POP Coach Life: Recent Episodes
Sharon Smaga
In this episode Sharon gives you and primer and steps to understand and navigate conflict without a fight and without feeling like you're chronically giving in.
Sharon gets blunt and real about some intergenerational dynamics that are breaking families down. Without passing judgment, she gives us a thoughtful perspective to counterbalance careless cultural trends she sees developing.
In this episode Sharon explores the need to think beyond ourselves and see what we have to offer others, the deep need for physical community, and why the internet and social media are helpful augments but not replacements for real connection.
Watch it on Youtube
In this episode Sharon tackles this tough topic. In a world where we are too embarrassed or just don't know how, she provides practical wisdom on how to reconnect after you've hurt someone with specific steps to guide you through.
Video Version
Spoken rules are obvious, but unspoken rules hold the most power. Join Sharon as she explores the power of unspoken rules, claiming the healthy rules and what to do about the unhealthy unspoken rules in your relationships
Video Version
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break. In this episode Sharon explains main character syndrome, non-player characters, and how to respond instead of react. She speaks to the NPCs and MCSs and provides steps to improve social interactions and relationships.
In this episode Sharon explains main character syndrome, non-player characters, and how to respond instead of react. She speaks to the NPCs and MCSs and provides steps to improve social interactions and relationships.
Video Version
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break.
People that genuinely care will challenge and criticize you at times. People who don't, just don't care. Join Sharon as she explores this topic and encourages you to buckle up and be willing to accept genuine challenges that help you get the things you truly want out of life, see how your choices impact your mental health, and to choose your people carefully.
Video Version
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break.
In this episode Sharon discusses why you can't think your way out of intrusive thoughts. Please listen and share.
video Version
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break.
In this episode Sharon speaks encouragement with humor to young adults trying to make their way in the world, with a few words for the older adults that might be a little stuck too.
Video Version
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break.
In this episode Sharon expands on one of her social media posts to help us understand how our thoughts can create negativity and resentment or restore and build resiliency.
Video Version
In this episode Sharon answers a listener question and gives specific ways to understand the differences between confidence and pride and provides steps to immediately apply the information in your life.
Video Version
In this episode Sharon answers a listener's question: What is the difference between self-loathing and true healthy humility.
Video Version
In this episode Sharon explores what resiliency is, reminds us that we can restore and recover it, and offers simple strategies to increase resilience.
Video Version
: In this episode Sharon explains what puts your anxiety on spin, how to identify and change it, and challenges you to catch and reset to get to a more peaceful place in your relationships.
Video Verson
In this episode Sharon explores the many benefits of focusing on enjoy your life instead of trying to perfect it. Join her for a chat that will liberate your thinking.
video Version
In this episode Sharon encourages you to consider a more powerful way to manage your circumstances and relationships- creating healthy habits. One habit can address multiple issues and give you freedom from trying to control people and environments.
Video Version
People that genuinely care will challenge and criticize you at times. People who don't, just don't care. Join Sharon as she explores this topic and encourages you to buckle up and be willing to accept genuine challenges that help you get the things you truly want out of life, see how your choices impact your mental health, and to choose your people carefully.
Video Version
Sharon explores the need to let go of things that don't serve us anymore to allow for new growth and good physical, spiritual and mental health. As things die back in the garden to allow new things to come to life to thrive, so it must be for people.
Video Version
Sharon explores the nuts and bolts of doing the things we need to do, even when we don't feel like it. Join her as she encourages us to navigate life as it is, not as it looks on the internet and social media.
Video Version
Join Sharon as she validates our right to be protective while exploring what happens when it crosses over into pretending which creates significant disconnect from self and others.
Video version
One of these is not like the other... or is it? Join Sharon as she explores how people are like icebergs, why we get jealous, and what to do about it.
Video Version
In this episode Sharon speaks encouragement with humor to young adults trying to make their way in the world, with a few words for the older adults that might be a little stuck too.
Video Version
Tired of chronic fear and worry? Sharon offers a "true north" for going in the opposite direction as she explores lovingkindness, truth, being right and peace. Sounds too soft? Buckle up. Sharon's gonna drop some truth with love into your life.
