Holding It Lightly

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. 

18. How to Tap Into Your Flow & Use Righteous Energy

It's opposites week on Holding It Lightly! Last week, Lauren and Brad dove into the art of rest, relaxation, and embracing laziness. This week, they're flipping the script and exploring how to tap into focused energy and find your flow. Join them as they discuss how to channel your energy to plant the seeds for the life you want to grow while also holding it all lightly.
Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart will talk about the balance between being active and restful, the importance of both pushing forward and taking a step back, and how to invest your energy in what truly matters without burning out. They remind us that just like the moon isn't full every day, we shouldn't expect ourselves to be at full force all the time. Tune in if you also want to find both rest and action in your life and the balance between the two. 

17. The Power of Relaxation, Sitting, and Embracing Laziness

This week on Holding It Lightly, Lauren and Brad explore the vital case for embracing laziness, relaxation, and the simple act of sitting. Life demands a balance between planning, setting goals, and taking ownership of our experiences. Yet, the most profound moments often arise when we sit peacefully, free from the need to grasp for more.
In our culture of constant ascension, where the pursuit of more power, money, and value dominates, we lose sight of the essential art of relaxation. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart as they discuss why our society struggles with teaching us to relax and how shifting our focus from relentless productivity to moments of stillness can lead to a more fulfilling life. Discover why learning to sit and unwind is not just a luxury but the essential work of living well.