The High-Functioning Disaster

Disaster Diaries: The One Where Everything Feels Heavy

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Today felt slow, soggy, and emotionally dense — not because of chaos, but because life itself felt heavy. Between caregiving, exhaustion, a FedEx package that refuses to leave Chicago, and Mercury still doing cartwheels in retrograde, my bandwidth hovered at “running on fumes.”

We kicked off day one of our annual vendor event (shoutout to Scentsy season), and even though I wasn’t feeling the spark I usually do, the night turned out better than expected. I talk through the emotional weight of this season, the financial pressures we’re working through, and the small pockets of optimism I’m trying to keep alive — from remote job possibilities to slow but steady progress on our Total Money Makeover.

Nothing dramatic today. Just honest. Just heavy. Just real.

🧭 In This Episode

Starting the day tired and emotionally low
A Scentsy shipment held hostage in Chicago
Caregiving fatigue + mental load
Vendor event kickoff
Cold, rainy November vibes
Total Money Makeover updates
Remote job leads + cautious optimism
Why I’m not built for open-office seating
Just… life being life

💡 Key Takeaways

Some days aren’t chaotic — they’re just heavy.
Caregiving doesn’t pause for work, hobbies, or wellness routines.
Retrograde chaos makes tech issues feel personal.
You can love people and still feel overwhelmed by them.
Hope can be small and quiet — a job lead, a warmer day, a plan.

⚠️ Content Note:

This diary includes themes of caregiver stress, emotional heaviness, tech frustration, financial anxiety, and burnout. No graphic content, but it’s an emotionally weighted entry.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

🏷️ Keywords / Tags

disaster diaries, high functioning disaster, caregiving stress, emotional heaviness, burnout, financial stress, Scentsy vendor life, shipping delays, Mercury retrograde issues, project manager job search, remote work, total money makeover, daily audio diary

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

📌 Standard Disclaimer

This podcast reflects personal experiences and opinions and is for informational and peer-support purposes only. It is not medical, mental health, legal, or financial advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to you.

Disaster Diaries: The One Where I Chase Packages & Lose My Patience

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Today’s Disaster Diary is brought to you by fatigue, froggy voice vibes, caregiving burnout, and a Scentsy shipment held hostage in Chicago. I missed my Miracle Morning again, tried to keep fourteen mental browser tabs open, and spent way too much energy wrestling with the reality that I cannot force my mom to care about her own health.

I talk through the emotional exhaustion of watching someone choose decline, the internal tug-of-war between control and acceptance, and why “trying to will someone into wanting better for themselves” is a special kind of heartbreak.

Also on deck: Dateline theories, real questions about why people stay in abusive relationships, a dog who dances like she’s auditioning for Broadway, Financial Peace University panic, and the chaos of surviving on one-third of our former income.

Short(-ish), raw, and very on brand for a High-Functioning Disaster.

🧭 In This Episode

Missing the Miracle Morning (again)
A Scentsy order stuck in Chicago
Caregiving frustration and the limits of control
Dateline: murder, manipulation, and too many questions
Domestic violence reflections
Editing wins + dog dance intermission
Starting Financial Peace University while broke
Job-hunting in a season that makes no sense

💡 Key Takeaways

You can support someone, but you can’t choose for them — even when you’re watching them spiral.
Emotional labor is a productivity killer, and sometimes the day is “good enough” simply because you survived it.
Domestic violence is layered, terrifying, and far more complex than outsiders assume.
Financial stress reshapes everything — goals, routines, survival strategies, and identity.
Hope lives in small pockets: a helpful book, a dog being ridiculous, or the possibility of a job lead landing at the right time.

⚠️ Content Note:

This diary includes vulnerable discussion of caregiver fatigue, family conflict, domestic violence, and financial stress. Nothing graphic, but emotionally heavy in sections. Listen with care if you’re in a tender place.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

🏷️ Keywords / Tags

high functioning disaster, caregiving stress, emotional fatigue, family tension, Scentsy vendor life, shipping delays, domestic violence questions, vulnerability, burnout, financial peace university, job search stress, emotional load, daily audio journal, personal growth through chaos

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

📌 Standard Disclaimer

Disaster Diaries: Family Fallout & A Fractured Country

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Hey fellow high functioners — today’s diary is coming in hot from the messy middle of family and country stuff.

I talk through the ongoing tech gremlins (looking at you, Mercury retrograde 👀), a beautiful interview with author and nonprofit founder Gail Showalter, and how her work with Single Moms Empowered got me dreaming about what real support for single dads could look like too.

From there, things get more tender: I share how alienated I’ve felt in my own family, what it’s been like to be the primary caregiver for my mom, and how a hard but honest conversation with my aunt finally confirmed what I suspected — sometimes people stay away because what you’re going through is just too heavy for them to face. It doesn’t make it less painful, but it does make it make more sense.

I also dig into mental health and therapy access, the emotional cost of holding space for other people’s stories (hi, podcasters and therapists), and the looming shift from excellent insurance to… let’s call it “bare minimum adjacent.” From there, I wade into bigger-picture stuff: immigration, ethnicity, how brown folks are treated at the post office, and a recent shooting of a cleaning worker here in Indiana that I believe never should’ve happened. It’s a raw, political-leaning reflection — not a debate, not a sermon — just me trying to make sense of a country that feels like a high-functioning disaster.

If you’ve ever felt invisible in your own family, exhausted by caregiving, or heartbroken over how people are treated in this country, this one might make you feel a little less alone. 💛

This diary reflects my personal experience and opinions. It’s not therapy, legal, or medical advice — just one woman processing out loud in real time.

Key Takeaways

Family stuff hits the deepest. Feeling excluded by relatives — especially during a heavy caregiving season — can trigger old wounds and create new ones. Naming it out loud can ease the pressure a bit.
Caregiving while job-seeking is a brutal combo. Balancing your mom’s needs, unpredictable schedules, and financial stress makes the job hunt feel almost impossible — and you’re navigating it anyway.
Therapy access is a privilege, not a guarantee. The shift from excellent insurance to bare-minimum coverage is real, and finding consistent support is harder than it should be.
Holding space takes energy. Interviewing guests and sharing your own stories aren’t “just conversations” — they drain and refuel in different ways, and recovering between sessions matters.
Our country is struggling. Immigration fear, racism, gun violence, and political extremes show up in everyday places — from a post office line to a tragic local shooting. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.
Connection still matters. Even when family support is complicated, conversations (like the one with your aunt) can bring clarity, compassion, and a little more emotional breathing room.