Video Version
Spoken rules are obvious, but unspoken rules hold the most power. Join Sharon as she explores the power of unspoken rules, claiming the healthy rules and what to do about the unhealthy unspoken rules in your relationships
Video Version
Sharon is still finishing up her move so please enjoy this episode from our archive
In this episode Sharon talks about using a tool called HALT that helps us stop and attune to our needs and not make decisions from a place of depletion. Please listen and share
Video Version
In this episode Sharon talks about insecurity, that thing we don’t like to admit to struggling with
or see as being weak. She posits that it’s normal and ok. You can let it drive you by trying to
hide it, or you can label it and take its power away. Then you can confront it and choose to
pursue your goals and dreams.
Video Version
Sharon is still finishing up her move so please enjoy this episode from our archives. In this episode Sharon talks about finding calm in the midst of crisis and practical ways to deal with crisis that keep us from spinning out.
Video Version
Sharon calls us out on the "I don't know" approach to life. On the one hand, it sort of lets us off the hook, but it ultimately leaves us floundering without purpose or direction.
Video Version
Sharon calls us out on the carpet and encourages us in one fell swoop to "get off our butts" and do something as the antidote to fear and depression. Avoidance equals depression rather than resolving it.
Video Version
In this episode Sharon gets honest about some boundary struggles in her own life and false apologies and identifies steps needed to deal with these situations.
Video Version
In this episode Sharon offers up the solution to the crooked thinking addressed in previous sessions. She gives some condensed information from the Arbinger Institute that allows us to immediately take action in our lives. She also encourages exploration of the book The Anatomy of Peace for a more in-depth dive for information.
Video Version
In this series of four episodes Sharon continues to share information from The Anatomy of Peace by the Arbinger Institute explaining the boxes we put ourselves in when we try to justify our own crooked thoughts, words, and behaviors toward others. But, as always, she uses the information to equip, not discourage. You will walk away from this series empowered in pursuit of your purpose.
Video Version
In this series of four episodes Sharon continues to share information from The Anatomy of Peace by the Arbinger Institute explaining the boxes we put ourselves in when we try to justify our own crooked thoughts, words, and behaviors toward others. But, as always, she uses the information to equip, not discourage. You will walk away from this series empowered in pursuit of your purpose.
Video Version
In this series of four episodes Sharon continues to share information from The Anatomy of Peace by the Arbinger Institute explaining the boxes we put ourselves in when we try to justify our own crooked thoughts, words, and behaviors toward others. But, as always, she uses the information to equip, not discourage. You will walk away from this series empowered in pursuit of your purpose.
Video Version
In this series of four episodes Sharon continues to share information from The Anatomy of Peace by the Arbinger Institute explaining the boxes we put ourselves in when we try to justify our own crooked thoughts, words, and behaviors toward others. But, as always, she uses the information to equip, not discourage. You will walk away from this series empowered in pursuit of your purpose.
Video Vrersion
In this episode Sharon shares some insight about this person in your life, whomever it may be, and how to understand the relationship dynamic you may have with them that leaves you feeling depleted or crazy.
Video Version
In this episode Sharon explore more content from The Anatomy of Peace and how to avoid marginalizing and going to war with others. A timely episode in light of the upcoming holiday season!
Video Version
Join Sharon as she continues to read through The Anatomy of Peace by the Arbinger Institute, exploring how recruiting allies and triangulating others into our relationship conflicts creates war rather than helping us solve problems and broker peace.
Video Version
In this episode Sharon builds on her teachings about relationship postures as she shares a simple but life-changing concept from the book The Anatomy of Peace by the Arbinger Institute.
Video Version
Excited to be back after a mini-sabbatical, Sharon shares about her coaching work and how to access her directly for an initial free consultation and paid coaching through her website.
Video Version
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break.
In this episode Sharon explores labeling and honoring feelings instead of minimizing, ignoring or yielding to them.
Video Version
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break.
In the episode, Sharon continues her discussion on Distractions and Destinations. Please listen and share
Video Version
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break.
In this episode Sharon discusses how distractions can divert us from the destinations that we want to reach. Please listen and share.
Video Version
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break.
In this episode Sharon explains how perfection destroys our courage to take risk and accomplish our goals. She offers the realistic option of excellence and normalizes resilience and failure as part of the journey
Video Version
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break. In this episode Sharon explores how gratefulness is in the small things and the antidote to feeling sorry for ourselves.
