Small Things, Big Life

About Small Things, Big Life

Life isn’t always about big milestones and perfect plans. It’s the small things, the messy mornings, the unexpected pivots, the quiet cups of chai that shape who we are.Small Things, Big Life is about slowing down in a world that never seems to stop. It’s about finding inner peace, learning to love ourselves through the chaos, and tuning into the overlooked moments that actually make up our lives.Hosted by Jen-a mom, wife, former federal employee, and now accidental podcaster, each episode is an invitation to breathe deeper, laugh harder, heal louder, and rediscover what truly matters.Come for the chaos. Stay for the connection.Cheers to small things — and to big lives.

Publisher

Jen

Category

leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Apr 2025

Latest episode

7 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Oct 2025

   Dawn Hunter on Joy, Boundaries, and Putting Work in Its Place

   We’ve been taught our whole lives that the harder you work, the further you’ll get. Graduate, get a degree, find a job, make money, provide, hustle harder. But somewhere along the way, work became the end-all, be-all. And in that grind, many of us lost something essential, our boundaries, our health, our joy. In this season finale of Small Things, Big Life, I’m joined by Dawn Hunter joyful rebel, culture shifter, boundaries enthusiast, and host of the Work is Third podcast. Dawn reminds us that joy is strategic, boundaries are radical, and work should never come first. Together, we talk about why it’s not only okay but necessary to put yourself and your family first, and to let work come third. This episode is about permission.  Permission to step out of the hustle, to say no, to set boundaries, and to build a life rooted in care and connection. This is the final episode of Season One, and I want to thank each of you whether you’ve listened to one episode or the entire season. These conversations have reminded me again and again that we are not alone in the messy middle of life. I’ll be back fresh and renewed in January 2026 for Season Two. And in the meantime, you can catch me as a guest on Dawn’s podcast Work is Third, I’ll share more about that on my socials when it goes live. Connect with Dawn Hunter Work is Third Podcast: https://www.thedawnlab.com/podcast Website: https://www.thedawnlab.com/podcast Connect with Me Website: www.smallthingsbig.life Instagram: @small.things.big.life Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576508242635 If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with a friend or leave a review,  it helps more people find these stories. Until next season, remember: set those boundaries, choose joy, and never forget you are not alone.

2. 

   22 Sept 2025

   Holding On to Small Things in a Shaken Community

   ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses school shootings, lockdowns, children’s fear and safety, and includes strong language. Please listen with care. A couple weeks ago my children’s school went into lockdown after an active shooter threat in our community.  What I felt that day and in the days since was fear, shock, disbelief, anger, and helplessness. It was too close, and our community has been deeply shaken. In this episode of Small Things, Big Life, I share my raw, unfiltered reflections: The surreal fear of racing to the school not knowing what was safe The moment of relief and heartbreak when I reunited with my kids How my son’s grief and sense of safety shifted in ways he couldn’t fully explain The overwhelming need to stay busy, checking in on others, coordinating support, holding space while I shoved down my own emotions The deep gratitude I feel for teachers, staff, neighbors, and a community that showed up for each other in the darkest moment This isn’t a political conversation. It’s not about solutions or debates. It’s an honest journal of what it feels like to be a parent when the unthinkable comes too close, and how the “small things”, a hug, a text, a moment of connection can carry us through fear and grief. If you’ve ever felt your world stop in its tracks, or struggled to hold both heartbreak and gratitude in the same breath, I hope this episode reminds you: you are not alone. 💚 Stronger Together.

3. 

   25 Aug 2025

   Back-to-School: The Beautiful Chaos of Letting Go

   Back-to-school season brings up ALL the feelings, doesn't it? In this episode, I'm diving deep into the beautiful, messy reality of sending our kids back to school, the relief we don't always talk about, the missing them part that catches us off guard, and the complete chaos that comes with the school year schedule. If you're feeling torn between counting down the days until school starts and already missing your kids before they even leave, this episode is for you. I'm sharing the real, unfiltered truth about morning madness, the financial reality of school expenses, practical tips that actually work, and why it's okay to feel ALL the emotions. Whether you're a seasoned school parent or facing your first back-to-school season, you'll find encouragement, practical advice, and the reminder that you're doing an amazing job even when it doesn't feel like it. What We Cover In This Episode The Relief We Don't Always Talk About Why it's okay to look forward to those 6 hours of quiet The summer chaos that makes us crave routine (hello, laundry mountain!) Finding time for yourself and things that fill your cup The Missing Them Part The worries that cycle through our minds all day How different kids handle school differently (my son loves it, my daughter...not so much) The real fears we carry that previous generations didn't have to face School Year Chaos & Practical Solutions Morning routine survival tips that actually work The logistics of drop-off, pickup, and hangry kids How my husband and I divide responsibilities Real talk about the financial reality of school expenses Advice for First-Time School Parents What to expect in those first few weeks Practical tips for staying in the loop Why joining PTA is worth it (even if you don't volunteer much) The Heart of It All Why these small daily things add up to something big Remembering that you're building their foundation and memories Key Takeaways It's normal to feel conflicted about back-to-school season The first few weeks are busy for EVERYONE.  You'll find your groove Hot lunch and sleeping in tomorrow's clothes are valid survival strategies Your kids will be okay, and so will you Those quiet moments of missing them? That's love, mama Resources & Links Daily Support for Moms: Daily Affirmations & Journaling Prompts for Moms - https://smallthingsbiglife.etsy.com Voice Affirmations for Moms - https://smallthingsbiglife.gumroad.com/ Connect With Me: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/smallthingsbiglife/ - Follow for more parenting encouragement and real talk Instagram: @small.things.big.life Facebook: Small Things, Big Life Mentioned in This Episode: ABC Mouse (educational app for kids) PTA involvement and why it's worth it Hot lunch as a morning sanity saver Let's Connect! I'd love to hear from you! Are you team "counting down to school" or team "already missing them before they leave"? Tag me on social media with your back-to-school reality. If you're a first-time school parent feeling overwhelmed, reach out, I'm here for you and I promise it gets easier. A Note from Me I'm about 8 days out from recovering from some yucky germs while recording this, so I may not sound like my usual self, but this topic was too important not to share. Thank you for your patience and for being part of this beautiful, messy motherhood journey with me. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another parent who might need to hear they're not alone in feeling all these mixed emotions. Subscribe so you don't miss future episodes where we dive into all the real stuff that comes with raising kids.

4. 

   11 Aug 2025

   Grounding Yourself When Life Keeps Going with Katy Featherstone Coombes

   Life rarely slows down just because we need it to. In this episode of Small Things, Big Life, I sit down with Katy Featherstone Coombes , a business mentor, consultant, and strategist to talk about what it really means to find your footing when the world keeps moving at full speed. Katy shares how giving birth to her son at home became a pivotal moment reshaping how she approaches both life and business. We dive into the power of self-trust, the importance of grounding yourself amid chaos, and the small, intentional choices that can help you create a life and career that actually feel like freedom. Whether you’re navigating change, feeling stretched too thin, or simply searching for a steadier pace, this conversation is your reminder that you can find calm without waiting for the storm to pass. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Katy’s personal journey from business owner to mentor and consultant. How a transformative life event shifted her mindset and priorities. Practical ways to ground yourself when life feels nonstop. Why self-trust is the foundation for personal and professional growth. Small steps you can take today to create space, clarity, and calm. Connect with Katy:📧 Email: katy.laura.f@gmail.com💼 LinkedIn: Katy Featherstone Coombes🌐 Website: featherstoneconsulting.co.uk __ Let’s Stay Connected:💛 Instagram: @smallthingsbiglife🎙 Podcast Website: Small Things, Big Life💬 Join STBL Conversations or Beta Test STBL Reflections, DM me for details!

5. 

