We turned the conversation over to you and asked one powerful question: In what ways do you struggle with comparison? The overwhelming response was the realization that comparison shows up far more often than we think, especially around money, careers, bodies, relationships, and even our kids. We unpack why comparison feels so loud today, how much of what we see is a highlight reel, and why everyone’s starting point, values, and circumstances are completely different. From navigating career shifts and body image to friendships, marriage, and parenting, this episode is a reminder that you are not behind, broken, or doing life wrong. You are simply living your own version of it.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The sneaky ways comparison shows up, especially the thought of “What am I doing wrong and how can everyone else afford this?”
• Why social media hides financial stress, marriage struggles, and real life challenges.
• How different values and priorities shape what people choose to spend money and energy on.
• Career comparison and promotions, including Abby’s experience leaving the corporate world and redefining fulfillment.
• Why your job might not be the problem and how finding fulfillment outside of work can change everything.
• Body comparison, genetics, and why not everything is meant to come easily or naturally to everyone.
• The truth behind our friendship and why working together skews what people see.
• Comparing kids, milestones, achievements, and even siblings within the same family.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcast

HERSELF AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://amzlink.to/az0BrkLl5pX9u

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Parenting in a village isn’t anything new. It’s a necessity for many families, especially when extended family isn’t close by. In this episode, we talk candidly about what it really looks like to build and rely on a village of friends, neighbors, and other families. If you’ve never done this before, know that it can feel intimidating at first. Trusting others with your kids, your schedule, and your needs takes time and practice but it gets easier, and it’s worth it.

Key Topics Covered

• What it means to build a parenting village when family isn’t nearby.
• Why relying on others often starts out of necessity.
• How to ask for help clearly, specifically, and in a way that feels fair.
• Making drop-off birthday parties work for your family.
• When and how to incorporate paid support into your village.
• The impact of unexpected support and paying it forward.
• How building a village models healthy relationships and help-seeking for kids.
• Letting go of what you thought your village would look like and getting creative.
• Abby’s go-to coaching prompt for asking for help.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

BETTERHELP: 10% off first month at: http://betterhelp.com/herself

LMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase: drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

What if the missing ingredient in your marriage, friendships, and parenting isn’t more fixing, but more fun? In this episode, we explore a powerful shift inspired by a viral quote: instead of always focusing on what’s wrong, what happens when we intentionally prioritize joy and play in our relationships?

We reflect on how fun often comes naturally in dating but slowly fades as responsibilities, exhaustion, and parenthood take over. Through our honest stories, we unpack why fun is essential, how to bring it back in small, realistic ways, and how it can transform not just your marriage, but your friendships and your experience of parenting.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why having more fun can be just as important as therapy for long-term relationships.
• How marriage dynamics shift after kids and why fun is often the first thing to disappear.
• Simple questions to help you take inventory of what actually feels fun and energizing right now.
• The difference between fun that happens away from your kids and fun you can create with them.
• Why shared experiences are key to deeper adult friendships and the power of being the one who sends the invite.
• A simple question to ask your kids to uncover when they feel most connected to you.
• Realistic, everyday ideas for adding more fun into parenting, even in busy seasons.

Fun isn’t optional. It’s often the thing that restores energy, strengthens connection, and makes this season of life feel lighter and more sustainable.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcast

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.