Video Version
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break. In this episode, Sharon concludes her new series around the benefits of being shaken and what we should do when circumstances don't go […]
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break. In this episode, Sharon continues her new series around the benefits of being shaken and what we should do when circumstances don't go […]
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break. In this episode, Sharon continues her new series around the benefits of being shaken and what we should do when circumstances don't go […]
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break. In this episode, Sharon continues her new series around the benefits of being shaken and what we should do when circumstances don't go […]
Please enjoy this Best of POP Coach Life episode. We chose these episodes based on popularity from the archives, and are sharing them with you while Sharon takes a much needed break. In this episode, Sharon starts a brand new series around the benefits of being shaken and we should do when circumstances don't go […]
n this episode Sharon shares her upcoming plans for restoration and while remaining connected and serving her listeners. She encourages us, as always, to rest and restore in our own lives, coining her new mantra, "TOES UP!" Video VersionTranscript
In this episode Sharon helps us understand how we may struggle with unmet needs, because we don't recognize HOW they are being met. She encourages us to see past "the packaging" and recognize blessing in our lives. Video Version Transcript
In this episode Sharon explores our need for a pattern of "create-enjoy-rest-repeat" as a blueprint for good physical and mental health. It is "aloha- breath of life" and helps us live in a more present, grounded and joyful way. Video Version Transcript
In this episode Sharon identifies the fallacy of constantly seeking or trying to be ideal and the pressure it puts on us and our relationships. She encourages us to understand the place of idealism but to let ourselves and others connect genuinely in "the real." Video Version Transcript
In this episode Sharon defines adversity, helps us understand how it can teach and develop our psyche, and encourages us to know the difference between adversity and inconvenience. She explores how that’s important for mental well-being and resiliency. She finishes strong with a call to continue fighting the good fight in adverse situations in our […]
In this episode Sharon gives us permission to be comfortable with our own emotions and be with others in their emotions without feeling the pressure of trying to fix anything. She explains the continuum of affective response, normalizes emotional responses to big and small life events, and encourages us to be ok with that. She […]
In this episode Sharon defines stewardship and how it applies to our lives, encourages us to identify where we struggle and to make one small consistent change in that area. Video Version Transcript
In this episode Sharon shares about a friend having the courage to wonder aloud, "Will you still like me?" after spending time and getting to know each other better. Sharon argues that this is the question deep down inside of all of us as we share more of who we are and that the question […]
In this episode Sharon want to talk about grace... but not really. She explores the challenge giving the grace we all want with some honesty and humor.
Video Version
Transcript
In this episode Sharon explores how "listening to understand" leads to the ability to be discerning. Knowing what to do with it is wisdom, and that has specific benefits for our relationships and mental health. Please listen and Share.
Video Version
Transcript
In this episode Sharon explores how to change our thinking and take action to make healthy change. She normalizes the fear and insecurity that can get in our way and encourages us with specific steps we can take to move in a new direction. New doors require new keys.
Video Version
Transcript
In this episode Sharon explores the difference between failing and "being a failure," how we may have learned to internalize mistakes in a negative way, and the truth about success in our relationships and endeavors.
Video Version
Transcript
Do you struggle to meet deadlines and follow through? Do you feel like a failure? Sharon explores how unmet needs translate in our heads to the negative belief of failure and how to take it hostage and replace it with a positive label that enables us to achieve our goals.
Video Version
Transcript
In this episode Sharon reads and discusses an excerpt from Dr. Chris Thurman's book titled The Lies We Believe. She focuses on the self-lie of believing we have to have our way to be happy and offers a way to catch and counter-act said lie.
Video Version
Transcript
In this episode Sharon welcomes her friend Elaina who wants to discuss the importance of labeling feelings accurately, why that's important, and what to do about about them. Have a listen as a Gen X and Millennial/Gen Z work to bypass generational differences to understand a core struggle and need we all have.
Video Version
Transcript
In this episode Sharon reads and discusses an excerpt from Dr. Chris Thurman's book titled The Lies We Believe. She focuses on the self-lie of believing we have to have everyone's approval and love to be happy.
Video Version
Transcript
In this episode, Sharon teaches us what understanding and wisdom are, how they are different and how they compliment one another and serve us in our daily lives and decisions.
Transcript
Video Version
Description: In this episode Sharon explores the problems with "all truth" and "all grace" approaches and offers the balance of both as the healthy balance that fosters healthy relationships.
For the Video Version
Transcript
In this episode Sharon explains the difference between concern and anxiety and how understanding those differences can help us navigate things better and reduce anxiety.