⚠️ Content Note:

In this entry, I talk about family estrangement, feeling excluded, caregiving for my mom, mental health and limited access to therapy, U.S. politics, immigration and racism, guns, and a recent shooting death in Indiana. There are no graphic details, but the themes include prejudice, violence, and grief in both family and societal contexts.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

🏷️ Keywords / Tags

Disaster Diaries, caregiving, aging parent, family estrangement, mental health, therapy access, Mercury retrograde, tech issues, Riverside.fm, podcasting, Gail Showalter, Single Moms Empowered, single moms, single dads, nonprofit work, financial stress, health insurance, U.S. healthcare, immigration, racism, profiling, gun violence, Castle Doctrine, Indiana, grief, loneliness, high-functioning disaster, vulnerability, Brené Brown, Braving the Wilderness

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

📌 Standard Disclaimer

When Family Feels Like the Wilderness 🌲💔

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Today’s Disaster Diary comes to you from the floor of my childhood bedroom–turned–home office, because I needed to feel grounded in the one room that has always felt peaceful and safe.

I talk about feeling physically run down, emotionally raw, and deeply reflective as I sit in that space and reach for my Brené Brown books, especially Braving the Wilderness. Her words about not belonging in your own family crack something open for me, because that’s exactly what this season feels like.

I unpack the tangled mess of:

Caring for my mom when she will not care for herself.
Feeling like the only “available” adult, and still somehow not enough.
My aunt going quiet instead of having a hard conversation, and how that echoes the way my dad’s sister cut me off years ago.

I read and reflect on Brené’s idea that not belonging in our family is one of the deepest hurts we can experience, and how the “third way” — owning our pain and turning it into empathy — is the one I keep choosing, even when it hurts like hell.

There’s talk of job hunting in a saturated market, trying to figure out how to work while managing constant appointments, skipping movement because I feel like garbage, and still tracking protein like the strong bariatric girlie I am.

It’s vulnerable, unpolished, and tender — a real-time snapshot of what it feels like to navigate caregiving, grief, and being the black sheep who keeps choosing compassion anyway.

See you tomorrow for the next installment of the Disaster Diaries. 💛

Key Takeaways

Sitting on the floor of her childhood bedroom/office, Sacha reflects on feeling physically unwell, emotionally vulnerable, and deeply alone in this season.
She shares how her aunt’s silence and exclusion mirror painful treatment from her dad’s sister, reopening old wounds around not belonging in her own family.
Brené Brown’s Braving the Wilderness offers a framework: own the pain, transform it into empathy, and choose compassion instead of numbing or denial.
Caregiving responsibilities, a saturated job market, and constant appointments make work feel impossible, adding another layer of stress and stuckness.
Even on low-capacity days, Sacha leans into honesty, nearly hits her protein goal, and chooses to keep going — imperfectly, but still moving.

⚠️ Content Note:

This episode includes discussion of family estrangement, painful comments from relatives, caregiving stress, job loss anxiety, and feeling like you do not belong in your own family.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

🏷️ Keywords / Tags

family estrangement, not belonging, Brené Brown, Braving the Wilderness, caregiving stress, aging parent care, job search anxiety, Great Recession echoes, empathy and compassion, bariatric life, protein goals, mental health, vulnerability, Disaster Diaries podcast

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

📌 Standard Disclaimer

Jessica Setnick on Food, Trauma & the Stories We Carry (Part 2)

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Eating disorder dietitian Jessica Setnick returns for Part 2, and we go straight into the intersections of trauma, food, grief, and the stories we’re still unconsciously living by.

Jessica breaks down food as a mood-altering chemical, why bingeing or restricting often starts as survival, and how childhood chaos gets wired into adult patterns. Sacha shares her own post-op anger and a childhood food memory that suddenly makes perfect sense.

We explore how shame hijacks behavior, how regret opens the door to change, and why seeing parents’ reactions through the lens of fear can rewrite your whole internal narrative.

🧭 In This Episode

How nervous system wiring shows up in food patterns
Food as self-medication
Shame vs. regret — emotional chemistry explained
Grief after losing coping tools (hello, bariatric journey)
Why some food memories feel “random” but aren’t
How kids internalize adult fear

🪞 Key Takeaways

Your eating patterns are survival strategies, not failures.
Shame thrives in secrecy; curiosity dismantles it.
Removing food coping brings suppressed emotions forward.
“I’m too much” or “I’m not enough” often started with someone else’s fear.
Compassion for the younger you is a power move.

⚠️ Content Note

Themes of trauma, grief, parental conflict, shame, emotional coping, body image, and weight stigma. Sensitive topics handled gently.

Connect:

Where to find Jessica:

🌐Website: [https://www.jessicasetnick.com/]
📚 Workbook: [https://www.foodfairytales.com/]
📱Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/eatingdisordersbootcamp/]
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/understandingnutrition/]
📱X: [https://x.com/JessicaSetnick]
🧠LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasetnick/]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Jessica Setnick, trauma healing, emotional eating, food coping, grief, nervous system, subconscious behaviors, shame, regret, weight stigma, body narrative, survival strategies, inner child

🎧 In Part 3, Jessica dismantles the harmful simplicity of “eat less, move more,” exposes how weight stigma in healthcare causes real harm, and shares scripts for advocating for yourself. We also get into family food dynamics and small language shifts that reduce shame.

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next chapter.

Disaster Diaries 17: Short & Sweet

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Details to come

Why You Eat the Way You Do with Jessica Setnick (Part 1)

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Dietitian and eating-psychology educator Jessica Setnick joins Sacha to unravel the unconscious stories shaping our eating, coping, and self-soothing behaviors — stories rooted in childhood, emotion, and survival.

Jessica introduces the idea of the “inner eater” — the younger self who learned how to navigate fear, comfort, chaos, and connection through food. Together, she and Sacha explore how emotional environments, family dynamics, and attachment wounds silently influence adult behaviors we often shame ourselves for.

If you’ve ever wondered “Why do I do this?” — this episode starts answering that question with compassion rather than judgment.

🧭 In This Episode

How early emotional wiring shapes adult coping patterns
Why food becomes a mood-altering chemical
The link between attachment wounds and eating behavior
How families pass down beliefs without realizing it
The influence-map exercise and what it reveals

🪞 Key Takeaways

Eating behaviors are often trauma responses, not choices.
Shame and fear get tied to food through lived experience.
The nervous system — not willpower — drives many eating patterns.
Coping strategies develop to keep us safe.
Curiosity dismantles shame faster than discipline ever could.

⚠️ Content Note

Themes include childhood emotional patterns, trauma responses, unconscious conditioning, food-related coping, shame, fear, and attachment wounds. Trauma-informed discussion handled gently. No diet talk.

