Ever felt like your reality is being twisted, leaving you second-guessing your instincts? In this episode, host Beth dives deep into the hidden world of gaslighting, sharing raw listener confessions and hard-won victories. Discover the subtle signs of manipulation, learn how to anchor yourself in the truth, and hear how simple actions can become powerful steps toward reclaiming your story. If you're ready to trust your gut, honor your experiences, and surround yourself with voices that reflect your truth, this episode is your permission slip to start rebuilding, one small win at a time. Connect! Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Buy Beth Butram a coffee at ko-fi.com/bethpodcast. Never required but always appreciated!  Substack: https://substack.com/@bethbutram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsbybeth/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@podcastsbybeth TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@podcastsbybeth Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

Ready to transform how you connect with others? In this episode, host Beth reveals how you can spark genuine adult friendships, even with a packed schedule. Discover the magic of small moments, mindful attention, and simple actions that turn everyday encounters into lasting connections. Tune in for practical tips, relatable stories, and a refreshing perspective on building friendships that truly fit your life. Connect! During this episode, I referenced two volunteer websites: idealist.com (local and virtual volunteer opportunities with nonprofits and social service agencies) volunteer.gov (includes National Park Service volunteer opportunities) Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Buy Beth Butram a coffee at ko-fi.com/bethpodcast. Never required but always appreciated!  Substack: substack.com/@bethbutram Instagram: instagram.com/podcastsbybeth/ Threads: threads.com/@podcastsbybeth TikTok: tiktok.com/@podcastsbybeth   Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

Host Beth explores the complex emotions of the holiday season and shares gentle, intentional ideas for spending the day alone or stepping back from the holiday bustle. She finishes with two personal family memories that illuminate gratitude found in quiet, unexpected moments and encourages listeners to honor whatever this season means for them. Connect! Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Buy Beth Butram a coffee at ko-fi.com/bethpodcast. Never required, always appreciated!  Substack: substack.com/@bethbutram Instagram: instagram.com/podcastsbybeth/ Threads: threads.com/@podcastsbybeth TikTok: tiktok.com/@podcastsbybeth Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

Beth narrates a short blog exploring seven meaningful holidays from around the world — Diwali, Hanami, Eid al-Fitr, Hanukkah, Nowruz, Día de los Muertos, and Kwanzaa. She reflects on how these traditions teach connection, gratitude, renewal, and shared humanity. Connect! Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Buy Beth Butram a coffee at ko-fi.com/bethpodcast. Never required, always appreciated!  Substack: https://substack.com/@bethbutram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsbybeth/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@podcastsbybeth TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@podcastsbybeth Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

Host Beth explores the practice of slowing down in a culture that glorifies constant productivity. Through personal stories and practical suggestions, she explains how intentional pauses can restore presence, creativity, and a deeper sense of 'enoughness.' Listeners are encouraged to try small rituals like mindful breaks, slow dinners, and unhurried tasks. Reclaim time, reduce guilt around rest, and live more fully. Connect! Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Buy Beth Butram a coffee at ko-fi.com/bethpodcast. Never required, always appreciated!  Substack: https://substack.com/@bethbutram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsbybeth/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@podcastsbybeth TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@podcastsbybeth Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

Sometimes connection isn’t found in big gestures. It’s in the quiet act of being present. In this episode, Beth explores how showing up for the small, everyday moments can rebuild a sense of belonging in a world that often feels disconnected. From shared smiles with strangers to conversations that linger, she unpacks how real connection starts with intentional attention. Whether you’ve been feeling isolated or simply craving more meaningful interactions, this episode is a gentle reminder that presence—yours and theirs—still matters. Tune in for reflections, stories, and a challenge to reconnect, one small moment at a time. Connect! Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Buy Beth Butram a coffee at ko-fi.com/bethpodcast. Never required, always appreciated!  Substack: https://substack.com/@bethbutram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsbybeth/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@podcastsbybeth TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@podcastsbybeth Patreon (exclusive content): https://patreon.com/SocialLeopards Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