For the Video Version visit here
Transcript
In this episode Sharon explores the similarities and differences between depression and other feelings to help us understand and navigate what we might really be experiencing so that our needs can be addressed in a genuine and functional way. This episode was sparked by a conversation with her Gen-Z son about his frustration with the seemingly chronic mislabeling of multiple feelings as “depression” amongst his peers.
Video Version
Transcript
In this episode Sharon explores the difference between living in the AND versus living in the OR. Living in the OR shuts down options, traps us in all or nothing thinking, and is exclusive. In the AND we have choices, flexibility, room for growth and forgiveness, and can make things right.
Video Version
TRanscript
In this episode Sharon is experiencing an anxiety spike and needs to reset. She lets us in on her process as she sorts out what's causing it, how she feels, and what to do about it.
Video Version
Transcript
In this episode Sharon helps us understand why living in abundance comes from a posture of gratefulness, that abundance does not produce gratefulness, is honest about her own struggle and offers a litmus test that gives us the ability to discern and decide our own mindset on the issue.
In this episode Sharon both asks the question and encourages us to identify and overcome barriers to pursuing our hearts desires.
Title: Being Seen and Fear of Exposure Description: In this episode Sharon tackles the competing interests of exposure and being seen. She both normalizes the struggle and empowers us to understand our fear so that we can make intentional decisions based on what we truly need.
In this episode Sharon explores building resilience by accepting things and experiences we
can’t control and honoring our feelings instead of trying to avoid or ignore them. When we try to control experiences and feelings we actually miss out on the joy of the moment!
In this episode Sharon concludes this 4 part series about the 4 types of Relationship Postures Please Listen and Share
In this episode, Sharon continues her series on relationship postures. Please listen and share.
In this episode Sharon continues this 4 part series about the 4 types of Relationship Postures Please Listen and Share
In this episode Sharon introduces a 4 part series about the 4 types of Relationship Postures.
In this episode Sharon explores the dilemma of wanting to accuse and heal in struggling relationships and why we may have to choose one over the other. She also talks about what it may take to engage in a posture that can be part of mending strained relationships.
In this episode Sharon explains how perfection destroys our courage to take risk and accomplish our goals. She offers the realistic option of excellence and normalizes resilience and failure as part of the journey
In this episode Sharon helps us identify if we are spinning in worry or actually strategizing and how and when to take action to move forward or make things right. She offers clear answers for a frustrating head space.
In this episode Sharon offers the truth about our purpose, value and impact on people in our lives and the world at large. A great reminder in the middle of our holiday difficulties and challenges!
In this episode Sue has questions for Sharon about shame and blame. Sharon shares how same and blame put us in a no-win situation and offers practical solutions.
Sharon explores how letting go of expectations and being open to new traditions and change can help use relax and enjoy more of what holidays are really about, new experiences and enjoying time with people we love.
In this episode Sharon explores the crossroads of love, purpose and teleological narrative as a means understanding worth and living with value.
Sue asks Sharon about managing achievement and boundaries when it comes to rest and play. Sharon tackles the performance trap, our internal narratives, assumptions about others, jumping to conclusions, jealously, and the comparison game. Sharon offers options and ways to reign in destructive thoughts and patterns and find balance in our thoughts and actions. Also […]
Sue is back and wants to talk about rest. Together Sharon and Sue explore rest versus striving as a follow up to the podcast episode "Unreachable Ideals." What does rest look like? Are we restoring and contributing to resiliency and building up our minds and bodies in a right way? They explore how to know […]
Sharon explores the internal ideals we create and pursue and how pursuing them can create guilt, resentment, depression and pressure our relationships. She encourages us to let go of the unreachable and be willing to make things right, rather than strive for the unreachable.
Sharon explores her own struggle with transitioning from crisis mode to relaxation and joy.
Sharon explores what risk truly is, the benefits and boundaries, and shares how grief in her own life taught her to choose risk over avoidance, depression and anxiety. She posits that risk is unavoidable and we can lose ourselves in refusing to embrace it.
Avoidance, minimizing and ignoring are a natural tendency, but confronting issues is actually less work in the long run. Take heart, be brave and "face it."
Sue is back and wants to talk about forgiveness. Together Sharon and Sue explore the multi-faceted experience of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a simple concept but can be a complicated process.
In this episode Sharon expands on one of her social media posts to help us understand how our thoughts can create negativity and resentment or restore and build resiliency.
