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Published by Coach Carrie
Welcome to Plucky Not Perfect —a podcast for women in midlife who want to build resilience, find courage, and embrace life’s messy middle with grit and grace. Hosted by Carrie Bradley—coach, caregiver, and cancer survivor—this podcast is about showing up as you are, letting go of perfection, and discovering strength in unexpected places. In Season 2, you’ll hear a mix of solo episodes and interviews with inspiring women who are navigating midlife transitions, health challenges, career shifts, family dynamics, and personal growth. Together, we’ll explore practical tools for resilience, self-care strategies that actually fit into busy lives, and mindset shifts that help you thrive when life doesn’t go as planned. Whether you’re over 40, caring for others while trying to care for yourself, or simply looking for encouragement to keep going—this podcast will remind you that you don’t have to be perfect to feel worthy and live bravely. Plucky means “determined courage.” Not perfect? That’s all of us. Join us to find hope, connection, and inspiration for one imperfect step at a time.
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That voice telling you that you’re not good enough is a liar, and you don’t have to listen to it. Leadership coach and spiritual guide Alison Dawn Lee chats with Carrie about confronting the inner critic, reclaiming parts of ourselves we’ve learned to suppress, and discovering who we are beyond the stories we’ve inherited. Alison shares her own “plucky” choices, from leaving a six-figure job before the 2008 financial crisis to moving from Canada to the U.S. to follow her heart. Alison offers practical ways to disengage from the inner critic, including getting into our bodies, taking up space, naming the messages we hear, and accessing what she calls our “essential strength.” She also explores how perfectionism, cultural messages, and even spiritual beliefs can keep us from fully embracing our power. Alison invites us to gather up all the scattered “ducklings” within us with love and compassion—and then fiercely protect them from the inner critic. Beneath all the voices telling us who we should be, there is a deeper self that is so much greater than we can imagine. Connect with Carrie on Instagram Connect with Alison: Website: Alison Dawn Lee Instagram and Facebook: @ alisondawnlee LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alisondawnlee Out Beyond Ideas Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts If this conversation resonated with you: She it with a friend who might need encouragement Leave a rating or review
Have you ever thought, I'd love to start a podcast... but who would listen to me? If so, you're not alone. I share the story behind launching Plucky Not Perfect, despite being shy, hating the sound of my own voice, and wondering if I’d have anything worthwhile to say. Forty-four episodes later, I’m looking back at what it really took to begin. This isn't a technical guide to podcasting. It's a pep talk for anyone sitting on a creative dream. Whether you're considering starting a podcast, writing a book, launching a business, or simply sharing your voice more boldly, these six "permission slips" will help you move from fear to action. In this episode, you'll learn: Why you don't have to feel ready before you begin. How accountability and community can help you overcome procrastination. Why every creator needs permission to be a beginner. How to define success on your own terms. Why it's okay (and healthy) for your creative work to evolve over time. The mindset shift that helps quiet your inner critic. Why courage matters more than confidence. Books & Resources Mentioned Teri Holland’s 5-Day Launch Your Podcast Challenge The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron (for quieting your inner critic) The Run Like A Girl Podcast | hosted by Courtney McQueen If this episode inspires you to start a podcast or any creative project, I would love to hear from you. Reach out with your questions, ideas, or fears. You don't have to figure it all out alone. Instagram: @carriejobradley Email: thecarriejobradley@gmail.com
What if your sensitivity wasn't a weakness to overcome, but a gift to embrace? Carrie chats with emotional intelligence coach Joanna Brewster for a deeply honest conversation about courage, self-awareness, and learning to trust yourself. Joanna shares her journey from a highly sensitive child who learned to suppress her feelings, to a woman who found the courage to leave an unhealthy marriage and rebuild her life. Along the way, she discovered the power of emotional intelligence—not just as a professional tool, but as a pathway back to herself. Carrie and Joanna explore how our thoughts, feelings, and actions shape our lives, why small courageous steps matter, and how learning to listen to our bodies can help us navigate fear, overwhelm, and change. Connect with Carrie on Instagram Connect with Joanna Website: www.hearttalks.ca Instagram: @hearttalks_withjoannabrewster Mentioned in This Episode The Quiet Courage Challenge A gentle, action-oriented 5-day experience for heart-led entrepreneurs ready to move from overthinking into grounded, courageous action. No hustle. No shame. Just regulated, quiet courage and small brave steps that move your business forward.