Connect:

Where to find Jessica:

🌐Website: [https://www.jessicasetnick.com/]
📚 Workbook: [https://www.foodfairytales.com/]
📱Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/eatingdisordersbootcamp/]
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/understandingnutrition/]
📱X: [https://x.com/JessicaSetnick]
🧠LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasetnick/]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

inner eater, emotional coping, trauma and food, attachment wounds, childhood conditioning, survival responses, shame patterns, high-functioning behaviors, emotional eating, nervous system

🎧 In Part 2, Jessica breaks down the “rules” we absorbed growing up — the policing of food, the body comments, the shame triggers, and the emotional landmines that still shape our patterns today. She also explains how trauma (even totally unrelated to food) becomes woven into eating behavior and why breaking these patterns requires compassion, not control.

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next chapter.

Two Naps, New Coats & Family Drama 😭🧥✨

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Today’s entry was a whole journey, starting with a rushed Miracle Morning in the car on the way to get fresh cuts and color. ✂️✨ From there? Straight into errands, exhaustion, and a family misunderstanding that somehow evolved into a full-on silent treatment situation. Love that for us. 😭

My aunt is currently not speaking to me because I mentioned feeling unsupported with my mom’s care — not blaming, just… explaining. Texting is a dangerous sport. Meanwhile, my brother and I synced up twice today for updates, detective work, and emotional damage control.

Protein goals? Hit them. Mostly shakes, but it still counts.

Errands? Costco, Sam’s, pool not closed (again).

Purchases? Two winter coats — one for Mom, one for me.

Temperature? I was FREEZING all day like I suddenly became a Victorian orphan, so I used Brandon as my personal radiator.

Also: two naps. Two.

A win, honestly.

Wrapped the night with weekly planning, job-hunting anxiety, PMP study guilt, and a realistic reminder that adulthood is basically just “choosing which problem to handle first.”

See you tomorrow for the next installment of the Disaster Diaries. 💛

Key Takeaways

Miracle Mornings can be mobile — portable spirituality, baby.
Cold weather hits harder when the universe is already testing you.
Expressing your needs can create conflict or clarity… today it chose violence.

⚠️ Content Note:

Light family conflict, mentions of caregiving stress, job loss, and perimenopause symptoms.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

🏷️ Keywords / Tags

Disaster Diaries, Sacha Holder, High-Functioning Disaster, caregiving stress, family conflict, perimenopause, Miracle Morning, Costco haul, protein goals, job search anxiety, PMP prep, introvert life, daily diary podcast

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

📌 Standard Disclaimer

Introvert at a 55+ Meetup 😂👵✨

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Today’s diary entry comes to you at 2 a.m., powered by chai, salmon leftovers, and pure introvert grit. I dragged myself to my 55+ women’s Meetup group (yes, I am absolutely not 55, yes, they still let me in), and ended up meeting the sweetest, most community-minded woman who basically volunteers for sport. Instant admiration. Friendship unlocked. 🫶

I hacked my chai latte with a protein shake (bless the baristas who didn’t judge), watched IU football with Brandon, took an accidental nap, and still hit 87 grams of protein for the day — half food, half vibes.

Dinner was leftover salmon and a salad my mom tried to steal (rude). The evening wrapped with Dateline, a Pilates mat workout that obliterated my core, and a confusing but determined attempt to figure out the EveryDollar budget app for No-Spend November.

It’s that time of year when the planning bug hits, so I’ve started rough-sketching my 2026 goals and prepping for a new season… even if the pool is still not closed and the weather refuses to commit to November.

Short, simple, sleepy — but still showing up.

Key Takeaways

Making friends as an introvert hits different (and also feels like a side quest).
Protein goals can be achieved with creativity and caffeine.
Pilates remains a menace, but an honorable one.

⚠️ Content Note:

Light mentions of caregiving stress, food tracking, and budgeting; mild lifestyle frustrations.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

🏷️ Keywords / Tags

Disaster Diaries, Sacha Holder, High-Functioning Disaster, Miracle Morning, Meetup, introvert life, protein goals, bariatric surgery, Mounjaro, GLP-1, chai latte protein hack, Pilates, YouTube Pilates, No-Spend November, EveryDollar app, caregiving, IU football, Dateline, goal planning

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

📌 Standard Disclaimer

Shot Day, 85g Protein, and Saying No to Steak

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Hey, fellow high functioners! Indiana served up 70°+ and sunny in mid-November (wild). I knocked out an all-in-one Miracle Morning on GLP-1 shot day (last 7.5 mg dose of Mounjaro; 10 mg starts next Friday).

Big win: hit 85 g protein with only one shake. Breakfast was high-protein yogurt (texture war with Chobani continues), plus rotisserie chicken at home, and dinner out with my bestie at Texas Roadhouse where I actually chose salmon over steak to help my LDL. Green beans and a simple house salad rounded it out.

Pool closing and yard wrap-up are queued for the next sunny day. Also: a quick Shava (our special-needs cat) update — grabbed his prescription food from our longtime vet to keep him comfy.

Programming note: Life in the Bari Lane — Parts 1 & 2 of my convo with Dr. Evan Nadler (pediatric bariatric surgeon) are live; Part 3 drops Monday. Learned so much about childhood obesity and adult weight patterns.

If you’ve got a bariatric story (bypass, sleeve, SADI, DS, even lap-band experiences), or you’re living high-functioning on the outside with chaos inside, I’d love to chat. Email’s best — details below.

Shoutouts & bits: Miracle Morning, Mounjaro 7.5→10 mg next week, protein target wins, LDL-friendly choices, cat care, pool season finale, and resisting the siren song of steak.

Support & links:

🕯️ Scentsy: sachasmells.com
💸 Tip jar: venmo.com/sachasmells

🧭 Key Takeaways

Last 7.5 mg Mounjaro dose today; 10 mg starts next Friday.
85 g protein hit — mostly from food, not shakes.
Prioritizing lean proteins (hello, salmon) to help LDL.
Part 3 with Dr. Evan Nadler lands Monday on Life in the Bari Lane.
Sunny window ≈ pool closing, hose roll-up, and final yard tasks.

