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

Just because it ended differently than you expected doesn’t mean you failed. In this episode, we’re diving into navigating unexpected endings, especially when the ending feels like a failure. It’s hard to talk about what happens when the door shuts on a dream, goal, career, or relationship. What happens when you’ve done everything you can, but there’s no more pushing to be done? There is shame that can come with perceived failure, but this episode talks about radical acceptance and believing in the meaning of the journey, even when we don’t see it yet. With resilience, faith, and patience, every ending has the potential to lead to a full-circle moment just around the corner.

What to Expect:

• Just because it ended differently than you expected, doesn’t mean you failed.
• Just because it ended differently than you expected, doesn’t mean it was a waste of time.
• Your full circle moment is possible and on the way.
• Radical acceptance can help in moving forward after setbacks.
• Believe that there is meaning in your experience.

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 production. Featured on SportsE Media. Discover more at quietloudstudios.com.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube | Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

You know that feeling when you kick off the New Year with ambitious goals and an endless to-do list? Everything feels possible until life happens. One skipped step turns into two, and suddenly, you’re off track, wondering where the spark went. In this episode, Kelsey shares her personal New Year’s Eve practices, including TWO types of resolutions: writing vision letters to herself and creating ‘to-be’ lists alongside her SMART goals. She emphasizes that it is important to take action, but it helps when we can re-inspire our ‘why’ at any given time to stay motivated long after January. If you’re ready to transform your resolutions into lasting change, this one’s for you!

What to Expect:

• The process of creating two types of resolution lists to achieve goals and stay inspired.
• It's important to reflect on motivation alongside goals.
• Daily actions should align with your vision for your life.
• You can kick-start your goals at any time!
• Self-reflection is key to creating the right goals and visions.
• The journey to becoming your best self is ongoing.
• Embrace the process of dreaming and taking action.

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 production. Featured on SportsE Media. Discover more at quietloudstudios.com.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube | Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

In this episode of the Life Beyond Labels podcast, host Kelsey O'Connor interviews Rob Finkelstein, CEO and founder of Alumni Direct. Rob shares his journey from being a collegiate athlete to an entrepreneur, the challenges of transition when your kids no longer play sports, and the importance of building community through alumni connections. Rob shares insights on networking, the value of relationships, and the impact of his podcasting journey. Join us for an episode that will inspire you to be bold and expand your circle!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Rob Finkelstein and His Journey

03:02 Transitioning from Athletics to Entrepreneurship

05:56 The Role of Parents in Sports Transitions

08:59 Building Community Through Alumni Connections

12:03 The Challenges of Starting a Business

15:03 Networking and Building Relationships

17:50 Creating Alumni Direct: A Platform for Connection

21:03 The Impact of Podcasting on Networking

23:48 Advice for Those Lacking a Network

27:07 The Importance of Intentional Connections

30:02 Vision and Goals for Alumni Direct

32:56 Conclusion and Where to Find Rob Finkelstein

What to Expect:

• Rob emphasizes the importance of helping others and building relationships.
• Transitioning from athletics to entrepreneurship can be challenging but rewarding.
• Parents play a significant role in their children's sports journey and transition.
• Building a community through alumni connections can provide support and opportunities.
• Starting a business requires passion, perseverance, and a strong team.
• It's essential to reach out and connect with people, even if it feels uncomfortable!
• Intentional connections can lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations!

Call to Action: Reach out and connect with someone new this week!

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 production. Featured on SportsE Media. Discover more at quietloudstudios.com.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube | Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

Hi friends, in this episode, we will talk about a common topic that sounds easy and seems simple but can be hard to implement into our lives: staying present. In this episode, I’ll share personal anecdotes and strategies I use to appreciate the moment and incorporate mindfulness into my day when life seems to race by me. Categorizing these into 8 specific practices, I encourage you to listen, try one of these practices, and take or leave what works for you. These tips will hopefully enhance your emotional well-being, improve your connections with others, and increase your awareness and appreciation for the present moment.

What to Expect:

8 unorganized tips for staying present and finding stillness so you are present in the moments of your life.

• Looking at our feet can anchor us in the moment (reference: Scott O’Neil)
• Pay attention to the voices of those speaking to you.
• Notice your surroundings engage our senses.
• Fast forwarding helps us appreciate moments.
• Take deep breaths and count (sorry, I know that’s cliche)
• Capture moments intentionally.
• Listen to movie music
• Forgive yourself when you get caught up in the hustle

Call to Action: Try one of these mindfulness practices and see if it helps you to stay present in the moment.

Referenced:
“Be Where Your Feet Are”: Seven Principles to Keep you Present, Grounded, and Thriving - by Scott O’Neil

“Breathtaker” by SYML

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 production. Featured on SportsE Media. Discover more at quietloudstudios.com.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube | Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

The internet is filled with “how to” guides, but what if it isn’t that simple? In this episode, we’ll talk about why it’s important not to be discouraged by how-to advice that seems to hand all the answers on a silver platter. We’ll discuss the importance of recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to personal growth and success. Through a few personal examples, we’ll highlight the need for individualized strategies and difficulties that arise with of oversimplifying complex topics into 'how-to' guides. This episode will include my experience with various self-help methods and encourage listeners to explore different paths to find what works best for them. The conversation highlights the significance of personalizing advice and being mindful of the sources from which we receive guidance.

What to Expect:

• The advice shared on this podcast is not a definitive guide: take or leave what is best for you!
• Everyone has different backgrounds and experiences, which impacts what kinds of self-help strategies individually work or don't work.
• Success is not a one-size-fits-all formula.
• There are multiple ways to achieve goals.
• Personalization in advice is crucial.
• Keep trying different methods until you find what works.
• Labeling advice responsibly is important.
• Reflect on personal experiences with advice.
• There is room for everyone's unique journey!

Call to Action: When you seek out or receive advice, try it consistently, reflect on if it works for you, and then take it or leave it without judgment until you find what truly helps you become the best version of you!

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 production. Featured on SportsE Media. Discover more at quietloudstudios.com.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube | Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic