Are you feeling utterly drained by the endless choices you face, like a monkey swinging through a never-ending jungle of decisions?

Join Amy, Lara, and Michelle as they chat about decision fatigue, that sneaky vine that trips up even the most agile minds. We'll explore why your brain's capacity for making sound choices is as finite as a banana supply, and how that can lead to some truly "monkey business" decisions as the day wears on. But don't worry, we've got tricks up our sleeves!

Discover how establishing a solid morning routine can clear your path forward, and how streamlining meal prep can tame the "what's for dinner?" beast. We'll also navigate the overwhelming landscape of too many options, from sprawling stores to the Amazonian choices found online – sometimes, more isn't always better.

Finally, we're sharing our best strategies for managing decision fatigue. Learn about the power of creating your own "advisory board," how to effectively deal with less-than-perfect decisions, and how to build trust in your own intuition.

Tune in and get ready to climb to new heights of clarity and make more intentional choices!

The Mid-Year Reset - Taking Stock of Your Wellness Journey Feeling like the first half of 2025 flew by in a blur of "monkey chatter" and forgotten resolutions? You're not alone!

Join us for a much-needed Mid-Year Reset on the Monkey Chatter Podcast, where we're hitting pause, reflecting on our intentions, and setting ourselves up for a thriving second half of the year.In this candid episode, we'll dive deep into:

• Recap on Intentions: We're pulling out those bold plans we set back in January. Did we aim for mindful mornings, more movement, better sleep, or less digital distraction? We'll revisit what we hoped to achieve and why it mattered.

• Grading Our Progress: It's report card time! We're bravely assigning ourselves grades on how we've genuinely progressed on our wellness intentions. Expect honest confessions, a few surprising successes, and plenty of laughs.

• Amy's Check-in: Grade: F. Our very own Amy bravely admits that her intention to prioritize "being" over constant "doing" has largely fallen by the wayside, until we point out some of her successes.

• Michelle on Grace & Style: Michelle offers profound insights on the importance of giving ourselves grace when intentions fall short, and how to gently, yet firmly, move forward. And do her outfits reflect her intention for a more colorful life?

• Lara's Spring Awakening: After reviewing her mid-year progress, she's officially decided she'd rather set her major wellness intentions in the Spring instead of the pressure-filled post-holiday January. We explore the merits of this fresh approach.

• Mick, Deepak, and the Art of Aging Well: In an unexpected but fascinating detour, we discuss how the longevity and vitality of icons like Mick Jagger (still rocking at 80+) and the wisdom of Deepak Chopra (a pioneer in mind-body wellness at 78), and Lara's octogenarian Dad on road trips.

• Tips for the Remaining Months: Don't despair if your grades aren't what you hoped for! We'll share practical strategies and a fresh perspective to help you make the most of the rest of 2025.

It's time to silence the frantic "monkey chatter" about what you should have done and re-energize for a more intentional, balanced, and fulfilling back half of the year.

Tune in and reset with us!

Get ready to swing into some serious sunshine and laughter with the latest episode of Monkey Chatter!

It's finally summertime, and we're literally going bananas reminiscing about our most memorable childhood and young adults summers. Think summer camps, lakeside adventures, amusement park thrills, plus our favorite treats! This episode is a true jungle of nostalgia!

Join us as we chatter about:

• Michelle's Summer of Horses & Ponies: Relive the glory of Michelle's summer experiences at Sunny Brook Resort – did she have the time of her life, or was it a wild ride? You'll have to tune in to find out!
• Lara's Equestrian Escapades: Saddle up for a tale of Lara's time at horse camp at the legendary Camp Tippecanoe, where her first kiss may or may not have happened! It was truly a monkey see, monkey do moment... or not?
• Amy's Memories of Hershey Park: Get ready for a sweet confession as Amy tells us all about Hershey Park. Plus, hear about her stint as a camp counselor, which involved sleeping in a converted pig-pen. (Yes, the pigs are back, folks).
• Throwback Theme Parks: Michelle takes us on a whimsical journey back to Storytown and Gaslight Village, while Lara and Amy reminisce about the magic of Storybook Forest in PA. These parks were real barrels of fun!
• Classic Summer Fun: We'll swap stories about trips to the beach and local lakes, the epic battles of capture the flag, the enchanting glow of fireflies, and the irresistible allure of county fairs.
• Treat Yourself (and Maybe a Little Healthy, Too!): We're dishing our absolute favorite summer treats (spoiler alert: it involves ice cream!). But fear not, Amy's got your back with some surprisingly delicious and healthy alternatives.
• Local Exploration: Looking for some summer fun close to home? We've got recommendations for exploring your own backyard – no need to trek to the Amazon!

So grab a frosty beverage, kick back, and join the Monkey Chatter crew for a hilarious and heartwarming trip through summers past and present!

In this episode of Monkey Chatter, we're diving into Jeff Krasno's book Good Stress!

