Ages & Stages Podcast

About Ages & Stages Podcast

Now What, Y’all is where we talk about raising businesses and families—and figuring out what’s next. Real stories, honest conversations, and practical lessons for entrepreneurs who want more freedom, not more hustle. www.nowwhatyall.com (https://www.nowwhatyall.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Heather Roberts

Category

business · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Jan 2025

Latest episode

8 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Jan 2026

   Rusty but Ready!

   This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nowwhatyall.com (https://www.nowwhatyall.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

2. 

   18 Dec 2025

   The Energy Audit for 2026

   In today’s quick episode, we’re talking about that powerful moment between one year ending and another beginning — the pause where you decide what you’re leaving behind… and what you’re carrying forward. This is your reminder that 2026 doesn’t magically become different just because the calendar changes.You have to choose the version of yourself you’re becoming — and take the action steps that match her. What from 2025 gets left at the door?What gets packed in your metaphorical carry-on for 2026?And what actions do you already know you need to take, even if you haven’t said them out loud yet? It’s short, simple, and straight-up: clarity comes from naming what matters, and momentum comes from doing the thing. All right, that’s it for today. Bye, y’all. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nowwhatyall.com (https://www.nowwhatyall.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

3. 

   11 Dec 2025

   Do Less. Feel Better.

   In this quick hit episode, Heather drops a simple but game-changing reminder: clear the noise. When your day feels cluttered, your brain feels scattered, or your schedule feels like it’s running you — simplify. Strip away the shoulds, the distractions, the mental chaos, and come back to what actually matters. A 30-second reset with a big payoff. Takeaway: Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is remove the unnecessary. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nowwhatyall.com (https://www.nowwhatyall.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

4. 

   4 Dec 2025

   Welp… Missed the Appointment. Here’s Why.

   A short, real-life moment about forgetting an appointment and remembering—again—why systems save us from ourselves.Hope you enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nowwhatyall.com (https://www.nowwhatyall.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

5. 

   20 Nov 2025

   The Day I Finally Held My Boundary

   Have you ever noticed when you are asked to introduce yourself you are traditionally told to give 3 pieces of information. Your name. What do you do? And where are you from? But none of that information actually tells you WHO I AM. Does it? I was at yoga this morning chatting with my friend Sara about a new person who has joined this same class. Ironically her name is also Sarah (with an h.) Anyway I was telling Sara (no h) how neat I thought the new Sarah was. And No H Sara asked, “How do you know so much about her already?” My simple response was: I like to get to know the person, not just name, rank and serial number. This got me thinking about me. Who am I when I’m not: Heather Roberts Co-Founder of RSG Sales. Heather Roberts who sold and exited her business for over 7-figures. Heather Roberts mom to 3 adult kids. Heather Roberts wife to Josh. Heather Roberts daughter to Pete and Becky. Heather Roberts friend to Sara and Sarah. Heather Roberts dog mom to Nugget and Blue. All of these roles are in service to someone or something else. I love them but none of them ARE me. Who am I when I’m not doing? Do I even know how to be still and sit in silence with that question? No, I don’t. My dear friend, Jen, says I’m a problem solver which is true. The only problem with that is it’s still doing, not being. I think I’ve been running from this question of “Who Am I” for decades, if not my whole life. It is practically impossible for me to separate myself from what I do. Literally, my default mode is to make a checklist of things I can DO to define “Who I Am.” And then I got tested. It was Wednesday at 8:10am. In all honesty, I skipped yoga and was laying in bed when my phone rang. It was my mom. Dad had fallen, hit his head, and needed to go to the ER. My mom then said these words: “I’m exhausted. I’ll get him there but I am not staying. Work it out with your brother.” WHAM! I was thrown right back into the thick of it. All of the hard work I had put in building boundaries flew right out the door. I felt trapped. Once again a victim of my mom’s temperament or maybe temper. Of course I wasn’t going to abandon my dad. Who would do that? Drop off someone who’s hurt like it’s a drive-thru window! I moved some things around and met my dad at the ER. He was fine. Just needed 6 staples in his head. Ouch! I took him home and gave my mom the lowdown and aftercare instructions. I drove home. Opened the back door. And screamed. Shouted. Cussed. Cried. I felt like I had failed. All that hard work. GONE. Later in the day I realized that I dropped my dad off. I didn’t stay and take care of him. I made my mom do that. It may sound like a small thing but for me it was HUGE. I woke up the next day and was profoundly sad. It took me the rest of the week and weekend to figure out where that sadness was coming from. I realized I was sad for my dad—growing older is hard, even harder for him because he has a nerve disease. It just sucks. I was sad for my mom for the toll his illness has taken on her. I was sad for me for having to witness the cracks in their marriage. I woke up Monday morning like I had been hit with a bolt of lightning. I did hold my boundary. It was in a way that felt right at the time. I cannot control my parents, their relationship, or the decisions they make. I can step in and help but also step out. I finally f*****g did it! I learned that I can be compassionate while being me. I can embrace God’s grace. I can step back and look at the whole picture AND maintain ME! Just me. I still don’t have a perfect answer to “Who am I when I’m not doing?” But here’s what I’m learning: maybe the answer isn’t supposed to be clean. Maybe it’s messy and evolving and sometimes I get it right and sometimes I scream in my kitchen because I think I got it wrong. I’m learning that I can be compassionate while being me. I can embrace God’s grace - for my parents, for myself, for the fact that I’m still figuring this out. I can step back and look at the whole picture AND maintain myself. Just me. Not Heather Roberts the problem solver. Not Heather Roberts who shows up for everyone. Just Heather. And honestly? Some days that feels like enough. Other days it feels terrifying. Because we’ve been taught that our value equals our output. That rest is laziness. That boundaries are selfish. That if we’re not constantly proving our worth, we don’t have any. But here’s what I know now: We cannot change people who aren’t willing to change. We cannot control the decisions other people make. We can stay true to our values and morals. And we don’t have to do it all, solve it all, or be it all. Your version of learning to be instead of do will look different than mine. Maybe it’s not a parent emergency. Maybe it’s your kid’s disappointment. Your partner’s expectations. Your boss’s demands. Your own voice in your head telling you you’re not enough unless you’re producing. But the work is the same: figuring out who you are when you strip away all the roles and the achievements and the endless doing. I don’t have a checklist for you. I don’t have seven steps to discovering your authentic self. (Wouldn’t that be ironic?) All I can tell you is this: the next time someone asks you to introduce yourself, try something different. Instead of name, rank, and serial number - instead of what you DO - tell them something true about who you ARE. What brings you joy that serves no purpose? What have you been running from? What would you do if no one was watching and nothing counted toward your worth? Sit with those questions. They’re uncomfortable as hell. I know because I’m sitting with them too. But maybe that discomfort is the point. Maybe that’s where we find ourselves. xx, Heather P.S. I’d genuinely love to know: Who are you when you’re not doing? Hit reply and tell me. Not your resume. You. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nowwhatyall.com (https://www.nowwhatyall.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