Fearful about getting a colonoscopy? I’m sharing practical colonoscopy prep tips, ways to manage anxiety, and encouragement for facing the fear of cancer screening. As a stage 3 colorectal cancer survivor diagnosed through colonoscopy, I explain why early detection matters and talk through the three most common fears. You’ll learn simple strategies to make prep day easier, calm your nervous system, and feel more confident and relaxed going into the procedure. Resources Colonoscopy Prep Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/08ACyCt6R5lgsXyV9kPLMp?si=650315d96cc6441d Recommended Podcast: What Everyone Gets Wrong about Colonoscopies: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iR5kJk050nCCCW7oyKI3F?si=81e415a6d2664ca5 If this episode helped you, please share it with someone preparing for a colonoscopy. And reach out to me at thecarriejobradley@gmail.com or on Instagram to let me know any results you want to share or any questions you have.
What if the thing you’ve been chasing was never the thing that would make you feel worthy? In this episode, I explore the arrival fallacy—the belief that once we hit a certain goal, we’ll finally feel happy, fulfilled, or “enough.” From striving for the perfect body to chasing achievement and simply trying to survive hard seasons, it’s amazing how the target keeps moving. I realized that worthiness isn’t something you earn; it’s something you choose to believe. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly proving yourself or waiting to arrive at “enough,” this conversation will meet you right where you are. Listen to the end for a simple journaling prompt to root this idea into your daily life. Connect with Carrie: Instagram: @CarrieJoBradley Email: thecarriejobradley@gmail.com If you’ve been enjoying the podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps more people find Plucky Not Perfect!
What does it mean to be plucky when life keeps throwing the unimaginable your way? Carrie sits down with author, advocate, and newly-trained voice actor Anne Mok to explore resilience—not as a personality trait you’re born with, but as something forged in the hardest seasons of life. After facing vision loss, chronic illness, grief, and caregiving challenges, Anne shares how she rebuilt her identity, found unexpected purpose, and created global community—all while learning to live one day (and one low-pain moment) at a time. If you’re in a hard season right now, Anne’s story offers this quiet encouragement: You don’t need to have it all figured out and you don’t have to have a five-year plan. Just take the next small step—and stay open to where it might lead. Connect with Carrie on Instagram Connect with Anne Instagram: @purposeinview Website: purposeinview.com If this conversation resonated with you: Share it with a friend who might need encouragement Leave a rating or review Send Carrie a message—what part of Anne’s story stayed with you?
