Ever felt like your brain hijacked your day? You’re calm one minute, spiraling the next, and suddenly your heart’s racing over something that didn’t even happen? Yeah, us too.

In this episode of Brains Gone Bold, Maria shares something that’s been genuinely life-changing: what she learned from Dr. Bill Crawford’s Life from the Top of the Mind. It’s neuroscience meets real life and it might explain why stress, fear, and anxiety sometimes take the wheel before logic even buckles in.

Join Maria and Jeanine as they unpack:

• Why your brain can’t tell the difference between real and imagined stress.
• What happens when we “downshift” into survival mode (and how to shift back up).
• How a simple lemon exercise can prove your thoughts change your body.
• Why we lose access to creativity, calm, and connection when we live from the “lower brain.”

Maria opens up about her own creative blocks and anxiety, while Jeanine brings humor and heart, especially when “Brian” accidentally makes an appearance. (Don’t worry, it’s just the brain… maybe.)

It’s science, self-awareness, and laughter all in one conversation and it's an episode that will make you rethink what’s happening inside your head and how much power you actually have to change it.

🎧 Press play to learn how to rewire your reactions, one thought at a time.

Why is friendship so hard as an adult?

In this episode, Maria and Jeanine open up about the messy truth behind connection - from work besties who disappear to the quiet ache of realizing your circle’s gotten smaller.

They share real stories, laugh at their own contradictions (“I want to be invited… but I don’t want to go”), and remind us that everyone’s craving community, even if we’re bad at admitting it.

It’s funny, heartfelt, and all too real.

🎧 Press play. You’ll feel seen.

What’s scarier than ghosts or goblins? Trying to figure it all out.

In this Halloween-inspired episode, Maria and Jeanine dig into the fear behind choosing a path, from college majors to midlife pivots. They share stories of plans gone sideways, career “hauntings,” and the moments that remind us nobody really has it all figured out.

It’s real talk about pressure, purpose, and giving ourselves (and our kids) permission to change direction.

👻 More tricks than treats… but a lot of laughs, too.
Hit play - no costume required.

Think bold means loud? Think again.

Maria and Jeanine hit record with sweaty palms and big honesty. From a too-rowdy wine bar to real talk about boundaries, they show how bold can show up in unexpected places. “Sometimes bold is the simple move.” And Jeanine adds, “Bold is saying what needs said, even when no one else will.”

What you’ll hear:

• The “quiet confidence” version of bold
• Brave vs. bold (and why both matter)
• A tiny choice that changed the night
• How childhood rules still shape us
• Boundaries 101: hugs at work, personal space, and consent
• Yes, a cheeky detour into the word bawdy (with class)

This is smart, human, and funny. Maria owns her nerves. Jeanine owns her no-hug stance. Together, they land a simple truth: bold doesn’t have to be big or noisy. It’s saying the thing, choosing your space, and doing it with respect.

Got topics you want us to tackle? Send them our way!

Tune in to get inspired. You’ll love this one. Let’s jump in.

Okay… we finally did it. After a year of talking, dreaming, overthinking, and wondering if we were totally crazy—we hit record.

In this very first episode, Maria and I (hi, I’m Janine!) get super real about what it took to just start. And spoiler alert: it wasn’t all smooth sailing. We talk about nerves, self-doubt, and what it feels like to do something bold when you’re used to playing it safe (hello, fellow introverts).

There’s laughter (like, real tears-level laughter), a few awkward tangents, and one very heated debate about handkerchiefs.

But here’s the thing—we don’t hold back. Not about creativity. Not about imposter syndrome. Not even about that weird energy drain after too much small talk. This convo goes deep, but it’s fun too. Like the kind of chat you have with a friend where time flies and suddenly it’s midnight.

Want to know what really goes on behind the scenes when two quiet-ish girls decide to get loud with their ideas?

Hit play. It gets bold.

Timestamped Overview:
00:00 "Podcast Motivation: Seeking an Audience"
04:51 Reused Hanky Concerns
07:27 "Introversion's Energy Drain"
10:45 Leader's Social Anxiety Struggle
14:27 Imposter Syndrome and Introversion Exploration
18:50 "Maintaining Friendships While Unplugging"
22:49 Introverted Coach's Unique Approach
25:20 Responsible AI Usage Advocacy
28:02 "Adapting Ideas with Tools"
30:54 "Beyond Good Enough"
34:52 Reflecting on Communication Approach
37:29 Engaging Conversations Matter

Hey there! We’re Jeanine and Maria – two curious minds who love to go off-script and talk about everything from leadership to love, and all the messy stuff in between.

This show is for anyone who likes to laugh, learn, and maybe even cringe a little (in a good way). Sometimes we’ll make you stop and think. Other times? You’ll be laughing out loud.

We don’t have all the answers—but we do ask big questions, share real stories, and talk about things people don’t always say out loud.

So if you're into deep chats, fun vibes, and real talk, you’re in the right place.

Hit that follow, subscribe, or like button—whatever it’s called where you're listening—so you don’t miss an episode!