We all have those moments when our minds wander straight into the land of what ifs. What if I fail? What if I say the wrong thing? What if this doesn’t work out? In this episode of Social Leopards, Beth unpacks the anxious energy behind those questions and explores how we can make peace with uncertainty, instead of trying to outthink it. Through personal reflection, humor, and a few surprising insights, we’ll look at how fear often disguises itself as “planning ahead,” and how to catch yourself before your imagination turns into a worry factory. If you’ve ever felt stuck between curiosity and control, this conversation will remind you that growth lives somewhere in the middle. Connect! Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Buy Beth Butram a coffee at ko-fi.com/bethpodcast. Never required but always appreciated!  Substack: https://substack.com/@bethbutram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsbybeth/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@podcastsbybeth TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@podcastsbybeth Patreon (exclusive content): https://patreon.com/SocialLeopards Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

Gratitude season is here, but what if you’re not exactly feeling the “overflowing abundance” energy this year? In this Thanksgiving episode, Beth takes a refreshingly honest look at what gratitude actually feels like when life is messy, busy, or just plain human. With warmth, humor, and a few small reflections, she explores how thankfulness can coexist with chaos—and how to find comfort in the quiet, unpolished corners of everyday life. No toxic positivity, no performative “thankful lists”—just an open-hearted reminder that gratitude doesn’t have to be spectacular to be real. Connect! Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Buy Beth Butram a coffee at ko-fi.com/bethpodcast. Never required but always appreciated!  Substack: https://substack.com/@bethbutram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsbybeth/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@podcastsbybeth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastsbybeth  Patreon (exclusive content): https://patreon.com/SocialLeopards Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

In this bonus mini-episode, Beth shares her short story called "A Soft Place for Gratitude," following Aya as she discovers quiet moments of thankfulness on a peaceful hillside. The tale shows how gratitude can be found in small, simple moments rather than big celebrations. This episode closes with a set of gentle affirmations to help you notice the steady, luminous things supporting you through the holiday season. Did you enjoy what you heard? Subscribe to Affirmations and Micro-Meditations, a mindfulness podcast designed to meet you where you are. Each episode is under five minutes, offering a soft landing in your day. Whether you're navigating stress, seeking a spark of encouragement, or just craving a moment of stillness, these bite-sized reflections are here to support you. It’s streaming now from wherever you listen to this podcast, or you can listen directly here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/affirmations-and-micro-meditations--6793204 Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Buy Beth Butram a coffee at ko-fi.com/bethpodcast. Never required but always appreciated!  Substack: https://substack.com/@bethbutram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsbybeth/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@podcastsbybeth TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@podcastsbybeth Patreon (exclusive content): https://patreon.com/SocialLeopards Music credit: Loverush, Franz Gordon and Dragonfly, Rikard From (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

Beth opens Season 5 with a candid conversation about the inner critic, exploring why it shows up, how it holds us back, and practical, compassionate ways to respond instead of surrendering to self-judgment. Listen for simple strategies to help you move forward with more confidence and less noise. Connect! Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Buy Beth Butram a coffee at ko-fi.com/bethpodcast. Never required but always appreciated!  Substack: https://substack.com/@bethbutram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsbybeth/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@podcastsbybeth TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@socia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastsbybeth Patreon (exclusive content): https://patreon.com/SocialLeopards Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

In this episode, Beth reflects on Ryan Delaney's essay about the modern loneliness epidemic and how digital convenience has eroded everyday human connection. She shares personal stories, practical suggestions—like choosing conversation over self-checkout and joining Meetup groups—and emphasizes the importance of intentionally creating moments of presence to rebuild meaningful relationships. ABOUT THIS WEEK’S FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR: Ryan Delaney left Fortune 500 sales to design a life of genuine freedom ✦ Burned-out 30-something to thriving by 40 via intentional practices, inner work & beautiful relationships ✦ Writing about the messy path to a life you wouldn't trade for anything—or anyone Connect with Ryan at newsletter.ryandelaney.co/ or find him on Substack.com. CONTACT US AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Connect with Social Leopards: Buy Beth Butram a coffee at ko-fi.com/bethpodcast. Never required, always appreciated!  Substack: https://substack.com/@bethbutram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsbybeth/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@podcastsbybeth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastsbybeth  Patreon (exclusive content): https://patreon.com/SocialLeopards Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