In this solo episode, I walk through the structured journaling routine that helped carry me through one of the hardest seasons of my life—after cancer treatment, a failed ostomy reversal, and 40 days in the hospital. But here’s the secret: It wasn’t the journaling that carried me. It was God. Journaling simply became the space where I could process my thoughts, practice gratitude, and remember who God is and who I am. If you’ve ever wondered how to start journaling—or how to deepen your reflection practice—I share the simple prompts that help ground me each day. If you’re new to journaling, start small. Just pick one prompt and see what happens. Journaling doesn’t have to be perfect. One sentence counts. For me, journaling has become a way to process my thoughts, remember how God has been at work in my life, and notice how I’m growing over time. Let’s Continue the Conversation I’d love to hear about your journaling practice. What prompts do you use? Is there one from this episode you want to try? You can: Comment on Spotify Send me a DM on Instagram Email me at Courage Coaching with Carrie Danielle Wiebe – Bloom Business Collective Coach Jenn Moore Meredith Hite Estevez – Art Is How God Loves Us
What does it look like to rewrite your life without burning it down? As I sat down with coach, author, and “Goldie’s CEO,” Michelle Hooey, she shared her powerful story. Her daughter, Goldie, was born in 2023 with complex medical needs and spent nearly six months in the NICU, and still doesn’t have a diagnosis. In this conversation we explore: * what it means to be plucky in the face of uncertainty * how burnout can unravel your identity * why 15 minutes a day might be all it takes to begin rewriting your life. This episode is about surrender, scrappiness, resilience, and celebrating the small wins. Michelle’s new book, The Goldie Effect is available now! This memoir/self-help book shares her journey through trauma, uncertainty, and transformation — along with practical tools to help readers rewrite their own lives in small, sustainable ways. At the heart of the book is the 15-Minute Rewrite : Because 15 minutes is just 1% of your day, and small shifts add up. This episode is for you if you’re navigating uncertainty, a major life plot twist, burnout, or just need encouragement to keep going. Connect with your host, Coach Carrie on Instagram Connect with Michelle Website: anchorlesscoaching.com Instagram: @ instagram.com/michelle_hooey Her book: The Goldie Effect The energy audit is inside The 15-minute Rewrite
This isn’t about keeping resolutions or trying harder. It’s about not quitting on yourself. In this first episode of 2026, I explain what it really means to be plucky and why determined courage (not perfection) is the key to living an authentic, aligned life. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What “plucky” really means and how to practice determined courage Why perfectionism keeps us stuck (and how to move forward anyway) The PLUCKY framework: Proactive over reactive Longevity over rushing Underdog courage before confidence Consistency that compounds Kindness to your inner beginner Yet — the mindset that keeps you going If you’ve fallen off track, feel discouraged, or are tempted to quit, this episode will help you keep moving forward — imperfectly and bravely. Resources Book a free Courage Consult with Carrie Let’s connect on Instagram @ carriejobradley
What happens when life doesn’t just take a detour—but completely reroutes your future? In this deeply moving episode of Plucky Not Perfect, I’m joined by Erika Brouillette—mom, caregiver, advocate, podcast host, and founder of Reclaim: TBI Wives. Erika shares her story of becoming a full-time caregiver overnight when her husband suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, and how that moment reshaped her identity, faith, boundaries, and purpose. We talk about: Advocating for a child with special needs—and a spouse with a traumatic brain injury Becoming a caregiver in the middle of crisis (and COVID) Losing yourself in survival mode—and how to slowly reclaim who you are The permission many women need to care for themselves without guilt Setting boundaries after years of people-pleasing Finding hope when doctors give none Why community matters when no one else truly “gets it” Gratitude, faith, and recognizing glimmers of hope in the darkest seasons Erika also shares how her own healing led her to create a space for other women walking similar roads—women who are so often asked how their husband is doing, but rarely how they are. This conversation is for anyone who has found themselves living a life they didn’t plan—and is learning how to keep going anyway. Connect with Erika: Website & Community: Reclaim TBI Wives Podcast: Real Lives of TBI Wives Socials: Facebook , Instagram , TikTok Connect with your host: Carrie
When someone you care about is facing grief, illness, divorce, or any major life shake-up, it’s easy to worry about saying the wrong thing… and end up doing nothing. After my own cancer journey and recovery, I learned firsthand what truly helps and what doesn’t. In this episode, we cover: Why something is better than nothing (even if you feel awkward) How to check in without adding pressure or expecting a reply Offering specific, practical help instead of “Let me know if you need anything” Caring for friends from afar: texts, cards, gift cards, meaningful little touches Supporting friends nearby: homemade food, errands, childcare, time together What not to do when you're trying to help A gentle reminder: You don’t have to be perfect, just present. Plucky helps! Small gestures of care go a long way. Email me at thecarriejobradley@gmail.com if you would like the companion guide to this episode, a free printable PDF with tangible reminders of how to help in a time of need. Let’s connect on Instagram @carriejobradley.
