Life Happens with Barb & Michelle

How you feel about your body can shape your entire life—and in this episode, we’re diving deep into the truth about body image, self-worth, and the journey to self-acceptance.

In this deeply personal conversation on Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, we open up about how harmful messages around appearance take root, how they impact our confidence, and what it really takes to unlearn them. From childhood memories and cultural pressure to the struggle of believing compliments and chasing “enoughness,” we explore the path from self-criticism to compassion—one thought at a time.

Discover how to transform trauma into growth and purpose with special guest Briony Douglas—a multi-talented artist and mental health advocate whose journey is both inspiring and deeply human. This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re exploring how creativity, self-worth, and healing intersect. ⬇️

Tune in and don’t miss a captivating episode with our special guest Briony Douglas joining us on a powerful discussion on turning our pain into beauty. 

Briony, known for her captivating sculptures, installations, and photography, shares how art became a lifeline during her healing journey. Her work ch...

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Discover why putting yourself first isn’t selfish—it’s essential. From divorce to everyday self-care, we’re encouraging you to prioritize your peace, reclaim your freedom, and confidently choose yourself over others’ comfort. ⬇️

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You asked, we answered. In today’s episode, we’re diving into what it really means to prioritize your peace—even when it challenges others’ expectations. For generations, we’ve been told that self-care...

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Emmy-winning actress Sarah Levy shares her powerful story of heartbreak, grief, and healing in the wake of unimaginable loss.

In this raw and deeply moving episode, Sarah shares the heartbreaking story of losing her home and community during the devastating LA fires—and the emotional aftermath that followed. With honesty, grace, and vulnerability, she talks about the grief no one prepares you for, the myths of toxic positivity, and the long, often messy process of rebuilding from the inside out.

At the beginning of this year, wild...

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Redefine how you view life’s purpose with this eye opening episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle. In a world that glorifies big achievements, Barb and Michelle offer a refreshing perspective: that true fulfillment often lives in the small, everyday moments. Join us as we explore how letting go of society’s pressure to do more can open the door to a more authentic, purpose-driven life—rooted in presence, connection, and values that truly matter. ⬇️

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Your Gut-Feelings Are Guardian Angels—Learn to Trust Them. In this episode we unlock the power of your intuition and build unshakable self-trust, so your gut-feelings become your inner compass, guiding you to a more confident and aligned life. ⬇️

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Your intuition is one of the most powerful tools you possess—an internal compass that protects, guides, and speaks with a wisdom deeper than logic. In a world filled with noise, learning to hear and trust...

Improve your mental health with Barb & Michelle through practical mindfulness, meditation, and real talks with experts Jeff Warren and Tasha Schumann. from the Mind-Bod Adventure Pod. Build ease, trust, and lasting calm—one breath at a time.

In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, mindfulness experts Jeff Warren and Tasha Schumann join the conversation to explore how meditation can transform your mental and emotional wellbeing.

Meditation is often misunderstood, but at its core, it's the simple, consistent practice of returning to the present moment. This episode breaks do...

Watch this episode on youtube: https://youtu.be/muPF0ZIbk1U

Ready to quiet the self-doubt, and finally put yourself first?

In this episode, we’re answering your questions about building resilience, practicing real self-care, and taking control of your mental health — even when life feels heavy.

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⟶ thedearfriendbook.com

In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re answering your most-asked questions about building emotional resilience, boosting confidence, and caring for your mental h...

Discover how to break generational cycles and heal from trauma by stepping out of survival mode ⬇️

✨ Pre-order Dear Friend and unlock daily moments of clarity, encouragement, and heartfelt inspiration. 💌

⟶ thedearfriendbook.com

In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re diving deep into generational trauma, toxic family dynamics, and what it means to be a cycle breaker. Generations of dysfunction and unhealed pain can unknowingly shape how we show up in the world—but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

We’re shifting from survival mode into healing, unlearning...

Explore the emotional and mental health impact of loneliness in the digital age ⬇️

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​Did you know that loneliness can have the same impact on our mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day? According to the U.S. Surgeon General, widespread loneliness poses health risks as deadly as smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily. With 1 in 3 Americans experiencing feelings of loneliness at least once a week, and social media often exacerbating feelings of isolation, this is an epidemic...

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With 1 in 4 people estranged from a family member, it’s clear there’s a crisis in connection—one we don’t talk about enough.

What happens when communication breaks down, when misunderstandings pile up, and when silence becomes the only way we know how to cope? It’s time to talk about the elephant in the room: how do we have the hard conversations that help us heal, reconnect, and grow stronger together?

The answer isn’t always cutting someone off. In fact, many...

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This week on Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, we’re opening up about our personal journeys with grief and how we’ve supported each other through loss as mother and daughter. We’re sharing the lessons we’ve learned, the ways we’ve found resilience, and the love that continues to guide us.

This episode is especially close to our hearts. Barb speaks vulnerably about her current experience with grief, as a dear friend of hers has recently entered hospice care. She reflects on what...

✨We’re on YouTube✨⟶ Watch our episodes here: @lifehappensthepodcast

After three incredible years of Barb Knows Best, we’re excited to evolve and relaunch as Life Happens Podcast—where we dive deeper into navigating life's ups and downs through the lens of our unique mother-daughter dynamic.

In our debut episode, we’re reflecting on the evolution of our relationship as parent and adult child. We’ll explore the growth, changes, and lessons we’ve learned along the way, and how we’ve tackled life’s challenges together.

Barb shares the wisdom she’s gained as a mother, embr...

We're back — with a new name, a fresh look, and a brand-new video podcast 💚 but the heart of our show stays the same: real, personal, and empowering conversations between a mother and daughter.

Why Life Happens?

Because life isn't linear. It's full of twists, turns, unexpected lessons, and beautifully messy moments. We're here to talk through all of it — with honesty, vulnerability, and love. 🌱

Starting Tuesday, April 15, 2025, join Michelle and Barb for heartfelt conversations, actionable insights, and inspiring stories that remind you you're never alone in what you're going through.

We're growing, e...

Exciting news! Barb Knows Best is evolving! To celebrate this new chapter, Barb and Michelle share one of their all-time favorite episodes from Barb Knows Best. In this episode, Barb and Michelle talk about the one trait they're both working on cultivating this year (and honestly… every year): resilience. This conversation meant so much to them—it was recorded during a time when life felt especially heavy, and the lessons still hit home today.

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

Follow...

Have you heard of emotional monitoring? It’s when you anticipate and accommodate other people’s emotions at the expense of your own. This might look like constantly wondering if someone is mad at you or checking in excessively to make sure they’re okay. Over time, this hypervigilance can be exhausting.

This week, Barb shares her experience of divorce after spending 33 years as the peacekeeper and emotional monitor in her marriage. Through our personal stories, Barb and Michelle explore how to recognize emotional monitoring and, more importantly, how to break free from it.

Key Takeaw...

On this week's brand-new episode, Barb and Michelle are encouraging you to stop apologizing. In this vulnerable conversation, they discuss their personal practices of noticing the instinct to over-apologize or even apologize when not warranted, and how that affects confidence, clarity, and self-esteem. They also share how they've been overcoming this pesky habit, and the benefits they've discovered.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. 

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Click her...

In this week's all new episode, in celebration of Women's History Month, Barb and Michelle dedicate this episode to YOU—to all women.

They unpack the struggles women face daily—from the impossibly high expectations to the ongoing battle for equality. If you’ve ever felt like you were too much, too little, or simply not enough, this episode is for you.

Here are some key takeaways from today’s episode:

This week, in an all-new episode of Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle dive deep into the painful reality of betrayal. Through sharing personal stories, you'll learn how they healed from broken trust, and, most importantly, how they reclaimed their power in its aftermath.

Here are some key takeaways from today’s episode:

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle honor the memory of Melody Beattie, a teacher and guide who profoundly impacted so many. Her wisdom, shared through her books and teachings, is a beacon. In this revisited episode, Barb and Michelle reflect on one of her most influential works, Codependent No More, and discuss how it helped them release codependency and build healthier, more empowering relationships. 

References Mentioned in Today’s Podcast:

Follow us @Mich...

In this week's all-new episode, Barb and Michelle tackle the tricky and subtle dynamic of settling. They share their personal perspectives on shifting their mindsets from settling to fully owning it.

They share personal struggles with breaking free from self-doubt, elevating standards, and trusting that the right things will come at the right time. Not settling isn’t just about getting what you want, it’s about believing in yourself enough to wait for it.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or afraid to ask for more, this episode is for you.

Key ta...

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, this week, Barb and Michelle take this holiday of love as reminder that real love comes in many forms. Some years, this day feels joyful and full of connection, while others, it may stir up longing or reflection. No matter where you are in your journey, one thing remains true: love isn’t limited to romance. It exists in the beauty of nature, the bond with your children, the kindness of a friend—but most importantly, in the love you give yourself.

Love is a verb: it’s something we practice and in...

Have you noticed that kindness, understanding, and patience feel harder to come by these days? You’re not alone! In a world that feels increasingly tense and on edge, it can be challenging to navigate interactions with difficult people while staying true to your own sense of peace.

In this week's episode, Barb and Michelle dive into an important conversation: How do we handle disrespect? Many of us absorb negative encounters and allow them to impact our moods and mindsets—but we don’t have to. 

While we can’t control the external world, we can contr...

This week, Barb and Michelle invite you to revisit a past episode with a timely message of managing difficult times and finding peace amid drama.

Barb and Michelle unpack a quote that has been simmering in their minds, “Please let go of the habit of comforting people after they have harmed you” by Liana Naima. It’s easy for many of us to go into people pleasing mode to keep the peace in our relationships, but at what cost? Listen to learn their thoughts!

Episode Notes:

In this week's episode of Barb Knows Best, Barb shares a personal experience of acting out of alignment in the heat of the moment. Facing self-criticism and judgment, Barb walks us through her healing and acceptance process, as well as provides practical tips to help prevent future triggers and unnecessary outbursts.

This episode serves as a reminder that it’s normal to have difficult interactions in life; life happens! The trick is not not letting missteps and mistakes derail us from being the best versions of ourselves. Challenges always provide wonderful opportunities for reflection, learning, and growth.

In this week's episode, Barb and Michelle reflect on the devastating California wildfires, highlighting the deep pain and loss so many are experiencing right now. In moments like these, the strength of our communities and the care we offer one another becomes not just important but essential. Nakita Valerie’s words ring especially true: “Shouting ‘self-care’ at people who actually need ‘community care’ is how we fail people.”

They explore the transformative power of community care, especially during difficult times. While self-care has its place, it often overlooks our intrinsic need for connection. We are not meant to navigate li...

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle explore how to navigate the transition into the new year with compassion and care. Rather than diving headfirst into the hustle of achieving every resolution, they’re encouraging you to embrace slowness, self-care, and reflection during this first month of 2025. Join them as they share their personal experiences and practical tips for letting go of the pressure to start the year perfectly, easing back into routines, and approaching this season with grace and kindness.

View full show notes of this episode.

...

Happy New Year!

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle dive into the transformative practice of intention setting. Take a moment to reflect: how often have you truly followed through on a New Year’s resolution? While many of us start the year eager to grow and thrive, studies show that only 1% of resolutions stick for the entire year.

In today’s episode, they explore why resolutions often fall short and how embracing the new year with intention can lead to meaningful, lasting change. They’ll share practi...

As the year draws to a close, we’re reminded of the beauty in pausing to reflect on the journey we’ve taken—the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the gratitude that anchors us. In this week’s episode of Barb Knows Best, we delve into the defining moments of 2024 and share how these experiences have shaped us, prepared us, and inspired us for the year ahead.

View full show notes of this episode.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemar...

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb—a lifelong perfectionist—shares her wisdom and personal journey with perfectionism. Together, Barb and Michelle explore how this mindset shows up, especially during the holidays, and how to break free from its grip.

View full show notes of this episode.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. 

You can also find us on Substack at Love Notes by Michelle Maros and Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

Clic...

The holiday season is often seen as a time for joy, family, and celebration. But for many, it can also bring about big, complex emotions—whether it's stress, grief, or the weight of unresolved conflicts. 

This week on Barb Knows Best, my mom and I open up about how we can process these emotions and still find meaning, connection, and peace during the holidays—even when they don’t feel perfect.

View full show notes of this episode.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share y...

Over the last few episodes, we’ve explored the complexities of managing difficult and toxic relationships. This week on Barb Knows Best, we’re diving deeper into one of the most challenging yet transformative practices: loving people from afar.

Together, we’ll share our experiences and insights, unpacking how to transform relationships filled with pain, stress, or emotional turbulence into something healthier and more peaceful—even if that means redefining the connection from a distance.

View full show notes of this episode.

Follow us @MichelleM...

In this week's episode of Barb Knows Best, we delve into the often misunderstood world of toxic relationships. What truly defines a toxic relationship? How can we tell the difference between a relationship that’s imperfect and one that’s harmful? With a holiday twist, we’re sharing insights, reminders, and practical steps to help you protect your peace and joy during this busy season.

If you’ve ever found yourself drained by certain people or dreading holiday gatherings because of toxic dynamics, this episode is for you. Join us as we explore how to recla...

This week on Barb Knows Best, we share practical strategies and heartfelt insights to help you reclaim your peace this season. From setting boundaries and managing expectations to staying grounded when chaos swirls around you, we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s handling that one relative who always tests your patience or learning how to put your own well-being first, this episode is your guide to showing up authentically and embracing the holidays on your terms.

View full show notes of this episode.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb an...

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle dive into a practice that is transformative for them, especially during life’s toughest moments: gratitude. It’s easy to get caught up in striving for more or waiting for the “next big thing,” but the true magic lies in appreciating the here and now.

Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting feeling, but rather a way of life. It anchors us during hardships, reminding us of the beauty and blessings we often overlook. In this episode, they explore why adopting a grateful spirit is an essential...

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle explore a transformative yet challenging concept: giving yourself permission to feel. In a culture that often tells us to “stay positive” or “power through,” fully embracing our emotions can feel unfamiliar—even radical. Yet, it’s one of the most healing and empowering acts we can do for ourselves.

View full show notes of this episode.

Follow us @MichelleMaros and @Peaceful_Barb and share your experiences with us @BarbKnowsBestPod or at Michellemaros.com/podcast. 

You can also find us on...

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle dive into a topic we all face but rarely talk about openly: disrespect and recognizing when enough is enough. 

In this episode, they talk about the subtle signals that can tell us it’s time to reassess or even step away from people or situations that no longer feel respectful or aligned. Through honest conversations, personal stories, and practical advice, they explore how small acts of disrespect—often brushed off as “no big deal”—can, over time, erode our sense of trust and security. Through this episod...

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle dive into the topic of imposter syndrome and share their personal experiences of how they've learned to reclaim their confidence — and hopefully inspire you to do the same. They explore what imposter syndrome looks like, how it manifests, and the impact it can have on our lives. Through the insights and strategies they discuss, they hope to help quiet your inner critic and loosen the hold imposter syndrome may have on your life.

View full show notes of this episode.

In...

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle talk about how we can cope with our own anxieties around world events, and the uncontrollable, unpredictable unknown. They also give tips and reminders to help navigate the overwhelm of these times and reminders of how to stay present through it all. We hope this episode encourages you to take your power back and know that you always have a voice and a vote!

View full show notes of this episode.

In honor of World Mental Health Day, Barb and...

This week on Barb Knows Best, Barb and Michelle explore the topic of rejection and how to navigate life’s unexpected detours. They discuss ways to shift your perspective when faced with rejection—whether in relationships, career opportunities, or personal goals—and how it can actually serve as guidance if we learn to surrender and trust the process. They also share personal stories that have helped them embrace rejection as a form of redirection, guiding them to where they’re truly meant to be on their journeys.

View full show notes of this episode.