⚠️ Content Note:

Bariatric care, GLP-1 medication (Mounjaro), diet/lipids, mild nausea discussion, pet medical needs.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Disaster Diaries, Sacha Holder, High-Functioning Disaster, bariatric surgery, GLP-1, Mounjaro, protein goals, LDL cholesterol, lean protein, Miracle Morning, rotisserie chicken, salmon, Texas Roadhouse, Life in the Bari Lane, Evan Nadler, caregiver life, special-needs cat, Indiana weather, pool closing

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

📌 Standard Disclaimer

Bari Wins, Shake Limits & CPAP Hope

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Hey, fellow high functioners! Today started with Miracle Morning (not an all-in-one — still finishing the “reading” pod) and turned into a legit healthcare day:

Bariatric check-in: Officially moving from 7.5 mg to 10 mg Mounjaro next cycle. Scale alignment was tight (within 0.6 lb of the home Withings). Dietitian marching orders: cap protein shakes at two/day — a third only on shot day — and prioritize actual food even when hunger cues are MIA.
Cholesterol real talk: LDL came back 112 (goal <100). Red meat has been the “go-down-easy” protein since surgery, while chicken often feels like a brick. The plan: work back toward leaner proteins and fewer shakes without tanking intake.
Hospital cafeteria saga: “Tandoori” chicken that was neither tandoori nor moist. Cauliflower? Fine, but under-seasoned. (Ranch as emergency lube. We’ve all been there.)
Mom update: Her appointment went well — new CPAP on the way. Fingers crossed she uses it and gets the deeper rest she needs.
Movement: Sore from yesterday’s Pilates (glutes, obliques, shoulders), so tonight is a yin, calming yoga reset.
Mindset & making stuff: Talked through perfectionism and comparison with Brandon (podcasting nerves are normal). Progress over perfect, always. Also tried press-on nails (Kiss brand) for a small, budget-friendly win.

If you’re navigating the high-functioning-outside/chaos-inside life and want to share your story, I’d love to talk. Email’s best — details below.

Mentioned today: Miracle Morning, Mounjaro dose change, protein strategy post-op, LDL/foods, CPAP, yin yoga on FitOn, Pilates soreness, press-on nails as self-care, perfectionism in podcasting.

Support & links:

🕯️ Scentsy: sachasmells.com
💸 Tip jar: venmo.com/sachasmells

🧭 Key Takeaways

Dose is increasing to 10 mg Mounjaro; monitoring intake matters more than ever.
Food > shakes most days; shakes capped at two/day (third only on shot day).
Protein quality impacts LDL; leaning back into leaner options.
Better sleep with a new CPAP could change daytime energy and mood.
Progress beats perfection — in health, podcasting, and life.

⚠️ Content Note:

Discussion of bariatric care, medication dosing (Mounjaro), disordered eating sensations post-op, cholesterol results, CPAP use, and mild health frustrations. Light profanity.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, bariatric surgery, Mounjaro, GLP-1, protein goals, LDL cholesterol, CPAP, sleep apnea, Miracle Morning, FitOn, yin yoga, Pilates, mindset, perfectionism, podcasting, caregiver life, press-on nails, self-care

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

📌 Standard Disclaimer

Disaster Diaries: Migraines, Muscle Loss & Motivation

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries from The High-Functioning Disaster.

Today was a rough one. Sacha started with a repeat of her favorite Miracle Morning track before getting knocked flat by a migraine with aura — the kind that steals your vision and your plans. Pre-interviews got rescheduled, progress slowed, but she still managed to chip away at her office cleanup and clock a 2–3 on the productivity scale (and that’s okay).

By night, she was back at it with Pilates — and the soreness proves it. Between workouts, she found the perfect mesh pouches to wrangle all her bands and equipment, started planning a Linktree for shared resources, and reflected on staying consistent through setbacks.

She also talks about tomorrow’s follow-up at her bariatric office, supporting her mom’s appointment, and keeping her daily protein (80g+) and fluid goals (80oz+) on track.

A surprise twist? Forbes’ “Best Wall Pilates Apps” list, a few new insights about muscle loss in menopause, and a heartfelt update on her upcoming Life in the Bari Lane episode featuring Dr. Evan Nadler — a pediatric bariatric surgeon changing lives and breaking stigmas.

It’s a mix of honesty, humor, and human progress — even when the day starts with a migraine.

Mentioned in this episode:

Miracle Morning (replay)
Migraine with aura
Pilates & BetterMe app review
Protein & hydration goals post-bariatric surgery
Mesh storage pouches for workout gear
Linktree setup for links to books and products mentioned
Forbes’ best Wall Pilates apps list
Muscle loss after menopause
Life in the Bari Lane episode with Dr. Evan Nadler

Support the show:

🕯️ sachasmells.com
💸 venmo.com/sachasmells

🧭 Key Takeaways

Some days, showing up at 20% is still 100% effort.
Movement counts, even on migraine days.
Protein and sleep are underrated health tools.
Menopause and muscle loss deserve more open talk.
Gratitude + progress > perfection, every time.

⚠️ Content Note:

Mentions of migraines with aura, bariatric care, menopause-related health, and bodyweight discussion. Tone is grounded, conversational, and self-compassionate.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, Miracle Morning, migraine with aura, BetterMe app, YouTube Pilates, Forbes, wall Pilates apps, protein goals, hydration goals, bariatric life, menopause muscle loss, Linktree setup, productivity, mindfulness, Dr. Evan Nadler, Life in the Bari Lane, pediatric bariatric surgery, motivation, resilience, chronic illness, health journey

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Disaster Diaries: Birthday Feels, Caregiver Stress, and Ghosty Gremlins

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

It’s Sacha’s birthday, and the day lands heavy. She starts with a double-dose Miracle Morning focused on mental health, shares her own history with anxiety and panic disorder, and reflects on the hard reality of caregiving when a loved one insists they “don’t deserve care.” There’s honest talk about boundaries, compassion, and what “helpful” really means.

On the lighter—but still weird—side: mischievous house “spirits” keep poking at her tech (and the cat), because of course they do. Between editing sessions, a canceled meeting, and thoughtful birthday check-ins from friends and family, Sacha steadies herself, recommits to posting Life in the Bari Lane tomorrow, and invites bariatric patients—and fellow high functioners—to share their stories.

Mentioned today:

Miracle Morning (mental-health themed)
Anxiety & panic tools, medication that helps the anxiety (and therefore the panic)
Caregiver realities with Mom; upcoming medical appointments
Tech oddities and house “spirits” doing the most
Call for guests: bariatric journeys, or high-functioning lives that feel like a disaster behind the scenes

Support & connect:

🕯️ Shop Sacha’s Scentsy: sachasmells.com

💸 Tip jar: venmo.com/sachasmells

📧 Pitch your story (best way): see “Contact” in the show notes

🧭 Key Takeaways

Managing anxiety can prevent full-blown panic; tools + meds can work together.
“I don’t deserve care” is data—painful, but clarifying—for caregivers.
Boundaries protect everyone, including the helper.
Small wins (editing, outreach, birthday texts) still count on heavy days.
Your story matters; sharing it helps others feel less alone.

