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.

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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'!

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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!

Welcome to the Stroke It Podcast! In this transformative episode, host Jenny Townsend sits down with powerhouse executive coach and event creator, Joh Morris Benichou, to unpack the magic of personal reinvention, the role of love languages in leadership, and how women can reclaim their power—professionally and personally.

From leading at the helm of the largest entertainment firm to empowering women through wellness events, Joh shares her journey through menopause, burnout, and back into alignment. This episode is a masterclass in honoring yourself, scheduling joy, building strong communities, and reigniting intimacy in relationships.

Tune in as we explore:

• How to prioritize YOU in your weekly schedule
• Creating white space to rediscover identity
• The unspoken challenges of menopause in marriage
• Why building community matters now more than ever
• Behind-the-scenes secrets from the UN and beyond 😉

📍 Don’t miss Joh’s upcoming women's event "Bluebird" in Sarasota! Learn more at bluebirdsarasota.com

Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro & Meet Joh Morris Benichou
00:02:00 - Reinvention & Leadership Journey
00:04:30 - Love Languages in Business & Marriage
00:08:50 - Self-Care and White Space in Schedules
00:13:00 - From Burnout to Breakthrough
00:20:00 - Building Meaningful Community
00:30:40 - Intimacy and Menopause
00:38:00 - Embracing Change in Long-Term Relationships
00:41:10 - Bluebird Event Announcement
00:42:00 - Joh’s UN Dirty Little Secret
00:43:30 - Final Thoughts & How to Connect

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 empowering episode of The Stroke It Podcast, host Jenny Townsend sits down with transformational coach and purpose-driven leader Kathryn Ficarra, founder of The C Group, to unpack the deep work of personal identity alignment, executive presence, and self-belief. Kathryn shares her raw, personal journey from burnout and misalignment to peace and purpose. Learn how she turned her life around, walked away from a “perfect on paper” life, and began helping others do the same through her powerful Impact Framework.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, educator, or simply seeking fulfillment beyond surface-level success — this episode is your starting point.

Chapters

00:00:00 – Introduction to Purpose-Driven Leadership

00:02:49 – Kathryn’s Personal Journey of Transformation

00:05:59 – The Impact Framework Explained

00:09:02 – Happiness & Fulfillment: Why It’s an Inside Job

00:12:13 – Identity Alignment & Executive Presence

00:14:53 – Breaking Down Limiting Beliefs

00:18:08 – Emotional Intelligence & Self-Belief

00:25:01 – Mindset Shift: The Key to Sustainable Change

00:29:16 – Real-Life Client Success Stories

00:30:20 – How Employers Can Empower Transformation

00:33:30 – Creating a Culture of Support & Innovation

00:37:03 – The Power of Intentional Onboarding

00:41:20 – Clarity, Self-Reflection & Daily Alignment

Website: www.thecgroupstudio.com
Instagram: @thecgroupstudio
Amazon (Book Coming Soon!): Your Presence Is Your Power – Stay tuned!

📌 What You’ll Learn:

• How to identify misalignment between success and true fulfillment
• Why executive presence starts with internal work
• The role of belief systems in shaping reality and performance
• How triggers and emotions reveal hidden internal conflicts
• How to create sustainable transformation in life and business
• The importance of identity alignment in leadership
• How employers can foster purpose-driven workplace culture
• Real stories of transformation and mindset breakthroughs
• Tools and frameworks to support personal growth and self-belief
• The underrated power of onboarding and one-on-one connection at work

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 empowering episode of The Stroke It Podcast, host Jenny Townsend shares five powerful ways to enhance every relationship in your life—starting with yourself. From self-love and self-care to showing appreciation in your romantic and professional relationships, Jenny dives into actionable tips that help you become more intentional and emotionally intelligent. Whether you're looking to strengthen your connection with a partner, support your team as a leader, or better show up for yourself, this episode covers it all. You'll learn how to set boundaries, validate others, give meaningful feedback, and even embrace the importance of fun.

These insights are drawn from Jenny’s personal experience and leadership expertise, making this a must-listen for anyone wanting to boost their personal and professional relationships. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more life-shifting conversations.

