Starting a business is thrilling and challenging, exhilarating and terrifying. Today, we speak with Dr. Megan Bengston about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the crucial skills for success, and the importance of community support. We delve into her journey, insights from the Thread community, and how embracing discomfort can be transformative. Dr. Bengston, founder of Kansas Pelvic Health and Wellness and co-host of the Pelvis Project Podcast, shares her mission-driven approach that goes ...
Aug 11, 2025•36 min•Ep. 32
It can be lonely at the top. But the reality is you're not alone. On this episode we are going to explore loneliness in leadership with Alyssa McGinn, managing partner at InfoFluency Data Solutions and co-founder of Luminous. Alyssa shares her journey of building community, especially after moving across the globe and transitioning into new roles. We'll explore the importance of having a growth mindset, the impact of The Thread community, and actionable tips for intentionally creating the life a...
Aug 04, 2025•35 min•Ep. 31
Are you constantly trying to appease the desires of others while suppressing your authentic self? Join us for a conversation with Anetra Burton, a storyteller, speaker coach, and legacy builder on a mission to empower women to harness their voices for change. Discover the importance of being true to yourself, learn techniques for building confidence in communication, and get inspired by Anetra's journey with the Thread community. Anetra shares her personal experiences with overcoming self-doubt,...
Jul 28, 2025•23 min•Ep. 30
Who is the biggest obstacle to your personal and professional growth? Spoiler alert: it's you! Join me as we are joined by Amy Leslie, CEO of Prospective Consulting, to uncover the internal saboteurs that hinder our goals. From fear and perfectionism to people pleasing and hyper-achievement, Amy explains how these mental patterns form and how they manifest, especially in high-performing women. Learn about the judge saboteur we all possess and discover the top three saboteurs common among leaders...
Jul 21, 2025•30 min•Ep. 29
Remember all those elaborate plans our Thread team shared before the summer started? Well today is the “reckoning” as we get an update from Audra, Kristen and Kendra on how things are going. We kick off with Kristen, who shares how her summer plans took an unexpected but enriching turn, leading her to practice self-compassion in the face of personal challenges. Kendra reflects on her goals for structure and fun, uncovering a balanced approach to parenting and personal fulfillment. The conversati...
Jul 14, 2025•37 min•Ep. 28
Can you believe that we are already halfway through the year? Today I'm sharing five key lessons I've learned so far! From valuing health and evolving dreams to digging deeper into self-discovery and embracing a 'soft girl era,' these insights could resonate with your journey too. Plus, a funny take on my struggle with a new espresso machine and the myth of quick fixes. Let's reflect together on growth, change, and finding balance. 00:00 Introduction and Fresh Starts 01:25 Reflecting on the Firs...
Jul 07, 2025•13 min•Ep. 27
Do you ever feel like you're racing against an invisible clock, always falling behind life's expectations? When my family moved back to the Midwest amidst the uncertainty of COVID, I found myself caught in a self-generated rat race, feeling the need to catch up. This mindset of 'being behind' is deeply rooted in comparison, especially in our digital age. In this episode, I share two critical reflection questions to help you break free from the constraints of others' timelines and embrace a life ...
Jun 30, 2025•17 min•Ep. 26
Feeling scared to talk about your business? Hiding your side-hustle? You're not alone! In this quick and dirty pep talk, I share my journey of overcoming the fear and vulnerability of starting a business. Having officially begun my entrepreneurial journey in August 2020, I learned a lot of lessons on the fly. Today we will discuss the importance of embracing your identity as an entrepreneur, committing to constant action, and seeking encouragement from those around you. Tune in to hear my top th...
Jun 23, 2025•19 min•Ep. 25
Have you ever rushed to judge a situation only to realize later how much it changed through a shift in context? Today, we dive into the timeless story of 'The Farmer and His Horse' to uncover profound lessons on resilience and staying open to life's uncertainties. Discover how adopting a 'maybe' mindset can help you pause before judging events, stay open to unexpected outcomes, lead calmly during change, and build internal resilience. I'll share practical mantras you can incorporate into your da...
Jun 16, 2025•15 min•Ep. 24
Are you prepared to take on summer with actionable self-care strategies? With the halfway mark of the year upon us, it's time to implement some new learnings. From setting up a solid sleep routine to maintaining morning rituals, discover how to prioritize your well-being even when life gets busy and routines are interrupted. Join me as I share tips for creating accessible, enjoyable, and consistent self-care habits, ensuring you stay energized and ready for whatever the season brings. Take these...
Jun 09, 2025•28 min•Ep. 23
Have you ever felt like you're drifting through life without a clear direction? This week, we dive deep into the topic of values—one of my personal favorites and foundational pillars of my business. Joined by my team, we discuss why values matter and how they serve as anchors, compasses, and even shields in our everyday lives. From navigating life's different seasons to balancing work and family, we will share personal stories and practical strategies for identifying, articulating, and living in...
Jun 02, 2025•35 min•Ep. 22
Are you ready to dive into your summer reading list? Let's talk books! From setting flexible reading goals to diving into captivating fiction and development reads, we'll explore my favorite picks of the year. Discover how adopting Gretchen Rubin's '25 minutes of reading a day' challenge has transformed my reading habits and get inspired with recommendations for your next great read. Plus, hear my thoughts on Goodreads and supporting local libraries. What's on your reading list? Share your favor...
May 26, 2025•16 min•Ep. 21
Ever felt like you're on a rollercoaster of thoughts, especially during stressful times like 'Maycember'? You're not alone! Discover the power of thought awareness and how our daily thoughts shape our emotions, actions, and ultimately, our destiny. We'll jump into essential tips and techniques like journaling, using emotion wheels, time tracking, and more to help you become more conscious of your thoughts. Learn to navigate the chaos, embrace positive thinking, and steer clear of toxic positivit...
May 19, 2025•26 min•Ep. 20
How are you planning your summer? Join us for a thoughtful discussion on balancing work, parenting, and personal time during the summer months with Audra and her team, Kendra and Kristen. Explore different approaches to making the most of summer, whether it's structuring 'Camp Mom' days, building deeper connections with kids, or navigating a full work schedule while still enjoying family time. Get practical tips and hear inspiring stories of how different families are planning their summers, and...
May 12, 2025•39 min•Ep. 19
Ever wonder if ADHD might be affecting your life? Today I’m sharing with you my unexpected journey of being diagnosed with ADHD at 38. From recognizing hereditary signs through my child's diagnosis to my own realization and management, I'll reveal into the personal highs and challenges of living with ADHD. Learn about the surprising ways ADHD has influenced my life, creativity, and work. Plus, get a glimpse into how ADHD can be both a challenge and a superpower. Stick around for some laughs, sha...
May 05, 2025•29 min•Ep. 18
Have you ever wondered how understanding your team's unique aptitudes can transform your workplace dynamics? Join us as we welcome Kristi Windish, co-founder of True Compass, and Thread teammate Kristen Selby to discuss the critical role aptitudes play in building a high-functioning team. We’ll explore personal experiences and the significant impact of leveraging aptitude knowledge to enhance team collaboration, reduce conflicts, and improve overall productivity. Discover how different strengths...
Apr 28, 2025•28 min•Ep. 17
Are you aware of your natural gifts? Today, we've got Kristi Windish, co-founder of True Compass, who shares her expertise on discovering your aptitudes and how they differ from strengths. Learn how natural talents can guide your fulfilling career path and boost your self-awareness. We also discuss Kristi's process with students and adults, and how her assessments can reveal hidden strengths and lead to aha moments. Plus, a special discount code for listeners interested in discovering their own ...
Apr 21, 2025•27 min•Ep. 16
Are you doing work that truly fulfills you? Today, we explore the importance of pursuing a career that aligns with your passions and aptitudes. Revisiting an article I wrote in 2014, we’ll take a look at my own personal journey of job satisfaction, the risks and rewards of finding fulfilling work, and the value of never settling. Learn why it's crucial to engage in work that lights you up and discover the impact this has on your happiness, success, and legacy. Stay tuned as we unpack practical s...
Apr 14, 2025•18 min•Ep. 15
Do you know your strengths and how they impact your work? Get an inside look at how we built a thriving, cohesive team at The Thread! We discuss the significance of knowing your strengths, how they align with your role, and the impact of working in your zone of genius. Plus, you'll meet the fantastic women behind The Thread: Audra, Kendra, Kristen, and Sierra, who share their unique journeys, roles, and strengths. Discover how we've structured our team with everyone working to their strengths, c...
Apr 07, 2025•35 min•Ep. 14
Do you love the idea of a fresh start? Whether it's the beginning of a new week, month, or even a quarter, fresh starts can give us hope and motivation. Today we get into the science behind the Fresh Start Effect, exploring how significant dates can psychologically motivate us to initiate positive changes. I'll also walk you through my detailed process of planning for the second quarter of 2025, including team meetings, personal reflections, and annual goal reviews. Along the way, I'll share pra...
Mar 31, 2025•20 min•Ep. 13
Today we explore the intersection of creativity, confidence, and self-expression in the world of fashion and personal style. I’m joined by style curator Jessica Branding, the general manager of Bradley Fair. Jessica discusses into the importance of personal style and how it influences our confidence, and the stories our clothing tells. Discover tips on how to find your unique style, the significance of a well-curated closet, and how to transition your wardrobe with changing seasons and phases of...
Mar 24, 2025•26 min•Ep. 12
Happy St. Patty's Day! On today’s green-themed show, we'll explore how to create your own luck. We will get into some powerful insights from psychologist Richard Wiseman and entrepreneur Sarah Blakely. And how does luck have a relationship with your mindset, taking action, and being open to opportunities. Learn practical tips on cultivating a growth mindset, such as embracing challenges, replacing 'I can't' with 'How can I?', and reframing failure as learning. Discover how small consistent actio...
Mar 17, 2025•30 min•Ep. 11
It is time to celebrate with a lighter, fun, and fresh topic as we release our 10th episode! I'll be sharing 10 practical ideas to infuse joy into your life this spring. From refreshing your morning routine to exploring new hobbies, planning fun date nights, and even sprucing up your wardrobe, this episode is packed with tips to help you embrace the new season with joy. Whether it's organizing a space, committing to a weekly date night, or trying out the Fair Play system with your family, there'...
Mar 10, 2025•25 min•Ep. 10
Have you failed yet this year? I know I have, and it was so critical to be able to bounce back and show up again. Whether it’s processing with a few safe people, understanding different perspectives, or detaching our self-worth from our actions, I've got some tips that might just help you out too. Remember, failure is part of life—it doesn’t define us. Let’s build that muscle to keep showing up and moving forward. Thanks for joining me today! 00:00 Welcome to A Lot With Audra 00:15 Listener Feed...
Mar 03, 2025•19 min•Ep. 9
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by managing the finances of your business? This week, I'll share how I went from crying in my CPA's office to mastering my business finances, resulting in an organized and empowered approach. I'll discuss the steps I took, including hiring the right financial professionals, managing monthly financial processes, and finding a CPA that fits my needs. Tune in to learn practical tips and gain confidence in managing your business finances. If you have questions or want ...
Feb 24, 2025•20 min•Ep. 8
It's time for us to shift our language from 'busy' to 'full.' Learn how this small yet impactful change in mindset can help you manage a hectic schedule in a more intentional and sustainable way. We’ll look at my personal journey of balancing a bustling career with family life, share three crucial mindset tips for navigating full seasons, and offer practical advice like focusing on priorities and giving yourself permission to let work and family time overlap. We also explore the importance of ha...
Feb 17, 2025•26 min•Ep. 7
Today’s episode is inspired by all of you! I got so much great feedback on Episode 3 about showing up for yourself, it helped me realize that we have to have the same “show up” attitude to our parenting. Because we all know that being a parent takes A LOT (especially with how much we have on our plates). Drawing insights from the book 'Seen' by Will Hutcherson and Chinwe Williams, we'll discuss six practical tips for intentional parenting. You’ll hear a lot about my own experiences and stories, ...
Feb 10, 2025•24 min•Ep. 6
I am thrilled that we’ve moved past what felt like the never-ending month. The focus today is on the invaluable role mentorship has played in my entrepreneurial journey. I'll share reflections on how a pivotal mentoring session in 2020 with a successful entrepreneur changed my perspective and ambition for my business. We will explore why mentorship is crucial for entrepreneurs, especially in terms of survival, decision-making, and problem-solving. Drawing from both personal experience and statis...
Feb 03, 2025•25 min•Ep. 5
Today’s episode is so important as we discuss managing the overwhelm that often accompanies big dreams and ambitious goals. As I reflect on personal experiences and conversations with entrepreneurs and mentors, we will explore common challenges like analysis paralysis and comparison that can halt progress. But you can move forward with practical strategies such as reverse engineering your vision, focusing on your zone of control, and asking the right questions to stay in motion. The importance o...
Jan 27, 2025•29 min•Ep. 4
Today we are going to get into the simple yet profound concept of 'showing up.' I’m excited to share personal stories about my entrepreneurial journey, overcoming fear, and the importance of taking action despite self-doubt. From my early days as a competitive cheerleader to building my business, we will explore the courage required to show up for yourself and your dreams. I recount various lessons learned along the way, including the impact of a simple bracelet inscribed with 'show up' and how ...
Jan 20, 2025•20 min•Ep. 3
