The DASH Mindset Podcast

Hosted by Sheri Zevenbergen

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The DASH Mindset Podcast with Sheri Zevenbergen. A show that helps you live authentically & unlock your true potential in all aspects of your life.

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June 16, 2026Episode 649 min

64. Chasing Happiness

It's mid-June, and I've already declared it a long summer. Our boys have been out of school for three weeks, and at this point, my parenting goal is for them to maintain literacy until school starts again in August. I genuinely love having them home, and it's been a long summer. Both can be true…And one of the biggest traps we fall into as humans is thinking they can’t be. We're told to pursue happiness. We think we need to find it, choose it, and protect it...as if happiness is a destination to be reached. But what if the expectation of being happy all the time is actually what keeps us unhappy? In this episode, I explore why we struggle to hold two seemingly opposite truths at the same time. That if we're grateful, we shouldn't feel annoyed. If we're happy, we shouldn't feel sad. If we love our kids, we shouldn't be frustrated by them. But what if the problem isn't that we experience both? What if the problem is that we expect ourselves not to? What We Explore The myth of permanent happiness…Why happiness isn't a destination and why expecting it to be can create unnecessary suffering. The second layer of suffering…How we turn normal human emotions into problems by judging ourselves for experiencing them. Package deals…Why the things we value most often come bundled with both rewards and challenges. The power of "and"...How it can shift the way we think about gratitude, frustration, joy, sadness, and everything in between. Being human…Why experiencing opposite emotions doesn't mean something is wrong. It means you're alive. Questions to Consider Where are you making yourself wrong for being human? What emotion have you been resisting, judging, or trying to eliminate? And what if it's not evidence that something is wrong? What if it's simply part of the package? Here’s where you can find me… Learn more about working with me at The DASH Mindset. Connect with me on LinkedIn. Have an idea for a future episode? I’d love to hear it! If you love The DASH Mindset Podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a quick rating and review. On iTunes, scroll down, tap to give five stars, and hit “Write a Review.” On Spotify, just select “Rate Show.” Your support helps more people lead their lives…and lead others…in a meaningful way.

May 28, 2026Episode 6339 min

63. How Fascinating: Rethinking Failure, Resilience, & Growth with Tom Hicks

Failure tends to feel personal. A missed opportunity. A mistake at work. A relationship ending. A plan falling apart. For a lot of us, failure doesn’t just feel like something that happened. It feels like evidence about who we are. In this episode, I’m with keynote and workshop speaker Tom Hicks to talk about what happened when a really difficult season of life unexpectedly led him to a set of juggling balls…and ultimately to a completely different relationship with failure. Tom now teaches people and organizations how to juggle while helping them rethink perfectionism, growth, resilience, and what it actually means to fail. We talked about: Why so many high-achievers struggle with failure The difference between understanding growth mindset intellectually vs. actually experiencing it Why play matters more than we realize as adults How curiosity changes our relationship with mistakes The phrase “how fascinating” and why it’s more powerful than it sounds Why many “failures” are actually redirections The importance of kindness toward ourselves One of my favorite parts of the conversation was this reminder…You already have the ability to navigate failure. You’ve been doing it your entire life. You may just need to reconnect with it. Also… it feels important to mention that we had multiple technology issues and recording glitches during this episode…which made the entire “how fascinating” conversation even more fitting. 😂 About Tom Tom Hicks is the founder and CJO (Chief Juggling Officer) of Throw & Catch Consulting based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He provides practical and fun leadership development experiences that blend storytelling, reflection, and active learning to create deeper connections while playing with a purpose for individuals, teams, and organizations. Tom has worked at all levels in higher education for the past 20+ years and has coached thousands of students, staff, and executives on failure, growth, and resilience. When he’s not on campus or conducting workshops, Tom enjoys cycling and traveling with his wife Megan and cheering on their daughter Emily in all of her activities. Here’s where you can find Tom… Website: tom-hicks.com LinkedIn: Tom Hicks And here’s where you can find me… Learn more about working with me at The DASH Mindset. Connect with me on LinkedIn. Have an idea for a future episode? I’d love to hear it! If you love The DASH Mindset Podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a quick rating and review. On iTunes, scroll down, tap to give five stars, and hit “Write a Review.” On Spotify, just select “Rate Show.” Your support helps more people lead their lives…and lead others…in a meaningful way.