⚠️ Content Note:

Candid discussion of mental health (anxiety, panic disorder), caregiver stress, depressive symptoms in a loved one, and light references to spiritual/energetic experiences at home. Supportive, non-graphic, reflective tone.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, Miracle Morning, anxiety, panic disorder, caregiver stress, depression, mental health tools, boundaries, self-regulation, nervous system, editing day, spiritual experiences, haunted house, tech glitches, bariatric surgery stories, Life in the Bari Lane, guest call, storytelling, authenticity, resilience, birthday reflection

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Emma Lyons on Evicting the Inner Narcissist (Part 2)

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In Part 2 of my conversation with Emma Lyons — trauma-informed healer and founder of The Trauma Matrix — we move from awareness to action.

Emma explains why mindset work alone can’t undo shame, and how the real healing happens when we retrain the nervous system to feel safe again. We talk about breathwork, yoga, and her B.R.E.A.K. method for interrupting shame attacks in real time.

She also unpacks why visibility, success, and even receiving love can feel dangerous — and how dismantling the “inner narcissist” helps you show up as your authentic self without fear or self-criticism.

If you’ve ever wondered why you shrink when it’s time to shine, or why doing “all the right healing work” still isn’t landing — this episode is your missing link.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Shame isn’t an emotion — it’s a control mechanism.
Mindset shifts don’t stick if the body still feels unsafe.
Breathwork and movement create real safety in the nervous system
The B.R.E.A.K. method helps interrupt shame spirals: Break, Refuse, Expose, Anchor, Kick it out.
Visibility triggers shame because authenticity threatens control — but when you release shame, you become “un-shamable.”
Free gift from Emma: tinyurl.com/nottodaynarc

⚠️ Content Note

Includes discussion of shame, narcissistic family dynamics, and brief mention of suicidal ideation (non-graphic). Please take care while listening.

Connect:

Where to find Emma:

📱Facebook: [https://www.facbook.com/emma.s.lyons]
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/trauma.matrix]
📺TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@trauma.matrix]
📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@trauma.matrix]
📰Substack: [https://traumamatrix.substack.com/]
🧠LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lyons-b482021b3/]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Emma Lyons, The Trauma Matrix, inner narcissist, inner critic, shame, guilt vs shame, trauma, nervous system, somatic healing, breathwork, yoga, survival response, people-pleasing, perfectionism, visibility, self-trust, boundaries, Dr Ramani, shameless, self-erasure

🎧In Part 2, Emma shares her B.R.E.A.K. Method for interrupting shame attacks, how to apply it to real-life narcissists, and why visibility and receiving often feel unsafe for women. Spoiler: she dismantles the myth that we should “learn to live with shame.”

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next chapter.

Disaster Diaries: Pilates, Politics & People Who Need Help

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries from The High-Functioning Disaster.

Today starts with Sacha’s signature Miracle Morning and a full day of editing, planning, and reflecting on what really matters — movement, meaning, and compassion. She talks about connecting with Shannon Curtis, a medium and intuitive coach, and meeting a therapist for men of color, both reminding her how powerful podcasting can be for community and healing.

She dives into her No-Spend November challenge and a search for accessible fitness, discovering the YouTube Pilates channel (dog co-host included 🐾) and rediscovering how much can be learned for free. From there, the conversation expands — into food insecurity, fairness, religion, and the way our country treats its most vulnerable.

It’s not a rant — it’s a reality check wrapped in heart, honesty, and humanity. Sacha reminds us that dignity, empathy, and equity aren’t luxuries. They’re the basics.

She wraps with gratitude and excitement: a call from her best friend of 30+ years and plans for a long-overdue birthday dinner together. Because after all, connection is what keeps us going.

Mentioned in this episode:

Miracle Morning routine
Podcasting community wins (Shannon Curtis & new guest connections)
YouTube Pilates discovery [https://www.youtube.com/@YouTubePilates]
FitOn vs BetterMe apps
No-Spend November + budget mindfulness
Rant on food insecurity, living wages, and religious hypocrisy
The importance of compassion over judgment
Upcoming birthday dinner with her best friend 🎉

Support the show:

🕯️ sachasmells.com
💸 venmo.com/sachasmells

🧭 Key Takeaways

Growth and grace can coexist — especially when we’re messy.
Accessibility matters: movement, wellness, and food shouldn’t cost a fortune.
True faith shows up in compassion, not conditions.
No-Spend November = mindful living, not restriction.
Friendship and community are the best medicine for burnout.

⚠️ Content Note:

Includes discussion of U.S. politics, economic inequality, food insecurity, and organized religion — all handled respectfully and thoughtfully. Tone moves from calm reflection to passionate advocacy, ending with warmth and personal connection.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, daily podcast, Miracle Morning, YouTube Pilates, FitOn, BetterMe, No-Spend November, intuitive coach, Shannon Curtis, therapist for men of color, food insecurity, living wage, empathy, compassion, religion, politics, faith, advocacy, self-awareness, humanity, mindfulness, bariatric lifestyle, community, birthday dinner, friendship

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Emma Lyons on the “Inner Narcissist”: Dismantling Shame and Reclaiming Self-Trust (Part 1)

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Trauma-informed healer Emma Lyons, founder of The Trauma Matrix, joins Sacha to unpack her concept of the “inner narcissist” — the shaming, controlling voice that masquerades as protection while keeping us small.

Emma shares how shame hijacks the nervous system, why mindset work alone can’t heal, and why shame isn’t a moral compass but a mechanism of control. Together they explore family dynamics, self-erasure, and the cultural conditioning that teaches us to pre-emptively shame ourselves before anyone else can.

If you’ve ever done all the healing work but still feel stuck, this conversation will help you spot the imposter voice that’s been running the show.

🧭 In This Episode

What the “inner narcissist” is and how it impersonates your voice
Why shame is a tool of control — not a motivator
Shame vs. guilt and how shame blocks empathy
Why survival responses get mislabeled as mindset problems
Early signs your nervous system —not your willpower— is running things

🪞 Key Takeaways

The inner narcissist is a parasitic shame voice that punishes, controls, and claims to “protect” you.
Shame ≠ guilt: shame says “I am bad”, while guilt says “I did something bad.”
Shame inhibits empathy and true change; guilt allows repair.
Many self-sabotage patterns are actually nervous-system survival scripts.
Freedom starts when you recognize the voice isn’t you — and stop feeding it by arguing or appeasing it.

⚠️ Content Note

Includes discussion of shame, narcissistic family dynamics, and brief mention of suicidal ideation (non-graphic). Please take care while listening.

