Holding It Lightly

28. Is Ambition Gross?

What if ambition doesn't mean climbing the ladder, but carving your own path entirely?In this episode of Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart unpack what it means to be ambitious, but through a different lens: less about chasing status, power, or money, and more about living with intention, curiosity, and heart. 
If you’ve ever wondered what ambition could look like on your own terms or you just want to laugh along, this one’s for you.
 

27. The Agony of Change

In this episode of Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart get real about what happens when life knocks you down, and you're forced to make changes you didn't ask for. From job losses to heartbreak, they dive deep into how it feels when things don’t go according to plan, and how to move through it when you’re left picking up the pieces.
They talk about the tough parts of transformation, especially when it feels like the universe is throwing a curveball just when you thought you had it all figured out. But rather than rushing to “fix it,” Lauren and Brad explore how giving yourself space, embracing discomfort, and allowing time to do its thing can actually lead to some of the most powerful shifts. They get into the importance of self-compassion, staying open to uncertainty, and the value of finding small, consistent actions to keep you grounded.
This episode is all about navigating those messy, uncertain moments when life feels chaotic, but also about recognizing that this mess is where transformation happens. So if you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or just plain tired of change, this one’s for you.

26. Money Talks

Money—it’s something we all deal with, but how do we keep it from taking over? In this episode of Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart explore our ever-changing relationship with money: how it intersects with social media, how it evolves through life, and why money itself isn’t good or bad—it’s all about how we approach it. Tune in for an honest, refreshing, and surprisingly funny conversation about a topic that’s on everyone’s mind, for better or worse.
 
Resources:
The Huberman Lab Podcast: Morgan Housel: Understand & Apply the Psychology of Money to Gain Greater Happiness
Naval Podcast: How to Get Rich

25. Spiritual Materialism and How to Not Stay Surface

This week on Holding It Lightly, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart dive into the fascinating and often misunderstood topic of spiritual materialism. What is it? How can we recognize when we’re slipping into the trap of surface-level spirituality—using mindfulness or personal growth as a way to boost our ego rather than truly transform?
In this conversation, they unpack the subtle ways spiritual practices can become a “game” of self-righteousness and explore how to shift toward genuine growth. Tune in for insights on how to cultivate a spirituality that makes you more loving, patient, and generous—not more judgmental or ego-driven.
 

24. Trump Won Again. Now What?

In this episode, Lauren and Brad dive into a timely and thought-provoking conversation about the aftermath of Trump's victory in the election.  How do we maintain our peace in the midst of the unease we will all experience in the next four years? We explore the tensions between liberals and conservatives, asking the question: Can we love our "enemies" and find the humanity in those who think differently from us? Let's discuss the importance of approaching those with different views with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to invite them into a new awareness, at a pace that can allow for real change over time. We talk about the power of compassion, the importance of listening, and how we can bridge divides by holding space for different perspectives while still staying true to our values. Join your favorite hosts, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart, as they discuss "Now What"?

23. WTF is Gratitude?

This week, Lauren n Brad dive into the question, "WTF is gratitude?" We see it on T-shirts, journals, and in every "live your best life" mantra, but what does it really mean? Is gratitude just another wellness trend, or is there something deeper behind the hype? In this episode, we unpack our mixed feelings about how gratitude is marketed today, explore the genuine purpose behind it, and ask: How can we actually live a life full of gratitude—and why does it matter? Tune in for an honest look at what gratitude can mean in real life. Join your favorite hosts, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart, as they discuss this nuanced topic. 

22. The Sacred Dance vs. The Survival Dance

This week’s episode of Holding It Lightly dives into the concept of the sacred dance. Bear with us, as Lauren shares her experiences at Burning Man—hopefully adding value rather than inducing any eye rolls. The sacred dance is all about letting go and reconnecting with your life force, while the survival dance represents our daily routines and how we navigate life. Both are essential, but it’s in those moments of the sacred dance where we truly find and savor the love in life. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart once again as we explore how to embrace both dances and discover deeper meaning in our everyday experiences.

21. Midlife Doesn't Have to Be a Crisis

This week we dive deep into why the midlife crises is so often referenced but so poorly understood. We instead invite you to rethink this period as a profound opportunity to transform—a symbolic death of the old self to make way for the vibrant new life waiting to bloom. 
This episode is particularly special to us, as many of our friends and listeners are navigating this challenging yet transformative phase of life. Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart share perspectives to help you see through the fog and discover the beauty that arises from surrendering to the process. Let’s uncover the potential for growth that lies within the midlife unraveling.

20. Growing Younger as You Grow Older

I once saw a meme that said "One day, you went out to play with your friends for the last time ever, and you had no idea."  Yeah, we aren't sure it needs to be that way either. In this episode, we look into Getting Younger As We Get Older, how a beginner's mindset can help put you in the right mindspace and heartspace for connection, calm, and wonder. We can move past that pesky literalism that holds us back from greater understanding and all the to-do lists that run our lives, and instead find joy in playfulness and letting go of all the things holding us back! C'mon, let's play like kids again! Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart are back to unpack being a kid again in this episode.

19. Finding God & the 12 Steps with Patrick McCartney

In this week's episode, Lauren and Brad are joined by the incredibly talented Patrick McCartney—an actor, improviser, and seasoned Second City performer. Patrick opens up about his journey as a recovering alcoholic, sharing profound insights on spirituality, God, and the transformative power of the 12-step program. We wanted to talk to Patrick about how we can reclaim God and spirit from the Christian fascists, exploring how spirituality can be a source of personal empowerment rather than a tool of oppression. We delve into how these elements have shaped his recovery and personal growth, offering listeners a heartfelt exploration of faith, resilience, and the path to healing. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart once again as they dive in with Patrick.