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. 

Let’s embrace the gift of winter—slowing down, reflecting, and preparing for what’s next. In This Episode: The value of honoring the season you’re in. How to rethink limitations as opportunities for growth. Four reflection questions to guide your year-end review or seasonal reset. A tip for turning your resolutions into actionable, motivating questions. Reflection Questions Mentioned: What worked? What didn’t? What did you learn about yourself? What do you want more or less of? Links and Resources: Book Mentioned: Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss Season 2 coming this spring! Let's connect: find me on Instagram @‌carriejobradley or email thecarriejobradley@gmail.com. Next Steps: If you’re setting resolutions this year, try turning them into questions: Example: Instead of “I will eat more vegetables,” ask, “What would help me eat more vegetables?” Journal prompts– How did last year compare to what I originally expected? How would I describe the past year in one word? What challenges did I face? How did I grow? What were my proudest accomplishments?  What brought me the most joy and meaning in the last year? What do I want to focus on most next year?  What resources and support do I need to reach my goals? If I had to give a name to this season I’m in, what would it be?    Join Me in Season 2:I’ll be back in the spring with more interviews and solo episodes exploring how limitations can shape who we’re meant to become. Until then, stay plucky and thank you for listening to Season 1!  

Change is inevitable, but that doesn't make it easy! Here is my advice for navigating change.  I also give an update about life after surgery, including some exciting news.    Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @‌carriejobradley.  

I didn't know if I would be able to complete the 100-kilometer Tour De Cure bike ride and raise funds for research during cancer treatment. But I'm happy to report that goal is completed! Many thanks for my supporters.  Tune in to hear why self-compassion is more helpful than self-pity and how you can use this powerful mindset to propel you to do hard things softly.  Links mentioned:  Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @‌carriejobradley or email thecarriejobradley@gmail.com.  Remember to share your #pluckynotperfect moments on social media. Tag me and use the hashtag when you show up bravely and imperfectly. I want to celebrate with you!              

In the midst of chemotherapy, I haven't forgotten about this podcast and don't want to neglect it for too long. I'm sharing a short little story about my cat and how it relates to my athletic goals during this time. If you're ill or injured, you might relate.  Links mentioned:  Fundraiser for BC Cancer, Tour de Cure 100k bike ride: https://tourdecure.ca/fundraiser/carriejobradley   Remember to share your #pluckynotperfect moments on social media. Tag me and use the hashtag when you show up bravely and imperfectly. I want to celebrate with you! Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @‌carriejobradley or email me at thecarriejobradley@gmail.com.   

It’s hard to keep going without knowing where the finish line is.  But you can persevere more easily with some techniques like segmentation (“Two miles to the top.”)  Simon Marshall, my former mentor and coach, who passed away from pancreatic cancer on June 1, 2024, taught me this on a fateful day in 2017. Hear a touching story of how he impacted my life and inspired me to attempt to ride 100k in the upcoming Tour De Cure 2024 in his memory.  He and his wife Lesley Paterson offer many other valuable lessons in enduring suffering in their book, The Brave Athlete.  Resources and Links: Rich Roll’s Podcast Interview with Lesley Paterson: World Champion Athlete & Oscar-Nominated Writer Lesley Paterson On Mindset, Performance & Persistence  The Brave Athlete Book: The Brave Athlete, Book by Simon Marshall, PhD, Lesley Paterson  Fundraiser for BC Cancer Foundation: https://tourdecure.ca/fundraiser/carriejobradley

First doctors told her she would go blind because of a brain tumor, but she didn't. Twenty years later they discovered a massive liver tumor and diagnosed her with a non-treatable cancer, Primary Hepatic Angio Sarcoma. Later, she found two breast tumors. Most people with this condition are given 2-6 months to live. But Monica Rosenke is living an active and thriving life as a mom of three, Personal Trainer, coach and adventurist. Tune in to hear what healing shifts she’s made to thrive and be courageous when facing death and authentically living life.    Favorite quotes:    “Movement is a tool to work with your body, not on your body.”   “I’m acutely aware of every breath anyone takes is one breath closer to death. That makes you just want to live your life and grab it by the pelotas and like, really, really live it. And you start to shed layers of appeasing to others..who other people want you to be and you start to realize that this is my one and only life I get to live.”    “Thriving with cancer is living in the moment because I’m not guaranteed tomorrow. But nobody is.”    “Moving into acceptance quickly for me has been key.”    “It [cancer] doesn’t define what I can do. This is my F-U to cancer, not letting cancer steal my joy, my peace, my calm….That applies even to people who are afraid to do that thing…If you’re living in fear of death, you’ll never live.”    “I’m enough in whatever circumstance in this very moment. When I came to that place of deeply knowing in my gut that I’m sacred and that I’m a gift…the other things became more pleasurable.”    “Strong, capable, able…Hold hands with fear and step into courage.”    “I’ve been brave for a very long time in my life. I just did not know that about myself.”    Connect with Monica:  @monicarosenke.wellness www.monicarosenke.com     Remember to share your #pluckynotperfect moments on social media. Tag me and use the hashtag when you show up bravely and imperfectly. I want to celebrate with you! Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @‌carriejobradley or email carrie@carriejobradley.com.  

There is no courage without vulnerability as Brene Brown says. Vulnerability involves uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure. It feels very vulnerable to share my diagnosis with you, but I want you to be a part of the journey.  Being plucky is about enduring the messy middle and going through the valleys to get to the finish line, the medal, the mountain top.  While cancer is not what I expected, nor is it what I wanted at this stage of my life, I can see it as a gift.  If you want to hear more about my story, take 20 minutes and listen. May you be encouraged to see your own challenges as opportunities as well.  In this episode I refer to 5 levels of gratitude I learned from James Wedmore, in which he talks about on his podcast, Mind Your Business.  Remember to share your #pluckynotperfect moments on social media. Tag me and use the hashtag when you show up bravely and imperfectly. I want to celebrate with you! Connect with your host: Coach Carrie @‌carriejobradley or email me at carrie@carriejobradley.com.      

We're starting something new! It's called Coaching Corner. It’s a real coaching session recorded live and shared with you. This is an insider’s look at what it’s like to work with Coach Carrie.  In my session with Alex, you might relate if you… * lack community and would like to find more runner friends * are in a phase of life where running isn’t as much of a priority as it used to be * would like to get back into running but not quite as intensely as before * have associated running with being obsessive about body image and food.  If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast so you’ll be the first to know when more are released.  Connect with Alex on Instagram @mindfulwithmedia and check out her podcast.  If you want to be coached for free and are willing to share your session on the podcast (you can remain anonymous if you'd like), click here to apply.  I would love to help you work through whatever issues you're facing in your running journey.  We hope you find these sessions relatable and helpful. Sometimes it’s nice just knowing you’re not alone.  I respond to every message and would love to hear your takeaways and aha moments. Email me at carrie@carriejobradley.com or send me a DM on Instagram @carriejobradley. If you’re doing something that requires determined courage, use the hashtag #pluckynotperfect and tag me. I always love to reshare and cheer you on.

In this episode we dive more into the definition of “plucky” –what it is and isn’t. I give examples of plucky people including my friend, Mandy, and Susan Atkey, who writes about her stroke recovery on Medium. She is swimming 100k and raising awareness and funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation.  Learn to be plucky like a baby duck learns to fly–by winging it. Watch baby ducks courageously jumping from their nest here.  Connect with me, Coach Carrie, @carriejobradley. If you’re doing something that requires determined courage, use the hashtag #pluckynotperfect and tag me. I always love to reshare and cheer you on.