May 8, 2026Episode 621 hr 5 min

62. Finding Your Way Through the Unexpected with Laura Bratton

What if the thing you never saw coming…became the very thing that shaped how you move forward? Laura Bratton was diagnosed with a rare eye disease as a child and lost her sight as a teenager…several years earlier than anyone expected. We talk about what it looked like to navigate that kind of change in real time…without a roadmap, without certainty, and without the option to pause life while she figured it out. But this conversation isn’t about blindness. It’s about what happens when life doesn’t go the way you thought it would…and how you keep going anyway. We explore what actually helped her move forward, how she learned to stop fighting reality, and why “enough” might be the most powerful shift of all. What We Explore Grit and gratitude…together Not as buzzwords…but as real, usable resources. Why it’s not one or the other, and how the balance of both is what actually helps you move forward. Living in the moment (when everything feels overwhelming) When the future feels too big, too uncertain, too much…what it looks like to narrow your focus to today, and why that’s not giving up. It’s survival. Why “enough” matters more than you think How redefining what counts as “enough” can shift everything, especially in seasons of change, grief, or uncertainty. The stories we believe about strength Why pushing through, ignoring emotions, and being “fine” can actually make things harder…and what happens when you stop fighting what you feel. What real support actually looks like Not pity. Not fixing. Not making things easier. But people who believe in you…even when you don’t believe in yourself. The pressure of uncertainty (and how to navigate it) Why the uncertainty doesn’t go away…and what you can control instead. Letting yourself feel what’s real From anxiety to grief to anger…why turning toward your emotions (instead of pushing them down) changes everything. About Laura At the age of nine, Laura was diagnosed with an eye disease and faced the difficult reality that she would become blind. Over the next ten years she experienced the traumatic transition of adjusting to life without sight. Laura adjusted to her new normal and was able to move forward in life as she graduated from Arizona State University with a BA in psychology. She then was the first blind student to receive her Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. She is the author of the book, Harnessing Courage. Laura founded Ubi Global, which is an organization that provides speaking and coaching to empower all people to overcome challenges and obstacles with grit and gratitude. Here’s where you can find Laura… Website: https: laurabratton.com Video Highlight Reel: Speaker Reel And here’s where you can find me… Learn more about working with me at The DASH Mindset. Connect with me on LinkedIn. Have an idea for a future episode? I’d love to hear it! If you love The DASH Mindset Podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a quick rating and review. On iTunes, scroll down, tap to give five stars, and hit “Write a Review.” On Spotify, just select “Rate Show.” Your support helps more people lead their lives…and lead others…in a meaningful way.

April 25, 2026Episode 6111 min

61. Same Dandelion. Different Story.

Do you love dandelions…or hate them? Because people tend to have very strong opinions about this. In this episode, I share why I still love them…even knowing everything that comes with them… a really simple example of something we do all the time. Two people can look at the exact same thing…and see something completely different. Same situation. Same conversation. Same moment. Completely different reactions. And when that happens, we often assume the other person just doesn’t get it. But what if it’s not that they don’t understand… What if they’re just seeing something different? We explore what’s actually driving those reactions, why it creates so much unnecessary friction, and how expanding your capacity for difference can make things feel a whole lot easier. Because it’s usually not about the dandelion. 😉 What We Explore Same thing, different experience Why two people can look at the exact same situation and walk away with completely different interpretations…and why that’s more normal than we think. It’s not just the moment How past experiences, beliefs, preferences, and expectations shape how we see and respond to things (often without us even realizing it). “They just don’t get it…” Why we assume others are wrong or missing something…and what’s actually happening instead. Capacity for difference What it is, why it matters, and how expanding it reduces tension in conversations, relationships, and everyday interactions. Letting go of the need to convince Why there isn’t always a clear right or wrong…and how much easier things feel when we stop trying to force it. A Question to Consider Where are the “dandelions” showing up in your life right now? What’s something you feel strongly about…that someone else sees completely differently? And what might they be seeing that you’re not? And here’s where you can find me… Learn more about working together at The DASH Mindset. Connect with me on LinkedIn…I’m pretty active there and always love hearing from you. Have an idea for a future episode? I’d genuinely love to hear it…send it my way! If you love The DASH Mindset Podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a quick rating and review. On Apple, scroll down and tap the stars (and write a review if you’re up for it). On Spotify, just select “Rate Show.” Your support helps more people find the podcast…and ultimately helps more people lead their lives…and lead others…in a way that actually feels meaningful.