Connect:

Where to find Emma:

📱Facebook: [https://www.facbook.com/emma.s.lyons]
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/trauma.matrix]
📺TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@trauma.matrix]
📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@trauma.matrix]
📰Substack: [https://traumamatrix.substack.com/]
🧠LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lyons-b482021b3/]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

🎧In Part 2, Emma shares her B.R.E.A.K. Method for interrupting shame attacks, how to apply it to real-life narcissists, and why visibility and receiving often feel unsafe for women. Spoiler: she dismantles the myth that we should “learn to live with shame.”

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next chapter.

Disaster Diaries: PJ Day Productivity & Poolside Problems

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries from The High-Functioning Disaster.

Today’s episode is proof that pajamas and productivity can totally coexist. Sacha embraces a PJ day, gets her weekly planning done, and navigates some tough caregiving moments with honesty and grace.

After convincing her mom to finally pick up her prescriptions, a communication mix-up at the pharmacy leads to an unexpected accident — but also a win: a shower, clean laundry, and progress. Sacha also preps two weeks’ worth of pill boxes (because doing that weekly would be an Olympic sport), updates everyone’s appointments, and celebrates the arrival of her brand-new 2026 Happy Planner and expansion packs (budgeting, meal planning, and productivity layouts for the win).

Outside, it’s snowing in November, the pool still isn’t closed, and patience is wearing as thin as the temperature. But the plan is in motion: new skimmer baskets are ordered, the pool cover is ready, and a warm 69° day is on the way.

She rounds out the night with gentle Sunday yoga, a little self-forgiveness, and Dateline with Brandon — because balance is key.

Mentioned in this episode:

Weekly planning + Happy Planner updates
Caregiving challenges & small wins
Medication refills + pillbox prep
Snow before the birthday (unacceptable ❄️)
Pool still open, new cover + skimmer baskets ordered
Mounjaro + bariatric maintenance reflections
Gentle yoga + Sunday reset
Dateline & downtime with Brandon

Support the show:

🕯️ sachasmells.com

💸 venmo.com/sachasmells

🧭 Key Takeaways

Pajama days can still be productive.
Caregiving progress counts, even when it’s messy.
Planning ahead = fewer fires to put out later.
Winter can wait (seriously, snow, chill).
Gentle movement and true rest are not negotiable.

⚠️ Content Note:

Mentions of caregiving, toileting accident (handled factually, not graphically), medication management, bariatric surgery, and cold weather stress. Tone is calm, reflective, and realistic.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, daily audio journal, caregiving, pharmacy mix-up, medication management, Happy Planner, weekly planning, Monjaro, bariatric journey, PJ day, pool closing, skimmer baskets, first snow, gentle yoga, Sunday reset, self-care, Dateline, cozy productivity, authenticity, resilience

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Disaster Diaries: Costco Hauls, Cookie Wins, and Cozy Saturdays

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries from The High-Functioning Disaster.

It’s Saturday — and the vibe is pure weekend chaos meets comfort. After staying up late with Brandon, Sacha sleeps in (until 11!), dives into her Miracle Morning, and heads out for a day of errands, bulk hauls, and sweet indulgence.

Today’s adventures include Sam’s Club and Costco runs, stocking up on Oikos protein shakes, Sprite Zero, and Nature’s Twist Lemonade for Mom, plus scoring Brandon a heated work vest before the first snow hits. The garage and kitchen fridges get a long-overdue cleanout (gross bowls and all), and a new Eureka vacuum mop arrives from TikTok Shop to save future cleaning days.

But the highlight? A Crumbl cookie “cheers” in the parking lot — Martha Stewart Chocolate Chip Thins, buttery perfection that Sacha officially declares the best cookie she’s ever had.

Evening plans wrap with a late dinner, a wild IU vs. Penn State game replay, and a slow wind-down yoga stretch before bed. Simple pleasures, weekend energy, and a little self-care in motion.

Mentioned in this episode:

Costco & Sam’s Club runs (Oikos Pro Shakes, Sprite Zero, Nature’s Twist)
Heated vest for Brandon
First snow of the season (too soon!)
Crumbl Cookie “Martha Stewart” collab 🍪
No-Spend November exception: Eureka TikTok vacuum mop
Fridge cleanout wins (and losses 😬)
Indiana University vs. Penn State game
Nighttime yoga + weekend reset

Support the show

🕯️ sachasmells.com

💸 venmo.com/sachasmells

🧭 Key Takeaways

Rest matters — sleeping in can be the healthiest choice of the day.
Cleaning chaos is easier when you tag-team it (and laugh through it).
“No-Spend November” sometimes needs exceptions for sanity.
Celebrate small joys — like the perfect cookie or a warm vest.
The calm of a slow yoga stretch beats perfection every time.

⚠️ Content Note:

Casual mention of chronic illness (Type 2 diabetes), GLP-1 medication side effects, and caregiver responsibilities. Otherwise lighthearted, cozy weekend tone.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, daily audio journal, Costco, Sam’s Club, bulk shopping, Oikos protein shakes, Sprite Zero, Nature’s Twist, heated vest, snow forecast, Crumbl Cookie, Martha Stewart collab, weekend errands, fridge cleanout, No-Spend November, Eureka vacuum mop, IU football, yoga wind-down, cozy weekend vibes, self-care

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Disaster Diaries: A1C Wins, Caregiver Weight, and Friday Fuel

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries from The High-Functioning Disaster.

Today starts messy and ends honest: Sacha oversleeps a 7:40 a.m. doctor visit, speed-runs out the door, and lands in a weird lab limbo until results get faxed over. The headline: A1C = 4.8 — low end of normal and a hard-won win. 🙌

From there, it’s real-life roulette: running Mom’s schedule (and emotions) while she heads to brain testing for possible dementia, improvising a Miracle Morning in the car (all-in-one, minus the exercise), and asking Brandon to tag in so they can still make the appointment. The day drains fast, but a session with Sacha’s coach helps unlock stuck emotions (ugly cry included), followed by a restorative nap, dog drama courtesy of time-keeper Rhea the Airedale, and plans to close the night with a grounding yin yoga flow.

It’s not glamorous. It’s not linear. But it’s a good reminder that wins can coexist with wipeouts — and that showing up still counts.

Mentioned in this episode

Primary-care check, A1C 4.8 (labs via outside lab)
Miracle Morning (all-in-one) on the go
Caregiving + dementia screening logistics
Coaching session + emotional release
Yin yoga plan for the evening
Weekend reset: groceries, football (Colts)

Support the show

Scentsy: https://sachasmells.com
Venmo: https://venmo.com/sachasmells

🧭 Key Takeaways

A messy morning can still deliver a meaningful win.
Caregiving requires tag-teaming and flexible expectations.
Your body keeps score — move, nap, or breathe as needed.
Integrity = doing what you promised yourself, even gently.
Wins (like a great A1C) are worth celebrating, especially on hard days.