In this episode, Beth recounts Skip Concannon's story. He relocates his family from Boston to rural Oregon and discovers that the move forces a deeper reckoning about identity, purpose and family life. Stripped of professional validation and surrounded by quiet, he learns practical skills, leans on a new community, and finds value in presence and humility rather than constant productivity. This episode explores how slowing down can reveal hidden parts of ourselves and transform relationships, parenting, and the sense of belonging. ABOUT THIS WEEK’S FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR: Skip Concannon is a former business executive turned writer, covering hidden economies, strange events, business stories that impact us all and the occasional personal essay. You can find his work here: https://skipconcannon.substack.com/ Top of Form CONTACT US AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Connect with Social Leopards: Buy Beth Butram a coffee at Ko-Fi.com/bethpodcast. Never required, always appreciated!  Substack: https://substack.com/@bethbutram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsbybeth/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@podcastsbybeth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastsbybeth Patreon (exclusive content): https://patreon.com/SocialLeopards Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

Ready to trade sleepless nights for real rest? Discover the game-changing science behind better sleep in this week’s episode! Host Beth dives into Tara Parker-Pope’s expert insights and shares the proven strategies that finally helped her drift off—no matter how stubborn her insomnia. Tune in for eye-opening tips like ‘cognitive shuffling,’ the secret power of ‘nappuccinos,’ and simple bedtime rituals that actually work. Plus, find out how you can add hours of quality sleep to your nights, waking up feeling truly refreshed. Don’t miss Beth’s honest review of sleep aids and routines, quick hacks for controlling light and managing bedtime stress, and links to more resources so you can finally conquer insomnia. Press play and unlock your best night’s sleep yet! ABOUT THIS WEEK’S FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR: Tara Parker-Pope is a longtime science writer with an MPH from Yale, and founder of the New York Times Well section. Her newsletter “One Day Better” is a place where she shares science-backed, practical and surprising health advice to help us all live better every day. Tara’s Substack: https://substack.com/@taraparkerpope Referenced links: Cognitive shuffling: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/well/mind/sleep-cognitive-shuffling.html Heading to bed earlier: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2024/05/night-owl-behavior-could-hurt-mental-health--sleep-study-finds.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com Dogsomnia:  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/11/well/family/dog-insomnia-sleep-effects.html?unlocked_article_code=1.fU8.vafT.BqybYAa_9uKJ&smid=url-share Daniel Pink’s Substack: https://substack.com/@danielpink?utm_source=global-search CONTACT US AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Connect with Social Leopards: Substack (FREE subscription includes a weekly blog): @socialleopards YouTube: @social-leopards Instagram: socialleopards TikTok: @socialleopards Patreon (exclusive content including guided meditations, affirmations and audio version of the weekly blog): SocialLeopards  Buy Beth Butram a Coffee at Ko-Fi. Not required, but greatly appreciated!  Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

Are you prone to the occasional midnight meltdown or just a reality check? In this week’s episode, Beth gets real about Lina’s epic article, "The 2 AM Urge to Reinvent Your Entire Life." Why do those late-night brainstorms feel like pure genius (especially when your ADHD brain is riding the chaos express)? And why do those big plans usually fizzle out by sunrise? Tune in for tips like jotting down wild ideas before they vanish, giving yourself a mental “cool-down” clause, and building super-easy habits that even your sleep-deprived self can crush. Plus: Beth serves up a side of self-compassion, because perfection is overrated, And let’s be honest, nobody’s thriving at 2 AM anyway! About this week’s featured contributor: Lina shares information and experiences about their life with ADHD, undiagnosed for more than 20 years. Lina’s bio shares: adhd, as it really feels. science-backed. emotionally real. for anyone who’s ever been called lazy but knew better. Their Substack newsletter is called Open Tabs Club, and you can find them at substack.com/@theadhdjournal CONTACT US AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Connect with Social Leopards: Substack (FREE subscription includes a weekly blog): @socialleopards YouTube: @social-leopards Instagram: socialleopards TikTok: @socialleopards Patreon (exclusive content including guided meditations, affirmations and audio version of the weekly blog): SocialLeopards  Buy Beth Butram a Coffee at Ko-Fi. Not required, but greatly appreciated!    Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