April 10, 2026Episode 601 hr 3 min

60. What If You Don’t Have to Choose? with Kris Lehman

What if you’re not stuck…you just think you have to pick one lane and stay in it? Kris Lehman is a full-time HR leader…who’s also leading international retreats, taking a group of women to Croatia, and buying a house in Costa Rica. She made a choice and decided against the “pick one lane and stay there” route. We talk about what shifted for her, how she moved from “either/or” to “and,” and why so many of us keep waiting to live instead of actually doing the things we want now. What We Explore From “or” to “and” How letting go of the pressure to choose one identity or path opened up entirely new possibilities…and how “and” creates space instead of pressure. Boundaries that actually feel good Not just saying no…but building your life around what matters most so your “no” becomes clear, confident, and grounded. Why we wait to live (and how to stop) The trap of postponing joy for “someday”…and what it looks like to start living now…without blowing up your life in the process. The stories we don’t realize we’re telling ourselves From “I should clean my own house” to “I don’t deserve that”...We discuss how these unexamined beliefs quietly shape our choices. Contemplative practice (without the woo-woo) What it actually means to be more present in your life…and how it can be as simple as a few breaths, a walk, or noticing what’s happening in the moment. Your mind is not you One of the most powerful shifts: realizing you can observe your thoughts instead of automatically believing them. About Kris Kris Lehman, MBA, SHRM-SCP, is the founder of The Common Thread, an organization dedicated to cultivating inner wisdom, meaningful connection, and intentional living and leadership. Kris creates experiences that blend professional insight, contemplative practices, and community—helping people translate reflection into practical change. With a background as an executive leader in higher education and nonprofit organizations, Kris has spent her career helping teams succeed by pairing business strategy with curiosity, compassion, and continuous learning. Alongside her professional work, Kris has spent years exploring meditation, grounding practices, and restorative travel as pathways for insight and clarity. Through The Common Thread’s workshops, gatherings, and international retreats, she creates spaces where people can step out of daily life for a moment, to reconnect with what matters most. Here’s where you can find Kris… Website: www.thecommonthread.world Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommonthreadconnections/ LinkedIn: Kris Lehman And here’s where you can find me… Learn more about working with me at The DASH Mindset. Connect with me on LinkedIn. Have an idea for a future episode? I’d love to hear it! If you love The DASH Mindset Podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a quick rating and review. On iTunes, scroll down, tap to give five stars, and hit “Write a Review.” On Spotify, just select “Rate Show.” Your support helps more people lead their lives…and lead others…in a meaningful way.

March 26, 2026Episode 591 hr 15 min

59. Making Work Suck Less with TJ Bennett

What if work didn’t have to feel so…sucky? TJ Bennett is on a mission to help people figure that out. We talk about his DesuckifyWork® podcast, his path through advertising, the pressure we put on ourselves to have everything figured out (even though none of us do), and what actually makes work…and life…feel better. A fun and honest conversation about how things actually unfold. TJ didn’t have some perfectly mapped-out plan. He followed what was interesting, paid attention to what felt off, and made changes along the way. From randomly discovering advertising…to realizing later in his career that something had shifted…to leaving a successful career to try something new without knowing exactly how it would all work. We also talk about how early experiences shape the way we see work and life, and how sometimes it takes something significant to make us pause and rethink what actually matters. And throughout the conversation, this idea keeps coming up: We think we need to know first…and then act. But most of the time, it’s actually the opposite. We try something. We figure it out as we go. We adjust. That’s the process. It’s simple. Not always easy. But much truer than the story most of us are carrying. We Talk About: The unexpected path that led TJ into advertising (and how one seemingly random moment can change everything) Why not knowing how is usually the thing keeping us stuck How a major health experience early in life shifted how he thinks about work and what actually matters The moment “Desuckify” became a thing…and why he committed before he had it all figured out Why “fine” can be dangerous The pressure we all feel to have it figured out (and the fact that none of us actually do) Why enjoyment might be one of the most underrated tools we have About TJ Bennett TJ is the founder, CEO and executive coach at The Pudding Factory, a work desuckifying consultancy. He began his coaching career after 25 years as an advertising executive, creative director and writer for agencies big and small., including TBWA\Chiat\Day, Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy and Hill Holliday. He helped Fortune 500 clients like Verizon, Toyota, MetLife and Panasonic sift through the noise to solve big creative challenges. And he helped his teams do the same. His mission is to DesuckifyWork®. And he hosts a popular podcast with the same name. His cat Carl offers this review: “less talking, more treats dude." As an ICF-certified executive coach, TJ helps leaders and brands find calm in the chaos and grow what matters. Ready to make sense of the muck? Talk to TJ. Here’s where you can find TJ… Website: https://www.thepuddingfactory.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teejaybee/ Substack: https://tjbennett.substack.com/ And here’s where you can find me… Learn more about working with me at The DASH Mindset. Connect with me on LinkedIn. Have an idea for a future episode? I’d love to hear it! If you love The DASH Mindset Podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a quick rating and review. On iTunes, scroll down, tap to give five stars, and hit “Write a Review.” On Spotify, just select “Rate Show.” Your support helps more people lead their lives…and lead others…in a way that truly matters.

