Grief doesn’t follow rules and neither does love. This conversation explores both through the eyes of a mother, therapist, and writer.

In this heartfelt conversation, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Sally McQuillen, a psychotherapist and author of Reaching for Beautiful. Sally shared her powerful journey through grief following the unexpected loss of her son, Christopher, and how that experience inspired her to write a memoir.

The episode explores the layers of parental love, the challenges of navigating modern mental health—especially in the digital age—and how storytelling can be a profound tool for healing. Ultimately, the discussion is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding beauty and meaning in the midst of loss.

📘 3 Key Takeaways:

1. Writing Heals – Grief led Sally to write, turning pain into purpose and a powerful memoir.

2. Vulnerability Connects – Sharing her son’s story helps others feel seen and less alone.

3. Stories Live On – Through storytelling, Christopher’s spirit—and love—endures.

Check out Sally McQuillen’s book, Reaching for Beautiful: a Memoir of Loving and Losing a Wild Child.

Share this episode with someone who may need a message of hope, love, and healing today.

What happens when your identity is tied to your achievements?

In this energizing episode, Elizabeth Parsons shares how retirement isn’t an end, but a powerful beginning. She is the author of "Encore", and a former international law firm attorney who made a bold mid-life pivot to create a more intentional life.

The discussion dives into how our culture overemphasizes financial planning and underprepares us for the emotional transition of retirement, the myth of time abundance, and the importance of reclaiming personal agency through small, proactive steps.

3 Key Takeaways:

Retirement Isn’t Just About Money
Many people entering retirement are financially prepared—but emotionally lost. Planning for purpose and identity is just as critical as planning for income.

Time Abundance Can Be Paralyzing
After decades of time scarcity, having “oodles of time” can feel daunting. Creating structure and intentionality is key to navigating this new reality.

Proactivity is a Muscle
High-achievers often spend years reacting to others’ demands. Retirement requires retraining that muscle—to stop reacting and start creating a life that reflects your true priorities.

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• Ready to approach retirement as a new beginning, not an ending? Learn more at https://zelinkaparsons.com/

  
  

  Pick up a copy of Encore on Amazon. Then share it with someone you know who’s preparing for—or already navigating—this major life shift.

  
  

  Subscribe to Real Things Living for more honest conversations that help you move forward with purpose.

What happens when you walk away from your dream and return with deeper purpose?

Singer, songwriter, and healer Tally Koren shares how she rediscovered her voice, stayed true to her art, and found healing through music and spirituality.

Tally opens up about the emotional detour that paused her music journey and the powerful return that followed. She discusses the importance of authenticity, trusting the creative process, and using music as a form of healing.

This conversation explores the deeper connection between art and the soul, and why it’s never too late to live your purpose.

3 Takeaways:

(1) Music is a spiritual mirror that helps us heal and connect.

(2) Staying authentic matters more than chasing trends or fame.

(3) Trusting your path—even in uncertainty—can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

Listen now to be inspired by Tally’s story and reconnect with your own creative spark.

🔗 Learn more at https://www.tallykoren.com

📱 Subscribe and share Real Things Living with someone who needs this message.

What if everything changed in a moment and you still found the strength to move forward?

In this powerful episode of Real Things Living, author and advocate Becky Galli shares how she transformed a series of life-altering challenges into a life filled with meaning, purpose, and connection.

From unexpected paralysis days after divorce to the loss of a child and raising kids with special needs, Becky has faced more than most. Yet her story is anything but bleak—it's a masterclass in grace, grit, and choosing possibility over pity.

Takeaways:

• • How journaling became a lifeline—and eventually a published legacy—for navigating grief and trauma.
  • Why letting go of certain hopes can lead to emotional clarity and peace.

• • How her daughter’s autism diagnosis inspired the creation of Pathfinders for Autism, now celebrating 25 years of impact.

  
  

  Tune in to hear how Becky Galli is rethinking what’s possible and how you can too.

  
  

  Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that life can still be good...no matter what. Learn more about Becky and her books at https://beckyGalli.com

Do you ever feel like you're your own worst enemy?

In this episode, Brittni Cosgrove shares her personal journey from anxiety and self-doubt to self-discovery and empowerment; overcoming perfectionism and burnout, and how that led her to becoming a life and business coach.

3 Takeaways:

(1) Self-Awareness is Key: Recognizing self-sabotaging behaviors is the first step to overcoming them.

(2) The Power of "Why": Understanding your deep motivations and "why" behind your goals is crucial for staying focused and motivated.

(3) Compassion Heals: Practicing self-compassion and extending that compassion to others can transform your relationships and your life.

Discover how to break free from limiting beliefs and step into your true potential.

Take 1–3 minutes today to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Get clear on one thing you want—and ask yourself why it matters. Small steps like this can create a powerful ripple effect of growth and healing.

Follow Brittni on Instagram at @brittni.cosgrove or visit brittnicosgrove.com.

Tara Harris, founder and CEO of FemeFlex, shares how personal discomfort led to purposeful innovation. She opens up about the moment that sparked the idea for the pantyless panty liner, a reusable product that sticks to the skin.

Through humor, honesty, and a passion for helping women feel more secure in their bodies, Tara shares how she’s redefining feminine hygiene and creating space for more open conversations.

3 Key Takeaways:

(1) Necessity Sparks Innovation – Tara’s solution was born from a relatable moment and turned into a product designed for real women’s lives.

(2) Confidence Through Comfort – FemeFlex supports health, hygiene, and body positivity for women at every stage.

(3) Breaking the Silence – Tara is on a mission to normalize conversations around women’s bodies and needs—with no shame, and plenty of humor.

Want to learn more ? Visit https://Femeflex.com

And if this episode made you smile, feel seen, or think of someone who’d love it—share it forward.

What happens when you follow your heart across the world—and end up transforming your purpose along the way? Aub Wallace did just that.

Now based in the Netherlands, this nature-loving entrepreneur is helping mission-driven brands grow with clarity and impact.

In this episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte speaks with Aub Wallace, co-founder of Dandelion Branding, about weaving sustainability into business and everyday life.

Key Takeaways:

• • Sustainability in Business: Dandelion Branding works exclusively with clients focused on making a change, such as regenerative farms and climate tech companies, and focuses on reducing the digital footprint of their work.
  • The Power of Local Action: Aub emphasizes that while federal and state-level actions are important, individuals can make a significant difference through local efforts like supporting community gardens and engaging with local politics.

• • Sustainability is a mindset: Aub’s lifelong connection to nature informs how she helps others think long-term and regenerative.

  Inspired to make a change? Start by assessing the plastic in your kitchen, or if you're a business owner, examine your supply chain. But most importantly, Aub encourages everyone to get involved in their local community to drive tangible change.

  
  

  Check out Aub Wallace’s website at dandelionbranding.com and follow them on Instagram @dandelion_branding to learn more about sustainable practices.

  
  

In this conversation, Brigitte Cutshall and Rachel Langston discuss the power of life coaching, particularly in the context of the changes brought about by COVID-19.

Rachel shares her journey from a diverse career background to becoming a life coach, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, focus, and authenticity in personal growth.

They explore how mindset plays a crucial role in achieving goals and the necessity for younger generations to embrace learning and change in a rapidly evolving world.

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing Change and Adaptability: Rachel's story highlights the importance of being adaptable and open to change, especially in a rapidly evolving world. She emphasizes that our career paths may not always be linear and that new opportunities can arise unexpectedly.

  
  

• The Power of Focus: Rachel's coaching philosophy, "Focus on Fewer," encourages individuals to prioritize and concentrate on one or two tasks at a time to enhance productivity and reduce overwhelm.

  
  

• Mindset Matters: The discussion emphasizes the significance of mindset, particularly adopting a growth mindset, to overcome challenges and achieve goals.

To learn more about Rachel and how to apply the "Focus on Fewer" mindset to your life, visit her on Instagram at @focusonfewer, explore her website focusonfewer.net, and subscribe to her monthly newsletter at focusonfewer.substack.com