Episodes

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly talk about catastrophizing—the tendency to imagine the worst possible outcome and let our fears take over. They explore why we catastrophize, how it can impact our thoughts and emotions, and what we can do to recognize and challenge those “what if” scenarios. Definition of catastrophizing Jumping to the worst conclusion Negative core beliefs and views Ex: I believe the event will be terrible and I won't be able to ha...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly explore the emotion of awe. What happens when we encounter something that leaves us amazed, humbled, or deeply moved? They reflect on the moments that inspire awe, how this powerful emotion can shift our perspective. Defining "awe" Expands our sense of connection Uplifting Promotes openness, creativity, and understanding of complex systems Can be in awe of the horrific as well as wonderful and beauty 8 types of Awe...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly reintroduce themselves, sharing more about who they are, what has shaped them, and the experiences that continue to influence their personal growth. Whether you're a longtime listener or joining us for the first time, this episode offers a fresh look at the people behind the microphones and the heart behind the podcast. A little about Sydney Her love of music A little about Kelly Spirituality Why this podcast Our d...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly discuss The Choice: Even in Hell Hope Can Flower by Edith Eger. Through Eger's extraordinary story of surviving the Holocaust and becoming a renowned psychologist, they explore the power of resilience, forgiveness, and the freedom found in choosing how we respond to life's hardships. Join them as they reflect on healing from trauma, letting go of victimhood, and discovering hope even in life's darkest moments. Resilianc...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly explore our need for validation—where it comes from, why we seek it, and how it shapes our relationships, decisions, and sense of self. Together, they examine the difference between healthy affirmation and an unhealthy dependence on others' approval, offering thoughtful insights on finding confidence and worth from within. What do we mean by validation Internal and External Don't confuse validation with acceptance of ...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly explore the unique dynamics of sibling relationships. From childhood rivalries and lifelong friendships to the ways our brothers and sisters shape who we become, they discuss the joys, challenges, and lasting impact of growing up alongside siblings. Our personal experience as siblings Birth order What we learn as siblings Younger years Teen Years Adulthood Website: anincompleteguide.com Instagram: @anincompletegui...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly discuss guilt—where it comes from, how it affects our lives, and how learning to navigate it can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth. Healthy vs. Toxic Guilt Guilt does have a purpose...a moral compass Defining guilt How guilt feels physically Values and guilt Should, oughts, and guilt Manipulative guilt Website: anincompleteguide.com Instagram: @anincompleteguide YouTube: @AnIncompleteGuide

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly explore the concepts of attachment and detachment. They discuss how the things we cling to—whether people, expectations, identities, or outcomes—can shape our emotional well-being, and how practicing healthy detachment can create space for greater peace, resilience, and personal growth. Types of attachments Bonding or clinging Fixation of ideas, isms Personal attachments Non-attachment is not an apathetic quality H...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly dive into the often-overlooked relationship between hygiene and mental health. From the struggle to maintain routines during stressful times to the confidence and stability that self-care can provide, they share personal experiences and practical insights along the way. Hygiene defined...physical self-care and your environment Your self-care and how you keep your environment reflect your self-worth Dressing how your f...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly tackle the ever-present challenge of procrastination. They explore why we put things off, how procrastination impacts personal growth, and the strategies they’ve used to overcome it. Through honest conversation, personal stories, and practical insights, they unpack the habits and mindsets that can help us move from avoidance to action. How do Kelly and Sydney procrastinate? Science and the structure of our brain influe...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly take a leap outside their comfort zones and head to iFLY Indoor Skydiving for an indoor skydiving adventure. They reflect on the anticipation, nerves, excitement, and lessons that come from trying something new and embracing uncertainty. Join them as they explore how stepping beyond familiar boundaries can build confidence, foster growth, and remind us that sometimes the biggest rewards come from taking the leap. Overal...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly sit down with speech pathologist Hannah Kauffman to explore the vital role communication plays in our lives. Hannah shares insights from her professional experience helping others communicate effectively and reflects on how her work has shaped her own relationships, self-awareness, and personal growth. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about the power of communication, the challenges it presents, and the ways develop...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly talk about things they never expected to need to know. Money stuff Funeral Planning ahead of time Planning meals the rest of your life ICU delirium Advocating Laundry You hit a guard rail, you have to pay for it Website: anincompleteguide.com Instagram: @anincompleteguide YouTube: @AnIncompleteGuide