March 12, 2026Episode 5857 min

58. Finding Your Voice & Owning Your Weird with Hallee Dunsky

What if the thing you’re trying so hard to tone down is actually the thing that makes your work resonate? I’m joined by Hallee Dunsky, self proclaimed “writer for weirdos,” for a conversation about finding your voice and letting what makes you different work for you. A discussion about voice, energy, self-permission, and why waiting until “the kids are older” makes little sense. Hallee shares her non-linear journey from teaching to freelance writing, the difference between copywriting and content writing, and why so many meaningful messages fall flat on the page…even when they sound brilliant in our heads. We also talk about energy differences, honoring how we’re wired, letting go of perfection, and why consistency matters more than intensity when it comes to creative work. This episode is full of insight and plenty of relatable moments…from bathroom breaks in fifth grade classrooms to writing novels 200 words at a time. If you’ve ever struggled to explain what you do, worried about being “too much” or “not enough,” or felt like you needed permission before starting something, listen in. We Talk About: Why so many powerful ideas land flat once they hit the page The difference between copywriting and content writing (and why it matters…even though no one dies either way) Honoring your natural energy instead of fighting it Letting go of the need to appeal to everyone Why “writer for weirdos” is a brilliant filter Starting before you feel ready (and before you feel confident) Why small, imperfect progress beats waiting for ideal conditions The messy reality of creative processes About Hallee Dunsky Hallee Dunsky is a freelance writer with over a decade of experience writing marketing copy and content for businesses that want to bring their mind-expanding mission down to Earth. Enlivened by the absurd and passionate about marinating deeply in the human experience, she lives outside the lines, collaborating with clients to turn meaningful missions into impactful messages, aligned voices, and resonant words. Connect with Hallee Website: www.writerforweirdos.com LinkedIn: Hallee Dunsky Let’s Connect Learn more about working with me at The DASH Mindset. Connect with me on LinkedIn. Have an idea for a future episode? I’d love to hear it! If you love The DASH Mindset Podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a quick rating and review. On iTunes, scroll down, tap to give five stars, and hit “Write a Review.” On Spotify, just select “Rate Show.” Your support helps more people lead their lives…and lead others…in a way that truly matters.

February 26, 2026Episode 571 hr 4 min

57. Slowing Down Without Falling Behind with Megan Thole

My friend Megan Thole joins me for an honest conversation about what mindfulness and emotional intelligence actually look like in real life…especially for high-achievers who have a hard time slowing down. Megan shares how her experiences with infertility, chronic illness, and burnout led her to explore mindfulness not as a luxury, but as a necessary skill for navigating work, life, and leadership. We talk about why high-achievers struggle with rest, how negative self-talk and the stories we tell ourselves shape our reactions, and why trying to separate our “work selves” from our “personal selves” doesn’t really work. We also explore the difference between eliminating stress and learning how to recover from it, what resilience really looks like, and how small, consistent practices can make a meaningful difference…without adding more to an already full plate. This episode is a reminder that mindfulness isn’t about being perfect or clearing your mind. It’s about noticing, creating space, and making small shifts that help you show up more intentionally…for yourself and for the people around you. We Talk About: What mindfulness actually looks like in real life (not the Instagram version) Why rest feels so uncomfortable for high-achievers How our inner dialogue quietly drives stress and self-doubt The stories we tell ourselves…and how often they’re untrue Small, practical ways to pause, reset, and show up more intentionally Why we bring our whole selves to work…whether we admit it or not How resilience is built through recovery, not perfection About Megan Thole Megan Thole is a speaker, coach, and trainer with over 14 years of experience across higher education and financial services. As the founder of Hello Mindful You, she helps professionals and leaders build self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the clarity to lead with intention. Megan blends practical leadership tools with human-centered practices that support sustainable performance and presence, helping leaders navigate change and manage competing demands with greater focus and purpose. She holds a master's degree in leadership and management and is certified in change management, mindfulness, and coaching. Connect with Megan Website: www.hellomindfulyou.com LinkedIn: Megan Thole Instagram: Hello Mindful You Let’s Connect Learn more about working with me at The DASH Mindset. Connect with me on LinkedIn. Have an idea for a future episode? I’d love to hear it! If you love The DASH Mindset Podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a quick rating and review. On iTunes, scroll down, tap to give five stars, and hit “Write a Review.” On Spotify, just select “Rate Show.” Your support helps more people lead their lives…and lead others…in a way that truly matters.

