Have you ever really sat down to enjoy a cup of coffee? Do you ever put your camera away just to take in the moment around you rather than capturing the perfect snapshot? How about buying a boring cake just so you can decorate it at home for fun. All of these slow living, personal touch ideas and more are the topic of conversation during this interview with Palak Dave, the founder of Embria and author of Beautiful Everydays. Get full access to The Big Stuff at reneebenes.substack.com/subscribe

Could you imagine going from active, high-achieving woman to bed ridden and physically struggling with an MS diagnosis? That’s the story Kim Rahir shares with us today on the podcast. She was able to take a scary physical diagnosis and use it as a reason to build strength beyond her wildest dreams. What started as weigh lifting to avoid fatigue quickly turned into Olympic style training, and teaching other middle aged women how to take back their power, even into their golden years. Today’s message is perfect for anyone who feels the wear and tear of age on their bodies, or have struggled with physical limitations. In today’s episode Kim takes the time to remind us that age is just a number, strength is more than muscle, and that it’s never too late to enjoy the little things in life.Kim’s Website + Free AssessmentSubscribe on SubstackRenee on InstagramRenee on TikTok Get full access to The Big Stuff at reneebenes.substack.com/subscribe

What does it really take to change the world? Most of us have some desire to leave a lasting impact, but often aren’t sure where to start. Today’s guest, Donal MacCool is a clinical psychologist and founder of One Planet Thriving. During our chat today we do a deep dive into human connection, embracing our own authenticity, and finding the right words to spark lasting change. If you have ever felt hopeless when it comes to the state of the world, or misunderstood when it comes to sharing your true self, today’s episode will speak directly to your heart. Pinky promise.Save 10% at One Planet ThrivingSubscribe on SubstackRenee on InstagramRenee on TikTok Get full access to The Big Stuff at reneebenes.substack.com/subscribe

If you have ever been conflicted about how you want to live your life, what you want to do, or the job you want to have, you are not alone. Tune into today’s episode with guest, NoorJehan Tourte who boldly rejects the idea that we can only be one thing. From Sports Illustrated swimsuit competitions, to climbing the corporate ladder, NoorJehan has done it all and doesn’t plan on stopping now. Listen in to get inspiration for simply extraordinary living and a reminder that being multi passionated is perfectly normal.NoorJehan on InstagramSubscribe on SubstackRenee on InstagramRenee on TikTok Get full access to The Big Stuff at reneebenes.substack.com/subscribe

Our family has found so much joy in reconnecting to the outdoors in the last few years and today's guest made me start itching for adventure and fresh air a little bit more. Glen Van Peski is the author of the new book, Take Less, Do More, where he shares life lessons from his outdoor adventures on how to lighten your load in life and in your backpack. Together we discussed the beauty of nature, the lessons in letting go when it comes to parenthood, and choosing a life where our possessions don't take top priority.Buy Take Less, Do MoreInstagramTikTok Get full access to The Big Stuff at reneebenes.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest had me hooked when she told me she sat at a table with Victoria Beckham. My Spice Girl’s loving heart skipped a beat, and I was all ears as she told me she walked away from her successful fashion career in order to create her own styling business. Nicole Russo’s belief about fashion is that you don’t need a lot to have a good wardrobe, and that if you dress yourself right, you can totally change your life. Free Edit Your Closet Guide: https://www.letsgetyou.com/closeteditThe Blog: https://www.thefunsizedlife.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/renee.benes/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@renee.benes/ Get full access to The Big Stuff at reneebenes.substack.com/subscribe

It’s so easy to become overwhelmed by life’s problems. We can do deep dives into trying to uncover perfect solutions to our biggest problems, only to realize the solution is even more complicated than the problem itself. During today’s Part 2 conversations with Melanie Ann Layer, the Alpha Femme, she shares with us how learning to simplify our coping mechanisms can totally transform our lives — and save us a lot of unnecessary stress.Join my Substack: https://substack.com/@reneebenesAlpha Femme on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphafemme/?hl=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/renee.benes/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@renee.benes/ Get full access to The Big Stuff at reneebenes.substack.com/subscribe

Do you think your biggest fears are designed to show you what you are capable of overcoming? What if the hardships we face can be something that remind us of just how resilient we really are? This is today's guest, Melanie Ann Layer's (AKA Alpha Femme) perspective on life and hitting rock bottom. Not only will Melanie encourage you to look at the hard times with a softer lens, but she'll also encourage you to shift the way you look at your mindset and how it operates so that you can start escaping some of your biggest mental blocks.Join my Substack: https://substack.com/@reneebenesAlpha Femme on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphafemme/?hl=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/renee.benes/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@renee.benes/ Get full access to The Big Stuff at reneebenes.substack.com/subscribe

If you have teenagers like I do you have probably heard the term, "It's giving me The Ick." If you haven't heard this, welcome to the new slang...apparently it's a part of my vocabulary now. I'm just gonna run with it. Talking about minimalism topics like decluttering, organizing, and capsule wardrobes has been wearing on me for some time. Today I want to break down for you why talking about my minimalist lifestyle no longer feels aligned, and why I hope you might consider adapting a similar mindset in your own life. Whether we are addicted to shopping or are practicing decluttering, we can very easily give the stuff in our life way more weight and significance than it deserves and I'm so over it.50 Top Book Recommendations: https://www.reneebenes.com/booksThe Ebook: https://www.reneebenes.com/minimalist-lifestyle-guideThe Blog: https://www.thefunsizedlife.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/renee.benes/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@renee.benes/ Get full access to The Big Stuff at reneebenes.substack.com/subscribe

Shooting a kind text is a thoughtful idea, but did you know speaking the words out loud leaves an even bigger impact? Today I sat down with founder of the HiLU app, Emily Montgomery to talk about the power of the spoken word and how we can use it to build one another up. Send a HiLU: https://www.teamhilu.com Emily's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamhilu/ The Blog: https://www.thefunsizedlife.com My 50 Top Book Recommendations: https://www.reneebenes.com/books Get full access to The Big Stuff at reneebenes.substack.com/subscribe