In this episode Sharon explores depletion and the value of being honest with yourself about it.
In this episode Sharon tackles the reality that we often create more issues, drama and pain in our lives by being reactive and unaware of our own patterns and choices. Change happens when we understand how we are designing and building problems and take charge instead of blaming others.
In this episode Sharon explores learning to experience beauty and pain at the same time. How do we hold and honor all the experiences and changes that life brings our way? Holding the "room" in our psyche and lives to embrace the whole experience and all the emotions that come with it.
In this episode Sharon talks about finding calm in the midst of crisis and practical ways to deal with crisis that keep us from spinning out.
In this episode Sue is back to ask Sharon about how our goals in a conflict impact the outcome. They explore what pitfalls to avoid and how conflict can be healthy and build closer relationships.
In this episode Sharon explores how gratefulness is in the small things and the antidote to feeling sorry for ourselves.
Life is hard. It's easy to talk about supporting each other, but we often compete and fight each other instead of fighting the hard things side by side. In this episode Sharon lays out steps to support each other and fight with each other in a meaningful way and offers answers to competition and jealousy.
Sharon is going to read you a poem! Give it a chance- it’s beautiful. She talks aboutacceptance and boundaries- appreciating people as they are and respecting boundaries insteadof trying to change people might need to start with self-acceptance and appreciating who youare and what you have to give. Be the crooked little tree you are!
In this episode Sharon explores labeling and honoring feelings instead of minimizing, ignoring or yielding to them.
In this episode Sue asks Sharon about dealing with challenging relationships. Sharon shares about recognizing the nature of the relationship, saying yes and saying no, responsibility versus obligation, and encourages the listener to consider that healthy boundaries protect relationship.
Boundary work is simple and usable as a tool in life and relationships. So why do we hesitate to apply them? There are several reasons for this, but the foundational reason is that we only protect what we value. If we can't see our own worth, we won't set healthy boundaries in our relationships.
Boundaries. What are they? Why do we need them? They protect us and provide safety and security in relationships and life. Boundaries matter.
Description: In a follow-up discussion to When People Challenge Your Boundaries, Sue asks Sharon about dealing with people in your life who make you feel like you have to "walk on eggshells." Sharon explore practical ways to set boundaries, avoiding traps like changing someone else's mind and the validation vortex, and how to say no.
Yeah, I said it... out loud. We all struggle with insecurity, but don't like to talk about it. But what happens when we acknowledge and label it? What's going on? How do we deal with it? Feeling insecure is ok and not a measure of your worth. Take care of yourself.
In this episode Sharon discucsses why you can't think your way out of intrusive thoughts. Please listen and share.
In the episode, Sharon continues her discussion on Distractions and Destinations. Please listen and share
In this episode Sharon discusses how distractions can divert us from the destinations that we want to reach. Please listen and share.
In this episode Sharon talks about using a tool called HALT that helps us stop and attune to our needs and not make decisions from a place of depletion. Please listen and share
In this episode, Sharon concludes her series around the benefits of being shaken and what we should do when circumstances don't go our way. Please listen and share!
In this episode, Sharon continues her new series around the benefits of being shaken and what we should do when circumstances don't go our way. Please listen and share!
In this episode, Sharon continues her new series around the benefits of being shaken and what we should do when circumstances don't go our way. Please listen and share!
In this episode, Sharon continues her new series around the benefits of being shaken and what we should do when circumstances don't go our way. Please listen and share!
In this episode, Sharon starts a brand new series around the benefits of being shaken and we should do when circumstances don't go our way. Please listen and share!
In this episode Sharon concludes this 4 part series about the 4 types of Relationship Postures Please Listen and Share Want to hire Sharon Click Here
In this episode, Sharon continues her series on relationship postures. Please listen and share.
In this episode Sharon continues this 4 part series about the 4 types of Relationship Postures Please Listen and Share Want to hire Sharon Click Here
In this episode Sharon introduces a 4 part series about the 4 types of Relationship Postures Please Listen and Share Want to hire Sharon Click Here
In this episode Sharon talks about why you can't hate what you nourish. Please listen and share Hire Sharon
In this episode, Sharon has as a coffee house discussion with her good friend Sue Vasquez on Anxiety. Please listen and share. Need a Coach? Click here
In this episode I discuss the importance of entering into any business or work relationship with Sustainability in mind Please listen and Share If you would like personal coaching from me Please visit http://popcoach.life to find out more.