   28 Jul 2025

   Unapologetically Me- Building a Life That’s Yours with Kate Browning

   This episode is a breath of fresh air: honest, real, and full of soul. Today, I’m joined by the one and only Kate Browning, Creative Unicorn, Boundaries Mentor, Canva Expert, and Content Queen. Kate shares her journey from corporate burnout and chronic illness to building a life rooted in boundaries, self-care, and unapologetic truth. We talk about: Breaking free from hustle culture Reclaiming your time and your voice What boundaries really look like in everyday life Starting over without shame And why joy in the “small things” is anything but small You may hear a bit of background fan noise but this is real life, not a studio. But trust me: her story and insight are 100% worth the listen. This one will stay with you. 🌱 Charities Kate Mentions: https://www.oakhavenhospice.co.uk/ https://ecologi.com/ https://www.secondchanceanimalrescue.co.uk/ 💼 Connect with Kate Browning: Website: www.cherryblossommanagement.co.uk Instagram: @cherryblossommanagement Facebook: Cherry Blossom Management LinkedIn: Kate Browning | Creative Unicorn Email: hello@cherryblossommanagement.co.uk 💛 Let’s Stay Connected: If this episode resonated with you, please share it, leave a review, or tag us on socials. And check out my new offering: STBL Real Talk, small group spaces for real conversation. First session drops soon. Until next time, keep noticing the small things… because they really do build a big life.

6. 

   14 Jul 2025

   Maybe You Should Fly a Jet… Or Just Survive the 2025 Job Hunt

   In this episode of Small Things Big Life, Jen delves into the whirlwind of emotions and decisions that accompany the search for meaning and direction in life's unpredictable journey. She shares her struggles and insights about juggling multiple roles and pursuing new paths, from program management to creative voice work. Join Jen as she discusses the challenges in today's job market, the influence of AI in job applications, and the emotional rollercoaster of redefining one's career. She candidly reflects on her journey, emphasizing the importance of not giving up and embracing the full spectrum of human emotions. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or inspired to make a change, this episode is a supportive space to explore your own dreams and aspirations.

7. 

   30 Jun 2025

   Rediscovering Yourself After Motherhood with Aubree Felderhoff

   Spark coach Aubree Felderhoff discusses rediscovering identity after motherhood with host Jen, addressing challenges like mom guilt and self-care, in this interview episode.

8. 

   16 Jun 2025

   Love, Chaos, and All the Real Stuff

   The host shares unfiltered truths about marriage, covering the messy, ridiculous, and honest moments of love and partnership.

9. 

   2 Jun 2025

   Vampires, Victories, and Vitamin D: A Real Health Journey

   Host discusses her personal health journey, including body image struggles, pregnancy complications, diabetes diagnosis, and hormone imbalances, to redefine what "healthy" truly means.

10. 

    19 May 2025

    My Journey...Finding Myself Again or the New Me?

    Please note: This episode contains mild expletives and emotionally sensitive topics. If you're in a tender place right now, listen with care. In this episode I talk about what it means to truly find myself...or maybe, discover a new version of me. I share the steps I've already taken and the ones I'm still navigating as I process the whirlwind of leaving my longtime federal career, rediscovering old passions, and carving out space for healing. This is raw. It's real. A...

11. 

    5 May 2025

    This Wasn’t Just a Job: Why I Walked Away from the Work That Shaped Me

    In this episode, I open up about why I walked away from a job I held for over 18 years — a role that shaped my identity and gave me purpose. As a former federal employee, I share what civil service meant to me, why the decision to leave wasn’t easy, and what’s been happening behind the scenes for so many public servants. But more than that, this is a conversation about humanity. About stripping away the job titles, political noise, and assumptions — and remembering what it means to simply be ...

12. 

    29 Apr 2025

    This Wasn’t the Plan… But Maybe It Was

    Join me in my very first episode as I share why I started this podcast — and what inspired me to step behind the mic. Podcasting wasn’t something I ever planned. But after an unexpected and sudden change in my career, combined with the beautiful chaos of motherhood, partnership, and navigating the world we live in, it felt serendipitous. Small Things, Big Life is my outlet to express, reflect, and connect — and maybe, just maybe, help others slow down and listen to their own lives a little mo...

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100

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

Quality

49

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.