⚠️ Content Note:

Caregiver stress, medical talk (A1C, labs), fatigue, and brief profanity. Gentle, reflective tone with mentions of dementia testing for a parent.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, daily audio journal, A1C, diabetes check, primary care visit, outside lab, Miracle Morning, caregiver stress, dementia testing, emotional release, coaching session, yin yoga, fatigue, weekend reset, Colts football, resilience, honest storytelling

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Disaster Diaries: Caregiver Tears, Broken Screens & Hard Truths

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries from The High-Functioning Disaster.

Today’s entry is raw and real — equal parts exhaustion, reflection, and hard-earned self-accountability. After starting with an all-in-one Miracle Morning on procrastination, Sacha faced a tough day with her mother — appointments missed, emotions high, and tears shed on the office floor. Caregiving isn’t easy, and today it took everything she had to keep her cool and stay grounded.

Still, the day rolled on: rescheduling a podcast interview with Carolyn Sangle (Your Next Success), editing for Life in the Bari Lane, replacing prescriptions, returning a phone she didn’t need (turns out it was the screen protector, not the screen 😅), and witnessing a moment at the post office that stirred deep thoughts on human dignity and belonging.

She also talks travel dreams (hello, Oregon 🌲), quiet car-wash therapy with “Boyd” the 20-year-old Nissan, and pushing herself to keep her November yoga/Pilates challenge going — even when motivation was nowhere to be found.

It’s honest, heavy, and a reminder that honoring your integrity sometimes means showing up through the mess.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Miracle Morning – “Procrastination” module
Your Next Success podcast with Carolyn Sangal
Caregiving and emotional fatigue
Life in the Bari Lane update & guest call
The Total Money Makeover reflections
Screen protector mishap (Asurion, we’re good 😂)
Post office perspective: dignity & respect
Oregon travel dreams and diversity reflections
FitOn app Pilates/Yoga challenge progress
“Boyd,” her 20-year-old Nissan
Core values: integrity, authenticity, relationships

Support the show:

💜 Shop Scentsy: sachasmells.com
💸 Venmo: venmo.com/sachasmells

🧭 Key Takeaways

Caregiver stress is real — and it’s okay to not be okay.
“Integrity” includes the promises you make to yourself.
Mistakes happen — sometimes it’s just a busted screen protector.
Observation without judgment deepens empathy.
Even on heavy days, movement matters — do it because it’s hard.
Grief, fatigue, and gratitude can coexist.

⚠️ Content Note:

Mentions caregiver stress, emotional exhaustion, and frustration in family dynamics. Includes mild profanity and personal reflection on political and cultural topics.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, daily audio journal, caregiving stress, Miracle Morning, procrastination, Your Next Success, Carolyn Sangle, Life in the Bari Lane, bariatric podcast guests, emotional exhaustion, integrity, authenticity, relationships, empathy, Oregon travel, diversity, Pilates yoga challenge, FitOn, screen protector mishap, Asurion, mindfulness, resilience, raw storytelling

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Pet the Kitty, Don’t Poke the Snake — with Hilary Momberger-Powers

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this closing conversation with Hilary Momberger-Powers, Sacha explores the grounded daily rituals that keep healing practical.

From beginning every morning with gratitude, to setting gentle boundaries with her pet the kitty, don’t poke the snake philosophy, Hilary shares how she maintains peace in a noisy world.

Together, they reflect on freedom, responsibility, and the sacred simplicity of choosing happiness — even when life isn’t perfect.

In this episode:

Morning gratitude rituals and stabilizing practices
Why joy is a choice, not a mood
The “pet the kitty, don’t poke the snake” mindset
Boundaries that free both sides
Redefining legacy through service and light

Key Takeaways

Gratitude is grounding. Start small.
Happiness is a decision — not denial.
Boundaries without guilt create peace.
Freedom comes from allowing others to figure it out.
Your light helps others find their own.

Pull Quotes

“It’s the little things — the ants, not the lions — that kill us.”
“Don’t poke the snake. Respect their path, and protect your peace.”
“I get to be happy.”
“I just want to help people light their own torch.”

⚠️ Content Note

This episode includes mentions of spirituality, daily rituals, and relationship dynamics in the context of recovery and emotional wellness.

Connect:

Where to find Hilary:

Website: https://www.hilarypowers.com/
Follow Hilary:
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/hilarymombergerpowers/]
📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hilary+momberger]
📺TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@hilarympowers]
📱LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-momberger-powers-078a604/]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Hilary Momberger-Powers, inner child, re-parenting, self-soothing, emotional healing, trauma recovery, self-compassion, self-love, healing journey, resilience, emotional growth

🎧Next week, Sacha begins a two-part conversation with Emma Lyons — a healer and intuitive coach who helps people reconnect with their bodies, release emotional blocks, and rebuild self-trust. It’s tender, curious, and full of actionable insight.

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next chapter.

Disaster Diaries: SAVERS, Schedules, and a Protein Shake Explosion

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries from The High-Functioning Disaster.

Today’s entry is peak real life: an 11½-minute all-in-one SAVERS (Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, Scribing), a last-minute caregiving pivot for Mom’s appointment (with brain testing Friday), and a bummer reschedule with guest Noah May (Lethal Venom). On the bright side, the house was quiet (dogs at playschool), which helped Sacha re-record her Bari Story for Life in the Bari Lane 🎉

There’s a cozy nap-while-reading moment with The Total Money Makeover (Chapter 3: Debt Myths), a side-quest about credit culture and why pricey things (hi, Tupperware) can be a tricky sell when budgets are tight, plus pure movement joy: yin yoga last night, ongoing Pilates soreness from Monday, and a plan to mix “Paiyo” later this week. Also: tangible decluttering wins (the Kallax top is dusted and styled) and a sweet FaceTime with her brother.

Final scene: an Oikos protein shake that wasn’t thawed enough… and detonated all over Sacha, the mic pop filter, and half the desk. We laugh so we don’t cry. Onward. 💪

Mentioned in this episode

The Miracle Morning (SAVERS all-in-one)
Caregiving updates; brain testing scheduled Friday
Noah May — host of Lethal Venom (interview rescheduled)
Life in the Bari Lane — Bari Story re-recorded
The Total Money Makeover (Dave Ramsey) — Chapter 3, Debt Myths
Yin yoga, Pilates soreness, “Paiyo” plan
Office declutter (Kallax win)
Oikos protein shake… misfire

Support the show

Venmo: venmo.com/sachasmells
Scentsy: sachasmells.com (shop, join, or request a personal shopping link)

🧭 Key Takeaways

Small, consistent rituals (SAVERS) can steady chaotic days.
Caregiving requires flexible schedules and generous self-grace.
Re-recording > ruminating — ship the work you can ship.
Debt “tools” deserve scrutiny; simplicity often wins.
Movement can be gentle and still count (yin now, “Paiyo” later).
Declutter one surface, feel it everywhere.
Always thaw the protein shake. Always.