What if the bravest thing you could do was to slow down? In this episode, Carrie talks with life coach, speaker, and author Heather Boersma about redefining success, finding rest, and living from a deep sense of worthiness instead of striving for it. Heather shares how years of chasing achievement led her to burnout and anxiety, and how she learned to live “from significance, not for it.” Together, they explore rest as a courageous act, how to realign with your core values, and why being present is the true measure of a meaningful life. In this conversation: The difference between living for success and living from significance How burnout taught Heather to reimagine rest as strength, not laziness Co-regulation, nervous system safety, and redefining identity beyond productivity Courage, worthiness, and the beauty of slowing down Practical ways to live from your values Resources & Links: www.heatherboersma.com The Rest Revolution Connect with your host: www.instagram.com/carriejobradley .
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “too late” to start over—or felt stuck between who you’ve been and who you want to become, this is the episode for you. Jennifer Montgomery-Lay’s story is one of unimaginable resilience. As a cancer mom for more than two decades, she’s spent much of her adult life caregiving. Instead of letting fear or past identities define her, Jenn has learned to lean into discomfort to step out into new adventures. Jenn and Carrie met at a business networking event a few years ago. Back then Jenn didn’t have a business—just a quiet nudge that she was meant for something more. What she did have was courage. In this episode, Jenn shares how her family traveled the world in the midst of heartbreak, chaos and uncertainty. She talks about how travel became a catalyst for healing, and how she’s now helping others rediscover themselves through adventure. We talk about perfectionism, giving ourselves permission to dream again, and what it really means to be plucky in midlife. As Jenn said, “You’re gonna be okay. Even if you look silly. Even if you mess up. You can find people who believe in you until you believe in yourself.” In This Episode: The uncomfortable moment that sparked Jenn’s reinvention Life as a cancer mom: the raw truth, not the hashtag version How a one-way ticket and a leap of faith changed everything The healing power of travel and curiosity Saying yes to new adventures (even when it feels scary) Resources & Links: www.instagram.com/lifealloverthemap Connect with your host: www.instagram.com/carriejobradley .
In this episode, Carrie shares her personal journey of facing the fear of surgery following her battle with colorectal cancer and past traumatic hospital experiences. She discusses the emotional challenges of preparing for surgery, the importance of acknowledging fear, and the role of mindfulness and community support. Carrie discusses the Plucky Challenge as a way to build courage and emphasizes that who we are matters more than our actions in moments of fear. She encourages listeners to embrace their fears and lean into their inner courage. The episode concludes with a listener’s insight. Resources & Links: This Simple Mind Hack Will Help You Overcome Any Fear: www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-15/ Connect with your host: www.instagram.com/carriejobradley .
Do you ever hold yourself back because you’re afraid to speak up — or worried what people will think? Today’s guest, Teri Holland, knows that fear well. Once nicknamed “Mouse” for how quiet she was as a child, Teri has transformed into a confident speaker, coach, and top 1% podcaster. We trace her journey from a shy little girl whispering to her parents, to a coach who has given a TEDx talk and helps others use their voices with courage and confidence. Teri shares: How a single solo line in a Christmas concert changed everything What acting taught her about safety, scripts, and control and how she learned to be confident without them How burnout and illness led her to the world of NLP, hypnotherapy, and timeline therapy The story behind starting her podcast, Success in Mind — and what happened when imposter syndrome shut it down at its peak What it really takes to build confidence and transform self-doubt How courage and confidence are skills we can all practice and grow 🎧 This conversation will remind you that courage and confidence aren’t fixed traits, they’re muscles we can build. Teri proves that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about a fulfilling life fueled by growth, grit and courage. Resources & Links www.instagram.com/theteriholland www.teriholland.ca Connect with your host, on www.instagram.com/carriejobradley .
