them.
Why accountability—not just inspiration—is essential for long-term leadership.
Creating a personal "circle of people" who challenge and strengthen us.
Learning to truly choose yourself and refill your own bucket.
The importance of feeling seen, heard, and valued—even as the leader.
Why women often hesitate to fully claim their gifts and purpose.
Cheryl shares her emerging vision for a Framework for Flourishing for early childhood professionals.
The beautiful gardening metaphor for nurturing people so they can continue to bloom.
Creating environments where teachers flourish in different ways based on their individual needs.
Designing leadership retreats that prioritize connection before productivity.
Building leadership systems that develop future leaders instead of creating dependence.
Why investing in people—even those who may eventually leave—is always worthwhile.
Leading with humility by sharing mistakes instead of pretending leadership is easy.
Why authentic leadership means continuing to love deeply, even when it's difficult.
Takeaway
One of the most powerful reminders from this conversation is that flourishing doesn't happen by accident. It requires intentional care, meaningful relationships, honest accountability, and the courage to continue growing ourselves while helping others grow. Just as every plant requires different conditions to thrive, every person flourishes differently—and great leaders take the time to discover what each individual needs. At the same time, leaders must remember that they, too, deserve to be seen, nurtured, and invested in.
Challenge for This Week
Take a few quiet minutes to reflect on one question:
Who is helping you flourish?
Consider the people, routines, or communities that fill your own cup. If your answer feels thin, choose one intentional step this week—reach out to a mentor, reconnect with a trusted friend, schedule time for reflection, or simply choose yourself in one meaningful way. Flourishing begins when we intentionally care for the person doing the caring.