In Episode 177 of The Stroke It Podcast, host Jenny Townsend sits down with Matthew Finlin, CEO of Real Life Skills Academy, to unpack the truth about parenting, purpose, and personal development.

Matthew brings a powerful framework built around his Five Pillars of Human Potential—financial, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—and explains how mastering these areas prevents the “3 D’s” of destruction: Debt, Divorce, and Disease.

From the science behind deep sleep and testosterone to building boundaries in relationships and parenting, this episode challenges you to take radical ownership of your happiness and future. Whether you're a parent, a high-performing leader, or someone ready to upgrade your circle and mindset—this one hits hard. Learn how dopamine affects motivation, why cold plunges matter, the difference between motivation and discipline, and how to rewire your habits for real-life success.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro & Meet Matthew Finlin
00:01:05 - Why Matt Moved to Peru and Built an Online Academy
00:03:00 - The Five Pillars of Human Potential
00:04:45 - Love Languages in Relationships and Business
00:08:10 - Taking Care of Yourself: Circadian Rhythm, Hydration, and Exercise
00:10:25 - The Science Behind Testosterone & Deep Sleep
00:14:00 - Cold Plunges, Dopamine, and Motivation
00:18:30 - Overcoming Excuses with Mini Habits
00:21:30 - Self-Discipline vs. Motivation
00:22:10 - How Romantic Relationships Help You Grow
00:26:00 - Date Night + Business Meetings: The Couple’s Weekly Formula
00:29:00 - Setting Boundaries as Parents
00:32:00 - Building Trust in Your Community and Co-Parenting Networks
00:35:00 - How Exposure Builds Empathy in Kids
00:38:30 - The Importance of Dinner at the Table
00:39:30 - Building a Life Through Community and the 5-Friend Rule
00:43:00 - How to Identify "Contenders" in Your Circle
00:47:00 - Matt’s Final Advice: Self-Love = Self-Discipline
00:51:00 - Why You Should Never Go It Alone
00:52:00 - Where to Find Matthew Finlin Online

🔗 Connect with Matt:
Instagram: @matthewfinlin
Free community + resources: RealLifeSkillsAcademy.com

👇 If this episode made you think, feel, or act—send it to 5 people who need to hear it today.

Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thestrokeitguide

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visitinghttp://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!

Welcome to this week's Throwback Series on The Stroke It Podcast with your host, Jenny Townsend. In this powerful replay of Episode #81, Jenny dives into one of the most overlooked but essential habits for growth: celebrating yourself.

When was the last time you paused to acknowledge your progress? Whether it’s buying yourself flowers, writing in a win journal, or sharing exciting news with a friend—celebration is more than a moment; it's a mindset.

Jenny shares personal stories, celebration rituals, and actionable tips for honoring your wins (big and small) while encouraging you to celebrate others without jealousy or hesitation. If you're someone who pushes forward without pausing to enjoy the progress, this episode will help you reset, refuel, and refocus—with joy.

This episode will remind you: you don’t need permission to feel proud of how far you've come.

Chapters

00:00:00 – Welcome to the Throwback Series
00:01:20 – Why Celebration Is Non-Negotiable
00:02:45 – How to Handle Jealousy & Celebrate Others
00:04:10 – Creating Moments of Self-Celebration
00:05:20 – Stop Waiting: Buy Yourself Flowers
00:06:40 – Share Your Wins (and Set the Tone)
00:08:15 – What's a "Win Folder" and Why You Need One
00:09:50 – Affirmation Messages and Journaling Tips
00:11:30 – Gifts That Anchor Your Wins Emotionally
00:13:00 – Self-Care After Achieving a Big Goal
00:14:45 – Celebration Planning with Purpose
00:16:00 – Love Languages and Meaningful Recognition
00:18:15 – Why Small Wins Deserve Big Attention
00:19:30 – Lessons Worth Celebrating: Even Failure
00:21:00 – Final Thoughts: Choose Celebration Today

Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thestrokeitguide

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visitinghttp://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!

In this heartfelt and empowering Mother’s Day special, host Jenny Townsend welcomes her biggest mentor and role model — her mom, Mireya Eavey. As the VP of Partnership Development at Credit Union 1 and a national leader in workforce and financial development, Mireya brings both professional wisdom and personal depth to this inspiring conversation.

Jenny and Mireya explore how employee financial wellness directly impacts performance and retention, and why businesses must prioritize financial literacy to support mental health. Mireya shares her transformative career journey — from building community workforce programs to finding new purpose later in life — reminding us that it’s never too late to evolve.

Beyond the workplace, Mireya reveals how hiking and nature have been her greatest tools for healing, self-care, and mental clarity. They also reflect on the power of mentorship, female friendships, and being intentional with family time, especially as adults.

This episode is a raw, uplifting tribute to motherhood, grit, and growth — both in and out of the office.

Chapters
00:00:00 – Introduction to Mireya Eavey
00:01:45 – Mireya’s Life Season & Career Pivot Post-Retirement
00:04:00 – Moving to the Mountains: Dahlonega, GA & New Beginnings
00:05:45 – Creating Meaningful Moments with Mom
00:06:00 – Love Languages & Learning Later in Life
00:10:10 – Why Financial Wellness Matters for Employees
00:16:45 – Real Talk on Raises, Credit, and Employer Expectations
00:20:00 – Hiking & Fitness: Self-Care as Mental Health Strategy
00:25:58 – Mireya’s Deep Connection to Nature & the AT Trail
00:31:29 – Finding Power in Female Hiking Groups
00:34:31 – 40+ Year Friendships & the Value of Real Talk
00:42:29 – Mentorship in Career & Life
00:48:23 – Honest Parenting Reflections
00:54:00 – Final Thoughts + Special Mother’s Day Message

📚 Recommended Resources from Mireya & Jenny

These are the tools, books, and organizations mentioned in this episode that support financial wellness, self-care, career growth, and personal development:

Books & Tools:

• The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman – A relationship game-changer, discussed by both Mireya and Jenny
• Enrich Financial Wellness Platform – Used by Credit Union 1 to assess money personality & deliver tailored financial education
• SCORE Mentoring (https://www.score.org) – Jenny’s recommendation for free mentorship for business and personal growth

Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!

Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thestrokeitguide

Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visitinghttp://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com

Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!