The Episode I Never Wanted to Record… and a Bonus Episode to Keep You Going When You Want To Quit
I know I've been MIA the past month, and I've recorded this episode with a broken heart to explain why. This episode is messy, raw and honestly I'm still in shock that I had to record it at all.. But I always want to keep it real with you guys about the realities of what we all go through in life.. and right now I am really going through it.. My Mum was truly one of a kind. The best parts of me, are her. In honor of her generous heart and lifelong mission to uplift others, we’ve created the Julie Fitzsimons Legacy Fund at Sheridan College. This endowment will support students in the performing arts and athletics who are facing adversity—because that’s exactly what Mum would have done. To learn more or donate, click here. On this page, please select 'Honor/Memorial' on the dropdown menu and put the name "Julie Fitzsimons" in the comments session. To see my final photo with Mum under the most beautiful rainbow, click on my instagram here. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who's reached out with messages of love and support.. I've been reading them all and all of your beautiful words have been giving me strength to keep holding on through this confusing and daunting time of adjusting to a new normal that feels anything but normal.. At the end of this episode, you’ll also hear the podcast I had recorded just two days before my life flipped upside down. I’ve decided to release it along with this announcement because - well firstly I wanted you all to hear how excited I was to have my parents in town, it brought me so much joy - but also because even though my world feels so different now, the message still matters: how to stay commited to your goals when change gets hard. In this episode, I walk you through the five emotional stages of change—an honest roadmap adapted from the work of psychologists Don Kelley and Daryl Connor. Whether you're chasing a fitness goal, launching a side hustle, or starting over after heartbreak, this is the truth no one tells you about what real change feels like. You’ll learn: Why motivation always fades—and what to do when it does How to recognize the infamous “Valley of Despair” before it swallows your dreams Why discomfort doesn’t mean something’s gone wrong—it means something’s working What to expect at each stage of growth, and how to navigate it without giving up I also share personal stories—from starting my speaking career to moving across the world on a dream and a visa—to remind you: you are not behind, broken, or alone. You’re just in the messy middle. And that’s where progress begins. Life is too short to quit on the things that you truly care about, just because they're uncomfortable sometimes. May my Mum and sister's legacies inspire you to be kind, be brave and be fully invested on living your best life. X kg
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How to Last The Miles in Long Distance Relationships
Let’s be real—long distance isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the ones who are willing to cry on dog walks with sunglasses on. The ones who whisper we’ll figure it out even when every plan falls through. The ones who know love is worth the effort—but still wonder, how the heck do people actually make this work? So in this episode I dive into this topic that's close to my heart - the rollercoaster of long distance relationships. After navigating my own 2 year international long distance relationship with my now-husband Nate (including military life and visa challenges!), I'm sharing my top 10 tips for making the distance to turn Facetimes into forever. Just to be clear - I once said I never wanted to do long distance or date someone in the military. But then one summer night in D.C., fate had other plans—and my Aussie heart fell for an American soldier. From navigating 5-month stretches without seeing each other, to voice calls filled with tears, to the moment I saw him waiting for me at the bottom of the airport escalator… this episode is as raw and real as it gets. If you're currently separated from your person or considering a long distance relationship, this episode offers practical strategies, emotional validation, and hope that the distance can actually strengthen your bond rather than break it. Episode Highlights: My unexpected journey falling for an American military man while living in Australia Why being "all in or all out" is crucial for long distance success How to focus on what you can control when apart The importance of sharing daily details to stay connected Why trust is foundational (and starts with trusting yourself) Creating shared rituals, mantras, and future plans together Using your "extra time" to invest in personal growth And because every love story deserves a soundtrack, I’m sharing something deeply personal: the song I had written for Nate during our time apart. It carried us through the lonely nights and played at our wedding. I hope it carries you, too. Whether you're already navigating the challenges of loving someone from afar or wondering if you should take the leap, this episode offers genuine encouragement from someone who's been there. Because while long distance may not be easy, the right person is absolutely worth it. Need support? I’ve got a few free coaching calls open this month. Let’s talk about how to keep your heart strong—no matter how many miles are between you: https://www.kategladdin.com/coaching
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Your Brain After A Breakup: The Neuroscience of Why You Can't Just Get Over It
