In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey sits down with Brenda K. Reynolds—international coach, TEDx speaker, and author—about navigating major life transitions and building resilience in uncertain times. Brenda shares how various life events (an unexpected divorce, the 2008 financial crisis, sending children off the college, and others) were the catalyst for her work on “transition fog.” She shares how she learned to move forward when there was no clear roadmap, and how those experiences shaped her approach to helping others through change. Brenda also talks about her new transformational journal, 5 FROGS, which outlines the stages we go through during periods of transition and growth.

Whether you're facing a career shift, personal change, or simply feeling stuck in the unknown, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration to help you move through it with clarity and confidence.

What to Expect in '5 FROGS: Brenda K. Reynolds on Navigating Life Transition Fog':

• Everyone experiences 'now what' moments in life.
• Sometimes, we just need our low beams to see what’s right in front of us.
• We can borrow confidence from others during tough times.
• Life is not linear; we leap back and forth through stages.
• Behind every “now what” is a “why not”.
• Our words can change the trajectory of someone's life.

Call to Action: Listen to Brenda’s TEDX Talk and look up her 5 FROGS transformational journal!

Where to Find Brenda:
Website: https://www.brendakreynolds.com/
Socials: @brendakreynolds

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram| TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.net

Credits:

• Life Beyond Labels is a QuietLoud Studios Featured on SportsE Media. Discover more at quietloudstudios.com.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube| Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey sits down with Tom Smalley, MS, CMPC, for a candid conversation about mental health, OCD, and turning pain into purpose. Tom opens up about his diagnosis with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the impact it’s had on his life, including a time when he faced a toxic environment and bullying from coaches. Tom shares how he took that struggle and turned it into strength: launching his own mental performance coaching practice, pursuing Olympic weightlifting, and becoming a successful speaker and advocate. Kelsey and Tom also dive into topics like therapy, faith, speaking, and people who have inspired them. If you're looking for real talk about mental health, resilience, and finding strength in your story, this one’s for you.

What to Expect:

This episode contains sensitive content including the mentioning of suicidal thoughts and mental health challenges. If you or someone you know are experiencing mental health challenges, please call the 988 Crisis Hotline or seek individual services from a professional.

• What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
• The benefits and challenges of therapy
• Turning struggle into strength
• How to keep a “North Star” during challenging times
• Navigating toxic environments
• Becoming a speaker and advocate
• Why it is important to tell our stories

Call to Action: Learn more about OCD at https://iocdf.org/

Where to Find Tom:

Website: https://www.struggleintostrength.com/

Socials: @s2sfof

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.com

Credits

• Life Beyond Labels is a QuietLoud Studios production. Featured on SportsE Media. Discover more at quietloudstudios.com.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube | Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the individuals in this episode are individual opinions and do not reflect the opinions of the International OCD Foundation or their respective professions. This content does not replace therapy or mental health services.

In this deeply heartfelt episode of Life Beyond Labels, host Kelsey O’Connor sits down with longtime family friend, Michele Doty. Michele shares how her world shifted when she was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer, but how she continues to show up with honesty, gratitude, and joy. Rather than being defined by her diagnosis, she talks about holding onto her identity, finding meaning (and movement) in each day, and more about who she is as a loving mother, business owner, and radiant human being.

What to Expect in 'A Sunshine State of Mind':

• It is important to find our choices within situations that feel so far out of our control.
• Staying positive doesn’t mean ignoring the negative feelings or hard days, it just means doing your best to choose to see the good as much as possible.
• It can be helpful to have safe conversations with loved ones, who may have a diagnosis
• or illness, about how they want to be helped. It is important to remember that their identity goes beyond their struggles and respect their autonomy.
• If you are able to move or exercise, it can be extremely helpful for mental health.

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram| TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.net

Credits:

• Life Beyond Labels is a QuietLoud Studios Featured on SportsE Media. Discover more at quietloudstudios.com.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube| Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic