In this special minisode, Cat honors National Teacher Appreciation Day and Mother’s Day by sharing heartfelt reflections on the impact teachers and students have on our personal growth. 🌱📚

From her experiences teaching at a Montessori school to the lessons learned from her students, Cat reminds us that learning and teaching help us discover our voice. 🎤✨ She encourages everyone to take a moment to appreciate the mentors who have shaped their journey.

🌟 Plus, exciting news! Registration is now open for Cat’s upcoming event, the "Speak Truth to Live" Summit — an inspiring experience dedicated to finding your truth and living it boldly.

🙌 A huge thank you to all the teachers, parents, and mentors who continue to light the way!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiration and updates.

#TeacherAppreciation #SpeakTruthToLive #PersonalGrowth #Gratitude #CelebrateTeachers

Support the show

Connect with me in the following ways:
www.theadventureparadox.com
Facebook
Instagram
catcaldwellmyers@gmail.com

In this episode of the podcast, Cat dives into the importance of truly listening — not just to the outside world, but to our own thoughts and beliefs. She explains how our brains operate in seasons and how recognizing these patterns can help us navigate personal growth more gracefully. Using the example of political discussions, Cat illustrates that it's often our underlying beliefs, not pure facts, that drive emotional reactions and conflicts. By becoming aware of these beliefs, we can better understand ourselves and others.

Cat also stresses the importance of tuning into our bodies, paying attention to what they need, and honoring those signals as part of a holistic approach to well-being. As part of her "Mind Over May" initiative, she challenges listeners to set a meaningful personal goal and make a firm commitment to pursuing it, emphasizing the power of small, intentional actions over time. She concludes the episode by inviting everyone to share their goals and to participate in her upcoming "Speak Truth to Live" summit, a gathering designed to inspire authenticity, courage, and personal transformation.

Support the show

Connect with me in the following ways:
www.theadventureparadox.com
Facebook
Instagram
catcaldwellmyers@gmail.com

This episode dives into how we speak to ourselves, especially when negative self-talk arises, and how humor can be a powerful tool to shift our mindset, build compassion, and reconnect with others. Our guest, Brian Lee (aka Bullseye the Clown), shares how his life transformed from one marked by bullying and trauma to a purpose-driven mission of spreading joy through clowning.

Brian begins each day with the question, “How can I bless someone today?”—a mindset practice that keeps him centered in a chaotic world. He shares how clowning helped him move from invisibility and pain to connection and healing, using humor to reframe internal narratives and uplift those who, like he once did, feel overlooked.

His journey began after the death of his father, when he joined a clowning tour in Russia led by Patch Adams. Despite doubts, he discovered the power of presence and levity to transcend language and offer emotional connection, like when a simple wave to an elderly woman brought her to tears. That experience sparked a calling.

Upon returning home, he launched Clown Fitness, engaging seniors through movement and play, and later founded Clowns on a Mission—a global initiative that provides supplies, meals, and human connection in underserved communities. His work centers on one theme: bringing joy and attention to the unseen.

Brian is also the author of Bullseye on Bullying and the upcoming Be the Someone: Take Action in a World That Waits, encouraging everyday leadership and kindness.

Ultimately, this episode is a testament to how laughter, presence, and service can gently disrupt negative thought patterns, not by avoiding pain, but by adding light to it.

Bullseye's Take-Aways:

• Healing through Joy: A trip focused on clowning and spreading happiness helped Bullseye release years of emotional pain and trauma.
• Power of Presence: Clowning demands total emotional presence, making it an effective tool for personal healing and connection with others.
• Stigma vs. Reality: Despite the negative media portrayal of clowns, Bullseye has rarely faced hostility, demonstrating that authenticity can overcome stereotypes.
• Leadership Mindset: His philosophy—“Be the Someone”—encourages personal responsibility and grassroots action when facing social problems.

Bullseye’s Books:

1. Bullseye on Bullying: A practical guide offering strategies for individuals dealing with bullying or domestic issues.​ https://www.amazon.com/Bullseye-Bullying-Blueprint-Beating-Bullies/dp/B09M4R7DRR
2. ​Be the Someone: Take Action in a World That Waits (Coming Soon): Encourages readers to step into leadership roles and take action when needed, rather than waiting for others to act.

Support the show

Connect with me in the following ways:
www.theadventureparadox.com
Facebook
Instagram
catcaldwellmyers@gmail.com

In this minisode, I talk about how we can shift negative self-talk by learning to "talk to our brains" with kindness and humor. I share a story I saw online about someone who named her brain "Becky" and tells it, “We’re not doing this today,” when negativity creeps in. It reminded me how we can reset our thoughts at any time.

I explore the idea that thoughts often aren't based in the present moment, unlike real experiences—like the feeling of snow and sun on your face. I also touch on the importance of speaking kindly to ourselves and introduce the 5-to-1 praise-to-criticism ratio as a way to reframe our inner dialogue.

I share a story about my daughter struggling with snowboarding, her own negative self-talk surfacing, and how I had to meet her with empathy. That experience reminded me to focus on what really matters—and to return to what brings us joy. For me, that’s horses. They connect me to my truth.

I wrap up by reflecting on Seth Godin’s book This is Strategy: Make Better Plans, and how, like city roads that stay the same while buildings change, our mental "roads" are deeply ingrained. But we have the power to reroute our thoughts and clear our inner traffic. It all comes back to connection—between people, through adventure, and by speaking our truth.

✨ It’s not too late! ✨
You can still join the Courageous Women Rise Summit and catch my powerful conversation with the incredible Donna McGowan. We dive deep into courage, resilience, and what it really means to rise as women in today’s world.

🎧 Don’t miss it — check it out here: https://courageouswomenrise.com/Cat

Support the show

Connect with me in the following ways:
www.theadventureparadox.com
Facebook
Instagram
catcaldwellmyers@gmail.com

In this episode of The Mom's Adventure Paradox, I reflect on the power of humor—especially in the messiness of parenting and real life. I kick things off with a live stream moment when I discovered toothpaste on my hairbrush during a team meeting… courtesy of my kids’ April Fool's prank. That launched me into a bigger conversation: when do we know the joke is over?

I share some personal stories—like a cringey-but-funny moment from my river guiding days involving a Boy Scout joke that definitely did not land with every audience. It was a reminder that context matters. Humor is a great teacher of timing, audience awareness, and knowing when to pivot.

I also talk about my brief (and very amateur) foray into stand-up comedy and what I learned about pacing, punchlines, and the moment humor falls flat. Whether you're parenting, podcasting, or running a business, there's a season for everything—including the jokes that no longer serve us.

I wrap things up by sharing a sweet Mother’s Day card I found while cleaning out my desk, and reflecting on the joy, chaos, and beauty of it all. Sometimes, when we clear out the old, we make space for the magic to return—even if it’s in the form of gummy candy and double-sided tape.

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." - Victor Borge

Key Takeaways:

Humor has its limits—know when to stop.

• Whether it’s a prank or a punchline, timing and audience matter. Not every joke lands, and that’s okay—part of growth is learning from what doesn’t work.

Jokes can teach us about boundaries.

• From toothpaste on a hairbrush to telling off-color jokes in the wrong crowd, humor often highlights the importance of reading the room.

Faith often follows fear.

• Big moves or creative leaps rarely feel "ready." Courage often shows up first, and faith comes after we've stepped out.

Small joys bring clarity.

• Cleaning out a desk or rediscovering a sweet card from your child can realign you with what really matters.

It’s okay to let go of what’s not serving you.

• Like clearing away the sticky tape on light switches, making space helps new, more joyful things come in.

Be sure to check out my interview on the Courageous Women Rise Summit: https://courageouswomenrise.com/Cat

Support the show

Connect with me in the following ways:
www.theadventureparadox.com
Facebook
Instagram
catcaldwellmyers@gmail.com

In this live minisode, I reflect on the often-overlooked power of the pause—those moments when life invites us to slow down, listen, and just be. Whether it’s an unexpected snowstorm, a literal stop on a canyon road, or simply the hum of a washing machine in the background, I explore how pauses shape our growth, creativity, and clarity.