Join us as we explore the book's insights, from Krasno's unique writing style (get ready for a ton of dad jokes and big words!) to the crucial distinction between "hard" and "uncomfortable" that we make in our discussion!

Did we love the book? Maybe not, but we found plenty to like...

• Meet Jeff Krasno: We chat about the author's bio, his writing style, and his love for both dad jokes and expanding vocabularies.
• "Hard" vs. "Uncomfortable". We chatter about how this may change your approach to challenges.
• Picking Your Hard: Amy shares her perspective
• Our Favorite Takeaways: We discuss what resonated with us most from Good Stress.
• What's an Ambivert and what is its relevance to the book's theme?
• The Power of Social Fitness: A shout-out to the book's emphasis on communication and community.
• Analogies - there are some great ones in the book and Michelle throws in a zinger of her own!
• What, if anything from the book are we doing or have tried?

Join Amy, Michelle, and Lara as they swing through the digital jungle, grappling with everything from vintage tech like Blackberries and (still!) faxes to the anxieties of a rapidly evolving landscape.

• What pisses Michelle off about technology?
• Digital anxiety and fear of change
• Is Lara writing bad checks?
• Amy's 97 year-old great Aunt can use Facebook, why can't we?
• Technology advances (or annoyances!) in cars
• Lara foils a text scammer
• Becoming digitally literate
• and much more meandering about the topic!

Tune in as the monkeys hilariously (and helpfully) break down digital dilemmas, share resources, and even offer tips for finding in-person tech support, such as your local library, community college, or senior center!

In the last of our Meet the Hosts series, Michelle and Amy interview Yoga and Wellness Monkey Lara!

Lara's journey is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to find your true calling and create a space for healing and well-being. We'll dive into her incredible transition, exploring what sparked this profound shift, the challenges she faced, and the salty wisdom she's gathered along the way.

We cover:

• How she decided to make the jump from a traditional industry to the wellness world
• Why open a Salt Cave and how did she come up with that idea
• The experience of knowing she wanted to make a big change and how that felt
• What struggles she faced early on, and what she learned
• How yoga influenced her
• Mentors and business coaching; support systems
• Yoga retreats, wellness offerings, and more!

Learn more about Lexingon Salt Cave: www.lexsaltcave.com @lexsaltcave

Discover Italy with a Wine & Yoga Retreat in Tuscany with Lara: www.yogabeyondthestudio.com

Follow Amy @bitbybitnutrition

You can find Michelle on LinkedIn (Michelle Mulcahy)

As always we love your support! Follow us @monkeychatterpodcast @bitbybitnutrition @lexsaltcave

In this episode, the 2nd in our Meet the Monkeys series, we interview Amy, certified fitness and nutrition coach, owner of Bit by Bit Nutrition, and founder of Faithfully Fit, a community workout group at her church. Amy is also an avid trail runner, dog lover and rescue pet supporter, whose husband Tony created Archie's Blankets Across America.

Listen as Amy discusses:

• How she handles resistance in her coaching practice and tips on how to combat it, and if she's ever fired a client
• Suggestions on how to find the "one thing" you can do to start making a difference
• The importance of a supportive community and what coaching might look like
• Her leadership skills and how she acquired them
• Stories of her days on the farm and what Amy knows about pigs, harnesses and sled rides (you won't believe this one)
• How she started on her own fitness and health journey, and what the heck is Canicross?
• Hummingbirds vs Jackhammers and the importance of cross-pollination
• What drives her and why she became a coach

Contact Amy at: bitbybitnutrition@gmail.com

Amy's suggested podcast "Choose Strong" with Sally McRae.

Learn about Canicross at https://nacanicross.com/about

Support dogs in need with Archies Blankets Across America @archiesblanketsacrossamerica.

We appreciate your support!

Follow us @monkeychatterpodcast @bitbybitnutrition @lexsaltcave

In this first of three episodes where we interview each other, Michelle chats with us just in time for International Coaching Week, May 12-18th.

Learn all about how Michelle went from sales and marketing guru to being the curious monkey in our circus!

We'll hear about:

• Finding balance with a job in which she felt stifled and pursuing her interests
• How she went from Ag Leadership in New York to Equus Coaching in California
• Where she developed her curiosity and love of learning
• The importance of supportive parents who encouraged reading and outside play
• How Michelle discovered the woo-woo with Grandma Millie
• What makes Michelle the "resistance little creature" she claims to be
• How childhood trauma can shape your entire life view and affect your risk tolerance
• What this "wise woman" stage of life can teach the younger generation

For more information on Coaching visit the International Coaching Federation website at: www.coachingfederation.orgInterested in coaching with Michelle? You can find her on LinkedIn (Michelle Mulcahy)As always we love your support!

Follow us @monkeychatterpodcast @bitbybitnutrition @lexsaltcave