This episode contrasts the viral "Sunday reset" with a gentler "Sunday recharge," featuring a somewhat anonymous Substack creator, who writes about choosing rest over productivity. It highlights simple rituals that can refill your energy instead of exhausting it. Beth reflects on how prioritizing small restorative habits reduces stress and impulse spending, offers permission to make Sunday your own opportunity to recharge and feel better about the week ahead.  About this week’s featured contributor: I write about anxiety, social anxiety, shame, and the chaos of being human — with honesty, softness, and sometimes sharp edges. My words are personal, sometimes messy, sometimes angry, but always real. I try to publish once a week, always with care and intention — never just to fill your inbox. If you’re looking for something that cuts through the noise and maybe even makes you feel seen, you’re in the right place. Looking for more from this creator? Visit fbamh.substack.com. CONTACT US AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Connect with Social Leopards: Substack (FREE subscription includes a weekly blog): @socialleopards YouTube: @social-leopards Instagram: socialleopards TikTok: @socialleopards Patreon (exclusive content including guided meditations, affirmations and audio version of the weekly blog): SocialLeopards  Buy Beth Butram a Coffee at Ko-Fi. Not required but greatly appreciated! Music credit: The Light from Within, by Howard Harper-Barnes (sourced via EpidemicSound.com)

In this episode, host Beth reads a letter from "L" about Eldest Daughter Syndrome — the emotional toll of being thrust into caregiving, responsibility, and perfectionism early in life. Through personal reflections and poignant examples, the episode explores how this role shapes identity, causes burnout, and makes boundaries feel foreign, while offering hope through unlearning, self-compassion, and reclaiming one’s life. About this week’s featured contributor: L is a non-native English writer whose work explores introspection, emotional nuance, and the kinds of thoughts or feelings that often go unspoken. She tries to stay honest to her own life and experiences, writing from specific emotions she’s sat with for a while. You can find her writing at lettersbylau.substack.com and you can read the featured piece, Eldest Daughter Syndrome, at lettersbylau.substack.com/p/eldest-daughter-syndrome. CONTACT US AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Connect with Social Leopards: Substack (FREE subscription includes a weekly blog): @socialleopards YouTube: @social-leopards Instagram: socialleopards TikTok: @socialleopards Patreon (exclusive content including guided meditations, affirmations and audio version of the weekly blog): SocialLeopards 

If you’ve ever wondered what it truly takes to begin again at the end of a marriage when life seems to be literally falling apart all around you, this episode is for you. Beth shares a story of raw, unfiltered reality of starting over after divorce—no tidy bows, just the honest truth behind survival, strength, and the quiet heroism found in everyday moments. Featuring the deeply personal writing of Substack creator Salwa, this story dives into the messiness of rebuilding with nothing but hope and resilience. Listen in for a powerful reminder that strength can be quiet, victories can be small, and sometimes just showing up is enough. Whether you’re in the middle of your own journey or supporting someone through theirs, you’ll find validation, encouragement, and a sense of community here. Don’t miss this moving reflection on loss, growth, and the courage to move forward. Hit play and join the conversation—because sometimes, the most important steps are the ones no one sees. About this week’s featured contributor: Salwa is the writer behind Quietly Becoming, a Substack publication where she explores life after breaking points - divorce, motherhood, mental health, and quiet resilience. Her writing is raw, reflective, and deeply personal, often making space for the messy middle of healing and becoming. Website: salwanotes.substack.com CONTACT US AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Connect with Social Leopards: Substack (FREE subscription includes a weekly blog): @socialleopards YouTube: @social-leopards Instagram: socialleopards TikTok: @socialleopards Patreon (exclusive content including guided meditations, affirmations and audio version of the weekly blog): SocialLeopards 