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly explore what lies beneath our anger and how we can process it in healthy, constructive ways. They discuss the deeper emotions anger can mask, the gifts anger can offer, and practical tools for understanding and expressing it with greater awareness and compassion. Personality has an influence on how we express and deal with anger Holding in anger Anger is not bad...it is a gift...it is telling us something is not right...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly reminisce about past vacations and discuss why those experiences are important. Importance of vacations Types of vacations Memory making Website: anincompleteguide.com Instagram: @anincompleteguide YouTube: @AnIncompleteGuide

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly talk about their candle-making experience—from the fun moments to what surprised them most. History of candles Margarita candle Fun with a group of people Different themes Fun, not a lot of personal creativity since everything is provided and guided Website: anincompleteguide.com Instagram: @anincompleteguide YouTube: @AnIncompleteGuide

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly sit down with Carrie West, author of Money Rewritten. She explains how both the stories we inherit and the ones we tell ourselves about money can be consciously rewritten. Carrie's story and intro Our life is a story...it has characters, plots, themes...they can be changed First we need to change our perspective, understand the filter of our perspective Understand the other characters Ending blame Have to know our ...

In this episode, Sydney and Kelly are getting at something subtle but really practical: the idea that your energy—your attention, emotional availability, and mental space—is a limited resource, and boundaries are how you protect and direct it. They frame “energetic boundaries” as more than just saying no to things. It’s about being aware of what you’re letting influence you and what you’re unconsciously absorbing from others. What is an energetic boundary Its not just the energy we receive it...

“In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly interview Marci Grossman, CPA and author. Marci has a passion for empowering people to take control of common money decisions and build confidence in their financial lives. Relationship with money First Steps....budget Budget doesn't mean being restrictive, its a map you choose Look at budget as a forecast Money Marci's Guide to Financial Literacy What are your goals No amount is too small to start saving Websit...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly sit down with family member and practicing therapist Lauren Arrendell for an insightful conversation on discovering what truly matters. Together, they explore the use of Value Cards as a practical tool to help identify and clarify personal values. Through thoughtful discussion, they unpack what it means to live a life that is aligned—or incongruent—with those values, and how greater awareness can lead to more intentional...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly dive into Kelly’s recent private retreat experience. Together, they explore the journey of inner healing, what it means to reconnect with your authentic self, and the insights that emerged from stepping away from everyday life. Types of retreat Shamamic Healing Orienting and acclamation...walking the labyrinth Cord cutting...symbolic release of someone else's energy Forgiveness and letting go of anger Energy Shield...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly continue our interview with Jill Howell for an insightful conversation about the nervous system. Together, they explore how the nervous system influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and why understanding it can be a powerful tool for personal growth. Fight or Flight energy The goal is to be able to move through the energies of fight or flight Learning how to get yourself unstuck...controlling your own energ...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly sit down with Jill Howell for an insightful conversation about the nervous system. Together, they explore how the nervous system influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and why understanding it can be a powerful tool for personal growth. Jill's story Nervous System rewiring Somatic healing Healing the relationship with ourselves Internal Family Systems and somatic healing Brain Retraining and EFT Tapping ...

In this episode of An Incomplete Guide to Personal Growth, Sydney and Kelly talk about their pickleball experience. Sydney had not played before. Fun way to meet people My experience with Dill Dinkers has been positive...have levels of players Offers lessons...private and group Fun for all ages Website: anincompleteguide.com Instagram: @anincompleteguide YouTube: @AnIncompleteGuide Patreon: patreon.com/AnIncompleteGuidetoPersonalGrowth Shout out to Lauren, Jake, Nicole, Cassie, and Cassidy ...