February 12, 2026Episode 5656 min

56. Redefining Success in Midlife with Nicole Studt

What if midlife isn’t something to “get through”…but something to lean into? In this episode, Nicole Studt and I talk about all things midlife…identity, pivoting with intention, maps, payphones, and why the middle years may hold more meaning and growth than we expect. Nicole shares her journey from corporate HR to self-employment, how flexibility became a gift during some of life’s hardest seasons, and why understanding ourselves (and each other) matters more than ever. We explore how tools like the Enneagram can deepen compassion, strengthen relationships, and reduce unnecessary friction…at work, at home, and within ourselves. It’s a powerful reminder that we don’t have to wait for “someday” to live fully aligned lives. Midlife isn’t the end of the story…it’s often where clarity, courage, and self-trust finally start to click into place. If you’re wanting to understand yourself more deeply, rethink what success means, or reduce friction in your life and work, listen in. In This Episode, We Talk About: Why the “middle age” narrative needs a serious reframe Making career pivots that prioritize flexibility, values, and real life The unexpected gifts of working for yourself (and with family) How the Enneagram helps us understand why we do what we do Navigating relationships through personality awareness Why the middle years deserve more credit than they get About Nicole Studt Nicole Studt hosts The Marvelous Middle Age Podcast, a weekly podcast focused on building a community of people in midlife. She is an experienced Virtual Assistant with nine years in the field, and a certified Enneagram Coach. She is deeply passionate about empowering individuals to thrive in their current season of life—especially women navigating midlife. Nicole holds a B.S. in Applied Business from Mount Mercy University and a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University, and she has over 20 years of experience as a Human Resources Professional. She has been happily married to her husband for 20 years, and together they are the proud parents of a 19-year-old son. Nicole is a devoted believer and encourager. She enjoys advocating for people with disabilities, spending quality time with her family, and listening to podcasts. A unique aspect of her personal journey includes reclaiming her health and body, during which she lost over 100 pounds and underwent three skin removal surgeries. This transformation fuels her commitment to personal growth and living a vibrant, fulfilling life. Connect with Nicole The Marvelous Middle-Aged Podcast Instagram Let’s Connect Learn more about working with me at The DASH Mindset. Connect with me on LinkedIn. Have an idea for a future episode? I’d love to hear it! If you love The DASH Mindset Podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a quick rating and review. On iTunes, scroll down, tap to give five stars, and hit “Write a Review.” On Spotify, just select “Rate Show.” Your support helps more people lead their lives…and lead others…in a way that truly matters.

January 29, 2026Episode 5510 min

55. You’re Doing Better Than You Think: 80 Reminders

Gratitude can feel annoying when we’re tired, overwhelmed, or just trying to get through the day. This episode isn’t about forcing gratitude or pretending things are fine. Instead, I share a list of 80 real-life things we tend to overlook…the kind we forget to notice when we’re busy getting through the day. This isn’t a 5am, burn-sage, reach inner-peace kind of gratitude episode. It’s a reminder that we’re often so focused on what’s next…or what’s missing…that we forget to notice what’s already working, what we’ve already handled, and how much we’ve already grown. You don’t need a notebook. You don’t need to pause and reflect. You don’t need to “do” anything at all. Just listen. And if one thing on the list resonates, fantastic. What This Episode Might Shift for You A more realistic view of your progress…even if things feel messy right now Less pressure to constantly “fix” yourself or your life More appreciation for the small steps you’ve already taken A reminder that progress doesn’t have to be big and impressive to count Closing Thought Progress doesn’t always look like a big, impressive moment. If your brain tends to focus on how far you still think you need to go, that doesn’t mean you haven’t made progress. It just means you’re human. You can download the full list using the link below and revisit it anytime you need the reminder. Thanks for listening! You get one dash. Make it matter. Let’s Connect Download the 80 Things to Be Thankful For list. Learn more about working with me at The DASH Mindset. Connect with me on LinkedIn. Have an idea for a future episode? I’d love to hear it! If you love The DASH Mindset Podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a quick rating and review. On iTunes, scroll down, tap to give five stars, and hit “Write a Review.” On Spotify, just select “Rate Show.” Your support helps more people lead their lives…and lead others…in a way that truly matters.