What do you truly deserve from life? And how often do you sacrifice your own needs to accommodate everyone else's expectations?

In Part 3 of our continuing conversation with Melissa Carey, host and behavioral health therapist Jim Ellermeyer explores the importance of self-awareness, personal boundaries, and creating a life that reflects who you really are.

Melissa opens up about her own experience of being highly intuitive and naturally accommodating others, often anticipating their needs before they even ask. She reflects on recognizing these patterns, learning to honor her own choices, and understanding that personal growth doesn't happen all at once.

Sometimes, what feels like returning to an old struggle is actually an opportunity to go deeper.

Jim and Melissa also discuss the freedom that comes from admitting "I don't know." Rather than viewing uncertainty as a weakness, they explore how curiosity and a beginner's mind can open new possibilities.

The conversation moves into Melissa's passion for sound-based mindfulness experiences, including Tibetan and crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, drums, humming, and breathwork. She describes how participants can embrace unexpected sounds, connect with a group, and discover their own experience of presence.

Melissa also shares her perspective on Reiki as a personal spiritual practice, her interest in aromatherapy, and her willingness to challenge conventional assumptions.

Throughout the conversation, Jim connects these ideas to 12-step recovery, behavioral change, and the importance of acceptance.

In this episode:

• Reclaiming your needs without abandoning compassion for others

• Setting boundaries around unsolicited advice

• Understanding why personal growth happens in layers

• Finding freedom in saying "I don't know"

• Exploring sound, rhythm, and mindful listening

• Reiki as a practice of personal awareness

• Challenging assumptions and opening yourself to new perspectives

• Accepting the present as a starting point for change

Remember: mindfulness isn't about having every answer. It's about being present, remaining open-minded, and choosing how you participate in your own life.

Connect with Melissa Carey:
https://intothespirithealing.life

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Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book

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Do a kindness for yourself, and do a kindness for another.

In Part 2 of Jim Ellermeyer's conversation with sportscaster Austin Cairns, Austin opens up about learning to slow down and appreciate the people, experiences, and accomplishments already in his life.

Austin talks about the trusted circle of family and longtime friends who have been there for him and how, especially during college, constantly trying to “go, go, go” could quickly lead to burnout. More recently, he has learned to put down the phone, step away from the computer, spend time with his family, and remember that time may be more valuable than money.

The conversation also follows Austin's educational and professional journey from CCAC to Point Park University and into the world of sports broadcasting. He recalls helping create a live charity event at Point Park that combined sports, entertainment, media, and professional wrestling and ultimately raised more than $365,000.

But even after accomplishing something that significant, Austin admits that being proud of himself didn't come naturally.

Jim and Austin discuss the difference between arrogance and confidence and why recognizing your own progress doesn't mean putting yourself above anyone else. For Austin, that lesson also meant realizing that the kid who grew up watching professional wrestling was now calling matches, working in sports, creating content, and meeting people he once watched on television.

Austin also shares how an internship with an independent wrestling promotion gave him a foot in the door, what he learned from experienced broadcasters, and why storytelling is such an important part of professional wrestling commentary.

It's a conversation about gratitude, purpose, family, ambition, burnout, confidence, and giving yourself permission to acknowledge how far you've already come.

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This episode dives into Mr. Rogers’ most impactful quotes, including “I like you just the way you are,” and how these simple yet profound affirmations can guide us through fear, overwhelm, and self-doubt. Jim and Mike reflect on the concept of “leveling up” in life like a video game—gaining experience, becoming more resilient, and making meaningful choices.

Listeners will hear discussions on:
• Managing emotions by making them “mentionable and manageable”
• Accepting life’s challenges without needing immediate solutions
• The importance of being a helper—or recognizing helpers around you
• The difference between kindness and being “right”
• Embracing who you are and offering that same grace to others

End your day with a moment of mindfulness, self-kindness, and the reminder that you already have something valuable to offer the world.

🧘 “Do a kindness for yourself. Do a kindness for another.”