Ever been through a breakup that didn’t just hurt emotionally—but physically? Like your chest was caving in or your stomach was in knots? You're not crazy. In fact, there's actual science behind that soul crushing pain. In this episode, we dive deep into what's actually happening in your brain and body when your heart gets broken—and why breakup grief might actually be harder to heal from than grief after death. If you've ever felt like you were "crazy" for not being able to "just get over it," this episode is for you. We'll explore the fascinating neuroscience behind heartbreak and give you the validation (and hope) you need to keep moving forward. What You'll Learn: Why your brain treats heartbreak like a literal drug withdrawal The science behind why breakups activate the same pain centers as physical injuries How the stress hormone cortisol wreaks havoc on your sleep, appetite, and immune system Why your brain gets stuck in rumination mode after a breakup The unique challenge of grieving someone who's still alive (and why it's harder than you think) How social media makes everything worse—and what to do about it The incredible power of neuroplasticity and how your brain can actually heal itself Practical strategies for working WITH your brain, not against it If you're listening to this in the thick of heartbreak right now, please know: what you're feeling is valid, it's normal, and it WILL get better. Your brain is doing exactly what millions of years of evolution programmed it to do. Be patient with yourself. You're not broken—you're human. ❤️ And - you don't have to figure it all out alone. If you're ready for real support (not fluff), I’m here to help you make sense of the pain, rebuild your confidence, and gently take your power back—one choice, one breath, one brave step at a time. Book a free 30-minute coaching consult with me here: https://www.kategladdin.com/coaching
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Bust Your Buts: Bravery, Gumption & Going for It - With Sally Zimney
What if the thing holding you back isn’t fear—but the story you're telling yourself about it? This week on Okay, Now What?, I’m joined by the powerhouse that is Sally Zimney—award-winning speaker, bestselling author, and host of one of the top speaker podcasts in the world—for a real, raw, and laugh-out-loud honest conversation about what bravery really looks like. Spoiler: it’s not the absence of fear. It’s showing up with it. We unpack: Why “confidence” is overrated and what to build instead The power of gumption (and no, not the Aussie cleaning product kind—though that metaphor is hilariously spot-on) How to “bust your buts” (yes, those buts—like “But I’m not ready…” or “But what if I fail?”) Why cold plunging might be the secret weapon for facing discomfort (seriously) And how to take action even when you’re shaking in your boots (or freezing in a tub) This episode is your gentle (and slightly cheeky) kick in the pants to stop hiding with your fears—and start moving toward what you really want. Tune in now and start flexing your bravery muscle—one gumption-powered step at a time. Check out Sally's websites and resources here: https://sallyzimney.com/ Ready to take this work deeper? If you're tired of living on autopilot and want real tools to take back control of your mind, your emotions, and your life—I’ve got you. My 1:1 coaching program is designed for women who are done with people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-doubt and so ready to start living with more clarity, courage, and confidence. Book a free mini coaching session today at www.kategladdin.com/coaching or DM me on Instagram @kategladdin. You don’t have to keep believing the old story. You get to write and LIVE a new one.
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Busy Isn't Better: Breaking Free from Time Poverty - With Peggy Sullivan
Let’s be honest: Most of us aren’t just busy - we’re burnt out, overbooked, and quietly wondering if this is just how life’s meant to be. If your schedule feels like a never-ending to-do list and your soul’s running on empty, this episode is for you. This week on Okay, Now What?, I’m joined by the incredible Peggy Sullivan — a leadership coach, TEDx speaker (her talk’s hit over 1 million views!), and author of Beyond Busyness. And let me tell you… this conversation is like a permission slip to finally stop glorifying the hustle and start living with intention. Together we unpack: Why busyness is not a badge of honor (and what it’s really costing you) Peggy’s “stale pistachio moment” that stopped her in her tracks — literally The ripple effect your busyness has on everyone around you (yes, even your cat 😅) Her 3-step framework to escape time poverty, reclaim your joy, and prioritize what actually matters How simple happiness rituals at work boosted productivity by 33% in just six weeks (proof that joy is not a distraction — it’s the strategy) We also dive into the core values that drive a truly fulfilling life — and why knowing them isn’t enough. You’ve got to live them. This episode will challenge you, comfort you, and (most importantly) equip you to finally slow down without falling behind. Listen now and start trading burnout for a life that actually feels like yours again. Find out more about Peggy and her book here: https://www.peggysullivanspeaker.com/ Ready to take this work deeper? If you're tired of living on autopilot and want real tools to take back control of your mind, your emotions, and your life—I’ve got you. My 1:1 coaching program is designed for women who are done with people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-doubt and so ready to start living with more clarity, courage, and confidence. Book a free mini coaching session today at www.kategladdin.com/coaching or DM me on Instagram @kategladdin Grab your FREE chapter of my book "Okay, Now What?": https://www.kategladdin.com/free
Okay, Now What? is a podcast by Speaker, Author and Certified Life Coach, Kate Gladdin, to help adults build the resilience we need to live our best lives regardless of the adversity we face. Kate combines her personal experience with powerful coaching tools to help you stop spinning in overwhelm and better navigate your way through all the big, and often unexpected, changes that happen. On this podcast you'll not only find tonnes of inspiration, but eye-opening advice and useful strategies to reduce your anxiety and boost your confidence so you go after what you want most. After losing her sister at just age 20, Kate knows life is too short not to.
Australia