Carrie reconnects with her friend Lindsay Aho (Kuehster), who shares her powerful story of loss and rebuilding with courage. Lindsay opens up about life behind the façade of perfection — navigating her husband’s alcoholism and PTSD and facing unimaginable loss when he took his own life. Through it all, Lindsay found the strength to start again, to heal, and to redefine what grace looks like. Her story reminds us that courage isn’t about pretending everything is fine; it’s about facing the truth, asking for help, and rebuilding one brave step at a time. In this episode: The hidden pain behind “having it all together” Recognizing when it’s time to leave and finding the courage to do it Healing from trauma and loss through writing and community The power of forgiveness for ourselves and others What “strength” looks like when you don’t feel strong Resources & Links Lindsay’s memoir: Redefining Grace Connect with Carrie: @carriejobradley
Courage isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this episode, I share 10 types of courage—from beginning and speaking to resting and persisting—and how small, daily acts of bravery can strengthen your “plucky muscles.” Plus, learn more about the 100-Day Plucky Challenge to grow your courage one small step at a time. 📥 Want to Join the Challenge? Email thecarriejobradley@gmail.com to get a printable checklist with 100 small dares to help you grow your courage one day at a time. 💛 Stay Connected Follow @carriejobradley on social media and share your acts of courage. Remember—it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being plucky.
Ashley Wiles—founder of Sole Girls, TEDx speaker, Ironman athlete, and mom—joins Carrie to talk about building resilience. Ashley shares powerful tools from her new program, The Inner Game, and offers tangible ways parents can model resilience, recover from mistakes, and build authentic confidence without perfectionism. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to support girls (and yourself) after mistakes or setbacks A simple “mistake ritual” to stop the shame spiral Why confidence is an inside job The power of using and instead of but to hold two truths Ashley also opens up about her own struggles, from prenatal depression to self-doubt, and shares practical mental performance tools parents and kids can use right away. Resources & Links Learn more about Ashley’s programs: Sole Girls Mental Performance Training for Sports Girls Follow Ashley on Instagram: @sole_girls, @evaruns Connect with Carrie on Instagram: @carriejobradley
What if the things you’re saving for that perfect “someday” are holding you back today? In this episode of Plucky Not Perfect, Carrie talks with TEDx speaker and communication coach Gillian Parlane, whose talk Change Your Closet, Change Your Life has reached over 3.2 million views. Gillian shares how a melted candle became the catalyst for her life motto: don’t let your candle melt in the closet. From daring to wear what you’ve been saving, to moving toward your fears, to finding courage in public speaking, Gillian reveals practical ways to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start living fully right now. You’ll hear: Why saving your best things for the perfect moment can hold you back The two scarcity mindsets—I’m not enough and I don’t have enough—that keep us stuck How courage comes before confidence (and why small steps matter most) The surprising ripple effects of improving your communication skills Why public speaking is more like giving a gift than delivering a performance Whether you’re holding onto a necklace, an unopened bottle of champagne, or a hidden dream, this conversation will challenge you to use what you have, wear what you love, and take action before you feel ready. Links & Resources: Watch Gillian’s TEDx Talk: Change Your Closet, Change Your Life Learn more about Gillian’s Public Speaking Playground and coaching: gillianparlane.ca Follow Gillian on Instagram: @gillianparlane Connect with your host, @carrriejobradley If this episode inspired you, take a photo of something you’re finally using or wearing and tag us—let’s start a movement of not letting our candles melt in the closet!
In this first episode of Season 2 of Plucky Not Perfect, we get real about what it means to show up in the messy middle of life, especially when things don’t go as planned. After a year marked by cancer treatments, complications, and unexpected setbacks, Carrie shares three practices that carried her through hard days: Accepting help and letting others in — why strength isn’t about going it alone Gaining perspective with reflection — how journaling turns hardship into growth Taking it one day at a time — simple tools to stay present when life feels overwhelming If you’ve ever felt stuck in a storm, this short episode will remind you that resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, one imperfect step at a time. Let us know your thoughts and ideas for Season 2! Connect with your host, Coach Carrie @carriejobradley .
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Observed September 5, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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