Chapters
00:00:00 – Introduction & What This Episode Covers

00:01:20 – Stroke Yourself: Self-Love, Self-Care, Releasing Control

00:05:10 – Stroke Your Partner: Love Languages, Presence, Validation

00:08:56 – Stroke Your Employer: Engagement, Professionalism, Contribution

00:13:14 – Stroke Your Employee: Respect, Appreciation, Honest Feedback

00:19:02 – Final Thoughts & Actionable Takeaways

#SelfCare #GrowthMindset #HealthyRelationships #WorkplaceLeadership #EmployeeAppreciation #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #SelfLoveJourney #ProfessionalRelationships #PersonalGrowthPodcast #WorkCulture #TeamBuilding #LeadershipCoaching #EmployeeRetention #WorkplaceCommunication #RelationshipMastery #PersonalDevelopmentPodcast #MindsetMastery #EmotionalWellness

If you love this episode, drop a review + share on IG @‌jennyaldaytownsend 💛

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!

Your words, energy, and intuition are shaping your reality—are you paying attention?

In this powerful episode of The Stroke It Podcast, host Jenny Townsend sits down with Dr. Alina Ruta, a heart-centered expansion expert, to reveal how your energy speaks louder than words. Discover why stress and anxiety often stem from emotional blockages, how language affects your subconscious, and why intuition is your most underutilized superpower. Dr. Ruta explains the science behind balancing masculine and feminine energies, the hidden impact of societal conditioning, and a simple breathing technique to reduce stress instantly. If you’ve ever felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or uncertain about your path, this conversation will provide the tools you need to shift your mindset, embrace self-trust, and tap into your true power.

Chapters
00:00:00 - Introduction: The Power of Heart-Centered Consciousness
00:01:47 - How Dr. Alina Discovered the Science Behind Energy & Intuition
00:05:56 - The Hidden Impact of Societal Conditioning on Your Authenticity
00:09:47 - Why We Ignore Our Intuition & How to Reconnect With It
00:14:08 - The Words You Use Are Draining You—How to Change Your Vocabulary
00:17:59 - Masculine vs. Feminine Energy: How to Find the Right Balance
00:21:52 - The Breathing Technique That Instantly Reduces Stress & Anxiety
00:25:59 - How Parents & Leaders Can Empower Others to Trust Themselves
00:29:59 - A Powerful Healing Story: Overcoming Emotional Trauma
00:34:01 - Practical Steps to Manage Energy & Unlock Your Full Potential

📌 Follow Dr. Alina Ruta:
🌍 Website: conscioushumanexpansion.com
📸 Instagram: @DrAlinaRuta
💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Alina Ruta

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 powerful episode of the Stroke It Podcast, host Jenny Townsend sits down with Wendy Rossiter to dive deep into healing past wounds, personal growth, and improving relationships. Wendy shares her journey of self-discovery, dealing with childhood trauma, and how books and YouTube have been game-changers for her. She also opens up about navigating marriage after decades, the importance of communication, and how self-work has led her to a fulfilling life. If you're looking for inspiration, healing, or a fresh perspective on relationships, this episode is for you!

00:00:00 Intro – Jenny welcomes Wendy Rossiter.

00:02:15 Meet Wendy – Her background, marriage, and retirement.

00:06:45 A Life-Changing Message – A former classmate calls Wendy out.

00:10:30 Childhood & Bullying – How past wounds shaped her behavior.

00:15:40 Healing the Inner Child – The Hoffman Process explained.

00:21:00 Better Communication – The power of listening and empathy.

00:26:30 Marriage Struggles & Growth – Lessons from 34 years together.

00:31:15 Small Acts Matter – How daily gestures rebuild connection.

00:35:45 Emotional Healing & Health – How stress affects the body.

00:40:20 Advice for Relationships – Tips for newlyweds & long-term love.

00:45:00 Must-Read Books – Wendy’s top recommendations.

00:48:30 Outro – Final thoughts & where to follow.

Book Recommendations:
The Hoffman Process – A deep dive into understanding childhood influences and how they shape us.

Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg – A must-read for improving relationships and communication skills.

Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix – Essential for building stronger, healthier relationships.

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!