6. 

   13 Nov 2025

   The Power of Doing Nothing

   This week, Heather dives into something that feels almost impossible in a world addicted to hustle: doing nothing. If you’ve ever felt guilty for slowing down—or if the holiday season has you sprinting toward burnout—this episode is your permission slip to pause. Heather unpacks why rest isn’t lazy, how “nothing” actually activates the brain’s creativity center, and what research shows about the real benefits of stillness. You’ll learn: * Why our brains are wired to resist rest (and how to retrain them) * How intentional stillness boosts creativity, clarity, and problem-solving * 5 simple ways to practice “doing nothing” during the busiest season of the year This isn’t about quitting. It’s about creating space to breathe, think, and actually feel alive again. ✨ Mentioned studies: * Scientific American on “mental downtime” improving memory & motivation * Healthline review on silence lowering cortisol and improving focus * Research on the brain’s default mode network (DMN) and creativity 🎧 Listen in for ten minutes of calm — and maybe permission to cancel one thing on your list today. ⏱ Time-Coded Episode Breakdown 00:00 — Intro: The problem with our obsession with motion01:00 — Why doing nothing triggers guilt for high achievers02:30 — What science says about the power of mental downtime04:00 — The myth of “productive rest” and why rest isn’t a reward05:15 — Real-life examples of doing nothing (without letting your life implode)06:30 — Challenge: Ten minutes of nothing — what happens next This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nowwhatyall.com (https://www.nowwhatyall.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

7. 

   6 Nov 2025

   The Hidden Cost of ‘Mompreneur’

   Hey friends — Let’s talk about labels.Specifically, the ones that sound empowering… until you realize they’re not. “Female Entrepreneur.”“Mompreneur.” Cute, right?Except every one of those words comes with a hidden cost. Because when you put “female” or “mom” in front of “entrepreneur,” you’re telling the world that this person is different.Unusual.Not the default. And that one word changes everything — from how investors describe you, to the interest rate you get, to how seriously people take your business. It’s not just sexism; it’s economics.We’ve been branded into smaller boxes — literally. Women own nearly 40% of U.S. businesses, but bring in less than half the revenue of men-owned ones.Not because we’re less capable — but because we’re still treated like a niche. So here’s my challenge to you:The next time someone calls you a “female entrepreneur,” just smile and say —“No. I’m an entrepreneur.” Because we don’t need extra labels to prove we belong.We built the table. xx,Heather Got a friend who’d appreciate this? Please share it with them! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nowwhatyall.com (https://www.nowwhatyall.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

8. 

   30 Oct 2025

   Oops! I Almost Built Another Business I Didn’t Even Want

   Hey friends —Okay, I need you to channel your inner Britney Spears for a second because this week’s episode is called “Oops! I Almost Did It Again.” If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’ve been borderline obsessive about protecting my time and energy. But that obsession didn’t come from nowhere — it came from burning out so hard that “I don’t give a s**t” became my new life anthem. So when I tell you that I almost said yes to starting a brand new business venture — even after swearing I was done — you might be thinking, “What the hell, Heather?”Let me explain. Let’s rewind to 2023.I was just about out of the day-to-day of RSG Sales. You’d think that would feel like freedom, right? But instead, I panicked. I thought, “If I’m not building something new, then who am I?” So I started a podcast called Boundaries, Business, and Boobs. (Yes, that was actually the title.) I convinced myself it would lead to a mastermind or coaching program… because apparently I didn’t know how to not be busy. Spoiler alert: I never actually grew the show. I just stayed busy pretending to have purpose. Then came 2024 — one of the hardest years of my life. I dropped everything and went into survival mode. That year broke me open in ways I didn’t see coming. Fast forward to early 2025. I started this Substack — Now What, Y’all. It felt different. Real. Creative, but not performative. It’s the first thing in a long time that actually fit. It even led to this book I’m writing. So yeah — things were finally feeling right. Until the “shoulds” came back knocking. Somewhere between book writing and newsletter drafts, I started thinking:“If I have a community and a book, then obviously I should build a mastermind or big event, right?” That’s what everyone online says, after all.You have to leverage your audience.You have to scale.You have to monetize. So when a friend suggested we start a mastermind for 7-figure women entrepreneurs — one we both wished existed — it sounded tempting.We talked about it. She even figured out how to start sooner. And for two whole weeks, I didn’t mention it to Josh.Because deep down, my body already knew — I didn’t want to do it. When I finally told him, he said, “You should do it. It’s a great opportunity.”And y’all… I burst into tears. Because in that moment, I realized something: I didn’t want to say it out loud because saying it out loud made it real. That’s when it hit me: my body knew before my brain did.This wasn’t fear or self-sabotage — it was truth.I could feel it in my gut, my chest, my whole being. Britney started singing in my head again — but this time it was,“Oops, I almost did it again.” That, right there, is growth. Not because the old patterns disappear, but because you catch yourself before you say yes to something that drains you. Growth is realizing that not every great opportunity is your opportunity. I’ve aged out of hustle culture.I want ease. Sustainability. Meaning. Old me would’ve said yes immediately.I would’ve built the thing, resented the thing, and then had to unwind the thing. But current me?Waited two weeks.Cried instead of committing.And finally listened. This isn’t laziness. It’s wisdom.The right opportunities make you come alive.The wrong ones make you nauseous before you even start. So here’s where I’m at:I’m finishing the book.I’m writing this newsletter.I’m recording this podcast. And I’m building a community — slowly, intentionally — around ease and meaning, not urgency and scale. A place where the structure supports the life I want, not the other way around. So let me ask you, friend:What are you sitting on right now that looks perfect on paper but makes you want to throw up in reality? What “should” keeps circling back that you can’t quite bring yourself to commit to — because your body already knows it’s a no? The question isn’t whether the opportunity is good.It’s whether it’s good for you. Your body knows.Your tears know.Your avoidance knows. Are you listening? So that’s my Britney moment of the week — the one where I almost fell back into old patterns, but caught myself just in time. And honestly? That feels like real freedom. Thanks for being here while I figure this next season out — one honest “no” at a time. If this episode hit home, would you forward it to a friend who might need the same reminder?Sometimes, permission is contagious. Until next time —xx, Heather This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nowwhatyall.com (https://www.nowwhatyall.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

9. 

   23 Oct 2025

   Your Business Is Its Own Living, Breathing Entity

   Hey friends,It’s Heather — welcome back to Now What, Y’all? — the space where we get real about building a business that actually fits your life. Today we’re talking about something that sounds simple but will completely change the way you run your business once it clicks. Ready?Your business is its own living and breathing entity. Say it with me.Your business is its own living and breathing entity. Now say it again. Because once that sinks in, you’ll start making decisions very differently. Subscribe—it’s free & actually worth reading 😉 When I owned E by Design, my design team came to me one day and said, “Heather, we should NOT create solid color pillows. It’s already been done. Nobody’s going to buy that.” They had a gut feeling. A confident one. I listened — because that’s what good leaders do — but I also did my own homework.I pulled the numbers, looked at what was trending, and did a little market research. And you know what I found? There was a gap — a big one — right in that “boring” solid color pillow category. Fast forward three months, and our 16x16 Navy Blue Solid Pillow became our best seller for 18 months straight. Eighteen months. The team wanted to make design decisions based on feelings.I made them based on data. And that single difference — emotion versus information — is what separates a hobbyist from a business owner. Most small business owners say they know their business is separate from them.But in practice?They treat it like an extension of their identity. They take every critique of their work personally.They make decisions based on how they feel instead of what the numbers say. And that’s what’s killing their businesses. You are not your business.You run your business. Your business has its own heartbeat, its own needs, and its own data.It’s your job to listen to it — not just your gut. Let’s talk about where this really shows up. Maybe you’ve got a team member who’s no longer the right fit.You know it. Your books know it.But you’re hanging on because letting them go feels mean. It feels personal. Or maybe you’ve got a product or service that you love, but it’s draining your resources.You can’t let it go because it feels like failure. That’s not business logic — that’s emotion. When you’re emotionally entangled with your business, you can’t see what it actually needs to survive. It’s like being too close to a relationship that’s clearly not working — everyone else can see it, but you can’t because your heart’s in the way. Let’s go back to those solid pillows.My team’s gut feeling was wrong.The data was right. Numbers don’t lie. Gut feelings do. And listen — I’m not saying you should ignore your instincts.Instincts can be powerful. But instincts without information? That’s just guessing. Your gut says, “I think people want this.”The business says, “Well, here’s what they’re actually buying.” If you really want to lead well, you have to let the business speak — and that language is numbers. So how do you start separating you from your business? Go pull up your P&L — your profit and loss statement.Look at what’s actually selling.What’s profitable.What’s draining cash or time or energy. And here’s the hard part: ask yourself why you’re still holding on to the things that don’t make sense. Is it because you love them?Because they were your idea?Because you feel guilty letting them go? That’s not a strategic reason — that’s emotion. And the minute you can separate that, you start making CEO-level decisions. Now I know some of y’all are thinking, “But Heather, I’m not a numbers person.” Stop it. If you know your mortgage, your grocery bill, your car payment — you can read a P&L.It’s the same skill set. The resistance to numbers is really just fear of what they might tell you.Because when you know what’s true, you have to do something about it. But trust me — it’s a lot easier to make peace with reality than to keep pretending. When you treat your business like its own entity, here’s what happens: You evaluate your offers objectively.You make strategic pivots without guilt.You receive feedback without taking it personally.And you let the data tell you what’s next instead of your mood that day. Your business stops being a mirror for your self-worth.It becomes a vehicle for your freedom. This is the part no one tells you — when you stop taking everything so personally, you gain freedom. Freedom to make hard calls.Freedom to pivot.Freedom to experiment without feeling like your identity is on the line. Your business is not your baby.It’s not your identity.It’s an entity — and your job is to keep it healthy. That’s where the real peace comes from. So here’s your challenge this week:Pull up your P&L and look at it with fresh eyes. Ask yourself:What is my business actually telling me?What decisions have I been avoiding because of how I feel about them?Where am I letting emotion override financial reality? Then make one decision — just one — based purely on what the numbers say. It might feel uncomfortable, but that discomfort?That’s growth. And your business — that living, breathing entity — will thank you. Thanks for listening, friends.If this episode hit home, share it with another entrepreneur who could use a little tough love and truth today. And if you haven’t yet, hit subscribe — it’s free and actually worth listening to. 😉 xx, Heather Pass it on—let’s normalize real talk about business & life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nowwhatyall.com (https://www.nowwhatyall.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

10. 

    16 Oct 2025

    The Real Reason I “Forgot” I’d Have to Market My Book

    Hey friends, it’s Heather. Okay, let’s start with a confession. You know how sometimes you “forget” something not because it slipped your mind, but because your brain just decided, “Nope, too scary, not today”? Yeah… that’s me right now with my book. I’m writing The Nurture Method: Raising a Business While Raising a Family — which sounds exciting and put-together, right? Except, I conveniently forgot one very important thing… I’m going to have to market this book. Which means… I’m going to have to be visible.And y’all, that is not my favorite thing. Let me take you back for a minute. Fifth grade. Small Catholic school in Gastonia, North Carolina.We were having some kind of performance — maybe a talent show, maybe a play — I honestly don’t remember that part. What I do remember is being up on that stage, all by myself, about to perform an Irish jig.Music starts… and I move.Too early. The whole crowd does that deep inhale thing, then giggles.And I just freeze.Finally, I start again on the right cue — but I was mortified. I wanted to disappear. And that, friends, was the start of my lifelong preference for being behind the scenes. But it didn’t stop there. Seventh grade — I was a cheerleader. We’re lined up at halftime, ready to go. Someone switches the cheer at the last minute. Guess who missed the memo?Yep. Everyone’s yelling one thing, and I’m shouting another.Cue more giggles. More humiliation. Then, freshman year of college, I’m playing intramural basketball.Trip. Fall. Bloody knees. It’s almost comical now, but at the time? It felt like death by embarrassment. Those little moments stacked up and trained me to believe: behind the scenes is safer. Fast forward to today.I’ve built companies, raised three kids, and somehow convinced myself I could write a book about it all. So a few months ago, I announced I was writing The Nurture Method.And right after I hit “post,” my brain went,“Oh wait… that means I’ll actually have to tell people about it.” Y’all, the irony kills me. Because here’s the thing — I am the face of all of our marketing for RSG Sales. I do the videos, I create the content, I show up. No problem.But that’s for the company.That’s not Heather Roberts. When I’m talking about RSG Sales, it’s bigger than me. It’s about a mission, a team, a collective success.But when it’s my book? It’s me out there. Alone.Potentially dancing to the wrong cue again. That’s the real reason I forgot about the marketing part —Visibility is my personal Mars.I’d rather build the rocket than ride in it. And you know what’s wild? I’m 55 years old. You’d think at this point I’d have shed that fear of looking stupid. But no. Every time I go to message someone about my book launch team — which, by the way, is like a group of book cheerleaders who help spread the word —I feel like that little fifth-grade girl on stage again, praying not to mess up the steps. Every DM, every ask, feels like I’m saying,“Hey, wanna come watch me maybe trip and fall in front of everyone?” And I hate it. But here’s the thing about this year:I promised myself that 55 would be my “no more f***s left to give” year. My kids even bought me a potholder that says, “Oh there it goes… my last f**k.”And honestly? I think it’s the energy I need right now. Because the truth is, I’ve lived every story in The Nurture Method.The failures, the growth, the systems that worked and the ones that didn’t.This isn’t theory. This is my actual life. So yeah, I’m going to show up.I’m going to market this book.I’m going to ask for help, even when it feels awkward and cringey. I’m reminding myself:The fifth grader survived.The seventh grader got over it.The college freshman healed. And 55-year-old Heather? She’s still here.Still dancing — even if it’s to the wrong damn song sometimes. Here’s what I’m learning through all of this:The fear of visibility isn’t about messing up.It’s about everyone seeing you mess up. But guess what? Everyone messes up.The only difference is — some people are willing to do it publicly, and some aren’t. And I don’t want to be one of the ones who hides anymore.Because hiding is expensive.You pay for it with your ideas, your impact, your dreams. I’ve done that for too long. So, if you’ve been hiding behind the scenes — I see you.I am you. But maybe it’s time we both step out a little more.Yes, people might giggle when you dance to the wrong cue.But at least you’re dancing. And honestly, what’s worse — dancing off beat, or never dancing at all? So, deep breath… here we go. If you want to follow along as I stumble — I mean, step — through this whole book marketing thing,come hang out with me on Instagram at @sonowwhatyall.I’m sharing it all in real time — awkward parts included. And if you want to be part of my book launch team,well… I’m officially asking. Consider this your invitation. Until next time — keep dancing, y’all. xx,Heather This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nowwhatyall.com (https://www.nowwhatyall.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

11. 

    9 Oct 2025

    Why Ease Isn’t Selfish

    Hey friend—welcome back to Now What, Y’all? I’m Heather, and today I want to talk about a phrase I absolutely despise. You’ve probably heard it a million times: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Every time I hear that, I just roll my eyes. Because here’s the truth: you can pour from an empty cup… it just means nothing is coming out. And let’s be real—we as women, as mothers, as entrepreneurs, we’ve all poured from an empty cup more times than we can count. So the real question isn’t can you pour from an empty cup?—it’s why do we keep doing it? And what happens when we finally stop? Here’s what I think: for those of us who are a certain age—good grief, I sound like my mother right now—we were raised to believe our worth is measured by what we do for everyone else. Being “good” meant you didn’t cause trouble, you made life easier for everybody, you were helpful. And if you were really good? You kept your own needs tucked away in a little box and labeled them “selfish.” We learned it from our moms, too. They worked all day, came home, cooked, cleaned, helped with homework, coordinated the schedules, and collapsed into bed. And then they got up and did it again. That was “love.” That was “service.” But here’s the problem: service without boundaries isn’t love—it’s self-destruction. Every time you think about doing something just for you—taking a weekend off, hiring an assistant, saying no to yet another volunteer gig—what’s the first thought that pops up? “That’s selfish.” But y’all, wanting freedom and ease isn’t selfish—it’s smart. You know what’s actually selfish? Running yourself into the ground so badly that everyone else has to pick up the pieces. Burning out your business because you’re too tired to make clear decisions. Snapping at your kids because you haven’t had five minutes alone in three weeks. That’s selfish. Taking care of yourself so you can show up as your best self? That’s strategy. This year when I turned 55, I decided to experiment. I started a little practice I call “one thing for Heather.” Every single day, I do one thing just because I want to. No justification. No explanation. Not because it’s productive. Just because it feels good. And here’s what I’ve learned: * The world doesn’t end. That project I thought would implode? It got done without me micromanaging. * People step up. When I stopped being the fixer of all problems, shockingly, other people figured things out. * I make better decisions. When I’m not running on fumes, I can see what actually matters. * I’m more present. The time I spend with my family now is quality time, not resentful “ugh I should be doing something else” time. * My business runs smoother. Turns out when you’re not the bottleneck for everything, things flow. Imagine that. Now, let me be honest. When you start prioritizing yourself, not everyone’s going to clap for you. Some people will push back. They’ll be uncomfortable. They liked it better when you were available 24/7. But here’s the thing: that’s not your problem to solve. The people who truly love you? They want you healthy, rested, and happy. The ones who get mad about your boundaries? They were just benefitting from the fact that you didn’t have any. So if all this sounds amazing but also a little terrifying, here’s where to start: * Do one small thing for yourself this week. Order takeout. Say no to the extra commitment. Take a nap. * Notice the resistance. That little voice whispering “selfish”? That’s old programming talking. * Check in after. Did the world fall apart? Or do you actually feel more capable of handling what matters? * Build from there. Once you get comfortable with small acts of ease, go bigger. Take the weekend. Hire the help. Set the boundary. Ease is a muscle. The more you flex it, the stronger it gets. Here’s the surprising part: when you stop sacrificing yourself, you don’t become selfish—you become an example. Your kids learn boundaries and still feel loved.Your team learns to solve problems without you.Your friends see that business doesn’t have to mean burnout. You become living proof that success doesn’t require suffering. So instead of repeating “you can’t pour from an empty cup,” here’s the new mantra I want you to try on: “I’m keeping my cup full—haters be damned.” Because your wellbeing matters. Not because it makes you more useful. Not because it makes you more productive. Just because you’re human. So here’s my challenge for you this week: Catch yourself when you think, “that’s selfish.” Ask: Is this really selfish? Or is it just an old pattern trying to keep me stuck? I’m betting most of the time, it’s the pattern. And you, my friend, deserve more than a life lived on empty. Alright, that’s it for today’s episode. I’d love to hear from you: what’s one thing you’ve been calling “selfish” that you’re ready to reclaim as strategic self-care? Send me a DM, leave a comment—let’s start rewriting this narrative together. Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until next time—keep that cup full, and don’t apologize for it. xx, Heather This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nowwhatyall.com (https://www.nowwhatyall.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

12. 

    2 Oct 2025

    Stop Waiting for Your Time

    Hey friends!I’ve been listening to Kylie Kelce’s new podcast, Not Gonna Lie, and I love her authenticity, humor, and “don’t give a damn” energy. Here’s what struck me: she launched this show while pregnant with baby #4 and already wrangling three little kids. She didn’t wait for the “right” time. She just went for it. And it got me thinking about this idea of “seasons” of life — and how many of us are stuck waiting for a perfect season that’s never coming. We tell ourselves, “It’s just not my season yet.”It sounds wise. Mature. Responsible.But for women who’ve spent decades putting everyone else first, it’s often just a sophisticated way to keep putting ourselves last. We made room for everyone else’s seasons — newborn chaos, toddler mayhem, school schedules, teen drama.And now that we finally have some space, we’re… still waiting. Let’s get real about why: * We’re scared — what if we fail? What if we succeed and everything changes? * We feel guilty — like it’s selfish to want more. * We don’t know what we want — we’ve been focused on everyone else for so long. * We’re perfectionists — waiting for the ideal time, energy, and conditions. Newsflash: That perfect season? It doesn’t exist. “I’ll start that business when the kids are in college.”“I’ll write that book when work slows down.”“I’ll launch that podcast when life calms down.” But there’s always another crisis, deadline, or distraction.The perfect window of time is a myth. When I stopped waiting, here’s what I found: * You don’t need perfect conditions — I write this newsletter between client calls and at 11pm. * People adapt — my family adjusted and I became happier. * Momentum builds momentum — starting small led to bigger dreams. * You discover what you actually want — you can’t know until you start. Your season isn’t something that happens to you.It’s something you declare. Kylie Kelce didn’t wait for space to appear — she made space because it mattered.You can do the same. This isn’t about adding more.It’s about finally making space for something that’s yours. Stop waiting for permission.Stop waiting for perfect conditions.Decide: this is your season. This week, ask:“How can I make this my season?”Choose one small thing you’ve been waiting to do.Start it now — messy, imperfect, in the middle of everything else. The women who live their dreams don’t wait for the perfect season.They plant seeds in the one they’re in. xx, Heather Get full access to Now What, Y'all at heathersroberts.substack.com/subscribe (https://heathersroberts.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

13. 

    25 Sept 2025

    The Figured-It-Out Myth

    Hey friends!Let me tell you about my first business coach. We’ll call her Sue. She was brilliant, successful… and obsessed with looking perfect. Perfect business, perfect family, perfect team. But behind the scenes, everything had to go through her. No one had autonomy. And the pressure to keep up the illusion was exhausting — for her and everyone around her. Back then, I thought she had it all figured out. Now I know: she didn’t. And neither does anyone else. Here’s what age and experience have taught me:The people who look the most “together” are often the ones struggling most behind the scenes. That 7-figure entrepreneur? She’s wondering if she even wants her business anymore.That mom who seems to juggle it all? She’s crying in her car at school pickup.That confident coach? She’s googling “how to know what you want” at 2 AM. The difference isn’t that some people have it figured out and others don’t.It’s that some of us have gotten comfortable admitting we’re figuring it out. Over the years I’ve sat in masterminds, group chats, and private conversations with wildly “successful” women.And almost all of them are asking the same questions: * Is this all there is? * Do I even want this anymore? * What am I supposed to want next? * Am I the only one making it up as I go? Nope. We’re all making it up as we go. When we pretend to have it all figured out, it costs us: * It isolates us — people only show us their highlight reels, not their real struggles * It keeps us stuck — we cling to old strategies instead of experimenting * It ramps up our stress — performing perfection is exhausting * It erodes our leadership — our teams never see that it’s okay to pivot When I stopped pretending: * My business got better — I could try new things without shame * My relationships deepened — people opened up about their struggles * My stress dropped — I didn’t have to be “on” all the time * My decisions improved — I asked for help and made braver moves * My team grew — they saw mistakes as part of the process, not failure You have permission to: * Not have it all figured out * Be in the messy middle of becoming who you’re meant to be * Change your mind * Admit when something isn’t working * Stop comparing your behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reels We’re all living in the gray space — between who we were and who we’re becoming.The real skill isn’t “having the answers” — it’s learning to thrive in uncertainty. Here’s your practice: * Admit one thing you don’t have figured out * Ask someone you admire what they’re still figuring out * Say “I’m figuring it out” without apologizing * Celebrate the questions The most successful women I know aren’t the ones who have it all figured out — they’re the ones brave enough to admit they don’t. xx, Heather Get full access to Now What, Y'all at heathersroberts.substack.com/subscribe (https://heathersroberts.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

14. 

    18 Sept 2025

    The Discipline Myth That’s Keeping You Stuck

    Hey friends! So the other day I was talking with a group of my business besties when my friend Beth said,“If I was just more disciplined, I’d be more organized and productive.” And y’all, I almost spit out my coffee.That’s like telling someone who wears glasses that if they just squint harder, they won’t need glasses.It’s ridiculous. Today we’re going to talk about why discipline is not the answer, and why systems are the real secret to getting your time—and your sanity—back. Here’s the problem: this belief that “more discipline equals more time” is quietly sabotaging you.It’s doing three big things: * It creates a guilt spiral — every time you choose your kid’s crisis over your marketing plan, you think it proves you lack discipline. * It fuels burnout — you try to “power through” instead of asking, “What’s making this harder than it needs to be?” * And it keeps your systems broken — because you blame yourself instead of fixing what’s actually not working. Here’s the truth: most of us parent entrepreneurs are trying to use productivity systems designed by people who have… * Uninterrupted work time * Predictable schedules * No small humans asking for snacks every 17 minutes You are trying to do deep work in 20-minute bursts between school pickup and soccer practice, and then beating yourself up for not being laser-focused.That’s not a discipline problem.That’s a design problem. In nearly 20 years of business, I’ve never looked back at a successful season and thought,“Wow, I was so disciplined.”I’ve always thought,“Wow, I had systems that worked even when I didn’t feel like it.” Here’s what that looks like in real life: * Instead of “I need to be more disciplined about my mornings,” ask “What morning routine works even when someone threw up at 5 a.m.?” * Instead of “I need more discipline to stay off social media,” ask “How can I design my space so the distraction isn’t even there?” * Instead of “I need to be more disciplined with client boundaries,” ask “What system can hold the boundary for me?” Here are a few that changed everything for me: * The ‘Good Enough’ Content System: batching content on Mondays—not because I’m disciplined, but because it saves me from scrambling. * The Two-Minute Rule for Email: if it takes less than two minutes, I do it now—because the mental load of putting it off is worse. * The Calendar Block Defense System: I block time for my real priorities before I say yes to anything else—because my people-pleasing self will say yes to everything if I don’t. None of this is about being “better.” It’s about designing for reality. Most of the time when you think you need more discipline, what you actually need is: * Clearer priorities * Better boundaries * Systems that match your energy * And permission to be human Some days you’re going to choose your kid’s science project over your business plan. That’s not undisciplined—that’s being a parent. You don’t need to be more disciplined.You need to be more strategic. You have permission to: * Design systems for your actual life, not your fantasy life * Work with your natural rhythms instead of against them * Stop trying to be the entrepreneur who wakes up at 5 a.m. if you’re not a morning person * Build “good enough” into your standards * Ignore productivity advice that was never meant for parents in the first place So here’s your challenge this week:Pick one area where you keep blaming your “lack of discipline.”Ask, “What would this look like if I designed it for my actual life?”Then build one small system that works even on your worst days. Remember: you’re not broken.Your systems are.And unlike discipline, systems can actually be fixed. Alright friends, I’d love to hear from you—what’s one area where you’ve been blaming discipline instead of fixing the system? Drop a comment or DM me, and I’ll cheer you on. xx, Heather Get full access to Now What, Y'all at heathersroberts.substack.com/subscribe (https://heathersroberts.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

15. 

    10 Sept 2025

    If I Don’t Do It, Who Will?

    Hey friends!I’ve got a confession to make. I have this terrible habit of saying to myself, “If I don’t do it, who will?”Ugh, even saying it out loud makes me cringe. I’ve spent decades trying to break this habit—and sometimes I do—but then that little green-headed control monster shows up again. And y’all, he looks a lot like a gremlin who got wet. Not cute. Today, I want to talk about that trap of believing that if we step back, everything will fall apart—and why stepping back might actually be the best thing you can do. I call this the Everything Will Fall Apart trap. It’s when you convince yourself that you are the duct tape holding your family, your business, your team, your world together.And sure, you get it all done—but you’re also exhausted, burned out, and secretly resentful. Here’s the kicker: when you’re the duct tape, you’re not free. You’ve built yourself a prison where you’re both the warden and the prisoner. Now, this isn’t just about being control freaks. There are real reasons this feels so true. * First, we’ve been the reliable one for so long. Everyone comes to us because we remember the birthdays, manage the contractor drama, handle the client crisis. * Second, we’ve seen what happens when we don’t step in. The teenager forgets the project, the client deliverable goes out with a mistake. We take that as proof: see, I have to be the one. * Third, we mistake being needed for being valuable. If people don’t need us constantly, then what’s our worth? * And finally, we’re afraid of being blamed. If something goes wrong and we didn’t prevent it, it’ll come back on us. So, better to just handle it ourselves. Can you relate? I know I can. But here’s the cost of this mindset: * We end up building businesses that can’t run without us. Every decision, every process requires our input. * We raise people—kids, team members, even partners—who can’t function without us. * And we stay exhausted all the time. There’s always another fire to put out. Worst of all? We never get to see what’s possible because we’re too busy controlling the outcome. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: if you step back, some things will fall apart.Your kid might fail a test. Your team member might make a mistake. Your partner might do things differently than you would. And you know what? The world will keep spinning.Sometimes that failed test is exactly what your kid needs to learn responsibility. That mistake at work might lead to a better process. And your partner’s way? It might actually be better than yours. (Shhh, don’t tell the control monster I said that.) In my own experiments, here’s what I’ve found: * People rise to the occasion more often than they fall. * The disasters I imagined rarely happen—most of the catastrophe is in my head. * Better solutions often appear when I’m not micromanaging. * And I finally see what really needs my attention, not just what needs doing. So how do you practice stepping back without total chaos? * Start small. Pick a low-stakes area and deliberately let go. * Share the outcome you want, not the exact method. * Expect mistakes—they’re part of the learning curve. * Resist the urge to swoop in and fix everything. Ask questions instead. * And celebrate wins, even if they don’t look like your version of success. So here’s your challenge this week: pick one area where you usually think “If I don’t do it, who will?”—and don’t do it. Watch what happens. Not to prove yourself right, but to discover what’s possible when you step back. You have permission to not be the solution to every problem. You have permission to let other people struggle so they can grow. And you have permission to be valued for who you are, not just what you do. Alright friends, I’d love to hear from you: what’s one area where you’re willing to step back this week? Send me a message or drop a comment—I want to cheer you on. Until next time—xx, Heather. Get full access to Now What, Y'all at heathersroberts.substack.com/subscribe (https://heathersroberts.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

16. 

    19 Feb 2025

    From Non-Profit to Entrepreneur: Overcoming Mindset Barriers with Steve Beck

    In this episode, conflict resolution specialist Steve Beck shares his transformative journey from the non-profit sector to entrepreneurship. He opens up about the challenging mindset shifts required to properly value his expertise, how the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to rebuild his business model, and the importance of vulnerability in seeking help from others. Steve discusses how investing in coaching and surrounding himself with successful entrepreneurs helped him break free from limiting beliefs about his worth. His story offers valuable insights for anyone struggling to price their services or seeking the courage to invest in their professional growth. Get full access to The Ages and Stages in Biz and Life at heathersroberts.substack.com/subscribe (https://heathersroberts.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

17. 

    12 Feb 2025

    Milestones Over Goals - Why Your Path Matters More Than Your Destination

    # Episode 1: Milestones Over Goals - Why Your Path Matters More Than Your Destination Welcome to the first official episode of Ages and Stages in Biz and Life! In this episode, Heather Roberts kicks off our February mindset series by challenging the traditional approach to goal-setting and introducing a more sustainable way to achieve success in both business and family life. ## Episode Highlights: - Why traditional goals and New Year's resolutions often fail - The power of setting milestones instead of endpoints - How to break down big objectives into actionable steps - Real-world examples for both business and family life - The 1% daily progress principle ## Key Takeaways: 1. Goals vs. Milestones - Goals are endpoints; milestones are stepping stones - Milestones allow for progress tracking and adjustment - Focus on the journey rather than just the destination 2. Business Application - Setting realistic sales targets using milestone thinking - Breaking down revenue goals into actionable steps - Using the 100 calls → 60% conversion example for predictable growth 3. Family Integration - Making family dinner goals achievable through milestone planning - Using a family calendar as your "personal bible" - Adapting to real-life challenges without giving up 4. The Progress Principle - Aim for 1% improvement daily - Embrace both 5% progress days and 15% setback days - Focus on progress, not perfection ## Quotable Moments: "It's about progress, not perfection." "Some days you're gonna maybe be able to jump at a 5% and other days you're gonna get knocked back 15%. That's okay." ## Action Steps for Listeners: 1. Identify one big goal you want to transform into milestones 2. Break it down into small, actionable steps 3. Create a tracking system for 1% daily progress 4. Give yourself grace when setbacks occur ## Resources Mentioned: - Family calendar planning system - Sales conversion formula - 1% daily improvement principle Next Episode: Join us for another mindset topic in week three of February! --- Connect with Heather: [Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather_s_roberts/ (https://www.instagram.com/heather_s_roberts/)] Subscribe to Ages and Stages in Biz and Life for weekly newsletters and bi-monthly podcasts. #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ParentingAndBusiness #MilestoneMapping #BusinessSuccess #WorkLifeBalance Get full access to The Ages and Stages in Biz and Life at heathersroberts.substack.com/subscribe (https://heathersroberts.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

18. 

    15 Jan 2025

    What's New at Ages & Stages: Exclusive Member Events, AMAs, & Community Updates

    Y'all, I just wanted to give you a quick update about all the exciting things happening for our paid subscribers at Ages & Stages! Beyond our regular content, we're cooking up some fun surprises like pop-up events and Ask Me Anything sessions where we can dive deep into your business questions. I love these because they give us a chance to really connect and tackle your challenges together. There's nothing I love more than connecting with our business family, so we're also planning some exclusive paid subscriber-only events. If you want to be in on all this goodness, come join us as a paid subscriber! xx, Heather Get full access to The Ages and Stages in Biz and Life at heathersroberts.substack.com/subscribe (https://heathersroberts.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

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30

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 32 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

38

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0

YouTube

63

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0

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