Host Beth narrates and reflects upon Mary Jackson's essay about a client, Lisa, who dreads lunches with her friend Monica because conversations are one-sided and emotionally draining. It’s a truly relatable episode for many of us who struggle to achieve a mutually fulfilling friendship. The episode explores emotional labor, the importance of reciprocity in friendships, and a simple boundary technique Lisa uses to shift the dynamic toward mutual care. About our featured contributor: Mary Jackson is the Life Upgrade Specialist helping high-achieving women break up with old patterns and upgrade to the life they've always envisioned. As a licensed mental health counselor with over 13 years of experience, Mary offers what she calls "individualized reflection" - deep, authentic connection that honors each woman's unique story while guiding her toward real transformation. Her signature "Life Upgrade Method" takes women through four phases: Recognition, Reflection, Renewal, and Rise - moving from pattern awareness to purposeful living through creativity and connection. Mary became a counselor because she found safety and transformation in her own therapist's office. Her personal journey through trauma led her to "make something beautiful out of something ugly," using her lived experiences to provide clients exactly what she needed during her own healing. What sets Mary apart is her magnetic ability to help women see their own potential through authentic connection and community. She's the friend who asks hard questions, celebrates wins without reservation, and reminds you that your worth is non-negotiable. Through her newsletter "The Inner Glow Society" on Substack, she continues this work of helping women upgrade their lives. Her core belief: "If you want something different, you're going to have to do something different." Mary Jackson is proof that your old patterns served you, but you don't have to stay stuck there. Your life upgrade is waiting. Website: maryjackson.online CONTACT US AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Connect with Social Leopards: Substack (FREE subscription includes a weekly blog): @socialleopards YouTube: @social-leopards Instagram: socialleopards TikTok: @socialleopards Patreon (exclusive content including guided meditations, affirmations and audio version of the weekly blog): SocialLeopards

In this episode Beth shares Vera Hart's essay on healing (What Real Healing Looks Like: Rewiring the Body After Psychological Abuse), exploring how trauma rewires the body and the steps toward real recovery: naming harm, rebuilding safety, recognizing trauma bonds, and resisting societal shame. Through personal reflection and simple practices—setting boundaries, creating calm spaces, and allowing grief—listeners are invited to shift from survival to peace and to claim permission to heal. About this week’s contributing creator: Vera Hart MD PhD is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist specializing in trauma recovery, narcissistic abuse, and the neurobiology of power. She writes under a pseudonym to maintain separation from her clinical work while sharing unfiltered insights to empower survivors. Her writing blends neuroscience, psychology, and lived truth to illuminate hidden patterns of harm, and pathways to freedom. You can find Dr. Hart’s work on Substack: substack.com/@verahartmdphd CONTACT US AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Connect with Social Leopards: Substack (FREE subscription includes a weekly blog): @socialleopards YouTube: @social-leopards Instagram: socialleopards TikTok: @socialleopards Patreon (exclusive content including guided meditations, affirmations and audio version of the weekly blog): SocialLeopards 

This episode explores low-key, gentle habits that support mental health—you’ll have to listen for the details! Drawn from Karun Paul's "The Introvert Letter," the host reflects on how these small rituals create calm, reduce pressure, and honor individual rhythms. Listeners are invited to slow down, subtract the noise, and embrace peaceful, sustainable self-care routines that work for them. About this week’s featured contributor: Karun Pal’s Substack account is written to share observations & insights, helping introverts grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. His page is titled, The Introvert Letter, and he drops one “deep dive” each Sunday. Here’s how to connect with him: Substack: karunpal.substack.com X: karunpal CONTACT US AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:Beth responds personally to all communications received.  Connect with Social Leopards: Substack (FREE subscription includes a weekly blog): @socialleopards YouTube: @social-leopards Instagram: socialleopards TikTok: @socialleopards Patreon (exclusive content including guided meditations, affirmations and audio version of the weekly blog): SocialLeopards