I talk about the difference between a pause and a full stop, and how even brief moments of stillness can help us course-correct, especially during seasonal transitions like spring. I also share personal stories about backcountry skiing, horse riding, and how I create space for quiet—even amidst the chaos of home life.

✨ Key Takeaways

• 🟡 Pause like a yellow light – It's not about stopping; it's about checking in before you proceed.
• 🧘‍♀️ Intentional silence is powerful – Whether it's natural quiet in the forest or noise-canceling headphones, silence creates space for reflection.
• ❄️ Nature forces us to pause – Snowstorms and wild weather remind us that slowing down is sometimes out of our control—but always valuable.
• 🔥 Surround yourself with idea-fueling friends – Choose people who add to your energy, not drain it.
• 🌱 You're always becoming – Every pause is a threshold into a new version of you. Embrace it.

🎧 Podcasts I Recommend

John Acuff – All It Takes Is a Goal Podcast

Mini-episode I loved: Friends Who Fuel vs. Friends Who Douse Your Dreams

(Feel free to share others with me! I love discovering new inspiring voices.)

Support the show

Connect with me in the following ways:
www.theadventureparadox.com
Facebook
Instagram
catcaldwellmyers@gmail.com

In this short and humorous minisode of The Mom’s Adventure Paradox, I dive into the theme: “Yeah, but does it turn you on?” — not in a risqué way, but in the sense of what lights you up in life. I reflect on a technical hiccup (being muted on Zoom), the value of having guests who keep you accountable, and the joy of engaging in things that truly excite you.

I share a story about working with my horse, Jet — how even the things we love most can sometimes be frustrating. But that’s okay. Passion isn’t about feeling good all the time; it’s about the deeper connection, joy, and purpose.

I dive into what lights me up — like podcasting and hearing mind-expanding stories (yes, even one about water freezing in the shape of a hand). Those moments ignite something in me, and I invite listeners to notice what sparks that feeling for them too.

Humor also plays a big role — from childhood jokes to the time a funny story landed me a radio show. I reflect on the power of humor to heal and connect, even when the jokes don’t always land (like when I once bombed a stand-up set by going way over time). It’s all part of the creative ride.

Ultimately, this episode is a nudge: if listening turns you on, maybe it's time to start or guest on a podcast. Step into what excites you, and don't be afraid to be seen, heard, or even make a few people laugh along the way.

🎙️ Key Takeaways from the Minisode

1. Follow What Lights You Up
   – Ask: “Does this turn me on?” What excites you is worth pursuing — even when it’s messy.
2. Embrace the Flops
   – Missed cues, tech issues, awkward sets — they’re part of the process. Keep going.
3. Connection Over Perfection
   – Whether through humor or storytelling, it’s all about reaching people.
4. Humor Heals
   – Even childhood jokes and failed punchlines can lead to surprising growth.
5. Stay Curious
   – Let what inspires you fuel your voice and creative path.
6. Own Your Spotlight
   – If it lights you up, don’t dim it. You’re allowed to be seen.

What Podcasts are you listening to lately? Here are a couple I recommend:

How to Trust Your Intuition + The Timing of Your Life - with Lee Harris

Eliminate Anxiety Fast: The Awesome Hidden Emotion Technique

Support the show

Connect with me in the following ways:
www.theadventureparadox.com
Facebook
Instagram
catcaldwellmyers@gmail.com

Welcome to our April Fool's Series leading up to our podcasting summit... no kidding! These will be short minisodes with a few surprise interviews in there (or is that a joke? We'll see;) Our theme this month is to take podcasting seriously while simultaneously having a really good time doing it.

If you are interested in learning to podcast, please check out our masterclass on my website:

https://www.theadventureparadox.com/masterclass

Already have a podcast and interested in being part of our summit? Email us to see if there is still space:

theadventureparadox@gmail.com

Support the show

Connect with me in the following ways:
www.theadventureparadox.com
Facebook
Instagram
catcaldwellmyers@gmail.com