⚠️ Content Note:

Mentions caregiving stress and upcoming cognitive testing for a parent, financial topics (debt myths/credit cards), and light frustration humor. Gentle, reflective tone.

Connect:

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Disaster Diaries, The High-Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, daily audio journal, Miracle Morning, SAVERS, caregiving, cognitive testing, Noah May, Lethal Venom, Life in the Bari Lane, Total Money Makeover, debt myths, yin yoga, Pilates soreness, Paiyo, decluttering, Kallax, Oikos protein shake, bariatric journey, routines, resilience, authenticity, humor in hard times

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Re-Parenting, Self-Soothing & Emotional Ownership — with Hilary Momberger-Powers

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this heartfelt continuation of Sacha’s conversation with Hilary Momberger-Powers — the original voice of Sally Brown from Peanuts — the focus turns inward to the younger self within.

Hilary opens up about learning to self-soothe, re-parent, and rebuild the trust that trauma once fractured. She shares what it looks like to comfort your inner child in real life — not as a concept, but as a daily practice of gentleness, honesty, and grace.

Together, she and Sacha explore what happens when we stop abandoning ourselves, start speaking to our pain with compassion, and finally make peace with the little kid who just wanted to be loved.

In this episode:

What re-parenting really looks like day-to-day
How to comfort your inner child with practical self-soothing
Building self-trust after emotional neglect
Using gentleness as strength
Why consistency is the foundation of compassion

Key Takeaways

Re-parenting is learning to show up for yourself the way you always needed.
Self-soothing begins with awareness, not avoidance.
Kindness and stability heal what criticism cannot.
You can’t rewrite your past, but you can re-narrate your story.
Healing is a relationship — and you’re the one you’ve been waiting for.

Pull Quotes

“I can’t miss something I never had — but I can create it now.”
“I’m the best foster mother ever to myself.”
“You can’t buy peace; you have to practice it.”
“Be kind to you first — your insides reflect your outsides.”

⚠️ Content Note

This episode includes references to childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and re-parenting practices. These are discussed from a place of healing and empowerment, but may be activating for some listeners. Please take care of yourself while listening.

Connect:

Where to find Hilary:

Website: https://www.hilarypowers.com/
Follow Hilary:
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/hilarymombergerpowers/]
📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hilary+momberger]
📺TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@hilarympowers]
📱LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-momberger-powers-078a604/]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Hilary Momberger-Powers, inner child, re-parenting, self-soothing, emotional healing, trauma recovery, self-compassion, self-love, healing journey, resilience, emotional growth

🎧 Next time, Hilary returns to talk about daily practices, gratitude, and her boundary-setting philosophy — “pet the kitty, don’t poke the snake.” You’ll love this one.

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next chapter.

Disaster Diaries, Day 4: SAVERS, Soreness, and a Dragonfly Flash

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries, Sacha’s daily audio journal from The High-Functioning Disaster.

Today was classic hodgepodge: a full SAVERS Miracle Morning (Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, Scribing), Brandon’s jury duty day on a murder case, a neighborhood walk to an oops-no-election polling place, and a spirited debate about No-Spend November—featuring Sacha’s comedic Y-chromosome rant.

On the bariatric front: fasting labs, protein and fluids on point, and a surprise new low on the scale. Fitness wise, yesterday’s FitOn “Pilates Head to Toe” with Cassey Ho delivered soreness everywhere (mat highly recommended), with gentle yoga on deck tonight. Plus a wild, comforting moment during Sacha’s interview with Marie Alessi—the bulb in Sacha’s Scentsy dragonfly warmer blew with a bright flash as they talked about dragonflies as signs. Coincidence? Connection? Either way, it felt like a hug.

Mentioned in this episode

The Miracle Morning (SAVERS)
Jury duty; election-day walk mix-up
Bariatric labs, Monjaro updates, protein + fluids
FitOn — “Pilates Head to Toe” with Cassey Ho
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
Marie Alessi (Unsilenced Grief) & the dragonfly-bulb moment
Editing plans for The High-Functioning Disaster and Life in the Bari Lane
Comedy sketch idea: The Buford & Cookie Brown Show

Support the show

Venmo: venmo.com/sachasmells
Scentsy: sachasmells.com (shop, join, or request a personal shopping link)

🧭 Key Takeaways

A full SAVERS stack can reset your day fast.
No-Spend November needs clear boundaries and teamwork.
Pilates soreness = progress; use the mat, thank yourself later.
Signs of love can show up in quick, bright flashes.
Progress over perfection—keep editing, keep posting, keep going.

⚠️ Content Note:

This entry includes mild swearing; mentions jury duty on a murder case, vaccines, bariatric labs/weight; and lighthearted gender commentary (“Y-chromosome theory”). Please listen with self-care.

Connect:

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Disaster Diaries, The High Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, daily podcast journal, Miracle Morning, SAVERS, jury duty, Indianapolis election, No-Spend November, Y-chromosome rant, bariatric labs, Monjaro, protein goals, FitOn app, Cassey Ho, Pilates soreness, yoga, dragonfly sign, Scentsy warmer, Marie Alessi, Unsilenced Grief, Total Money Makeover, Dave Ramsey, authenticity, resilience, humor in healing

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Reinvention Is a Calling — with Hilary Momberger-Powers

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

This episode includes brief references to recovery, fear, and emotional healing, as well as candid discussion of spirituality. Please listen with care if you’re in a tender place or navigating addiction recovery.

In this conversation, Hilary Momberger-Powers — the original voice of Sally Brown from Peanuts — joins Sacha to talk about what it means to reinvent yourself without apology.

Hilary shares how a spontaneous solo trip to Australia and New Zealand helped her break free from fear and scarcity thinking, how she learned to replace “I have to” with “I get to,” and why service is the real antidote to ego.

Together, she and Sacha unpack how community, gratitude, and doing it scared can open doors you didn’t even know were there.

In this episode:

The trip that changed everything
“I get to” vs. “I have to”
Why service is stronger than ego
Finding your people through curiosity
Reinvention at any age

Key Takeaways

Reinvention starts with one scared decision.
Gratitude turns obligation into ownership.
Community builds courage.
The ego never feels “enough,” but service fills the gap.
You’re not too late—if you’re breathing, you’re right on time.

Pull Quotes

“If you’re still breathing, it’s not too late.”
“The magic’s in me.”
“You get what you think about—so think on purpose.”
“Get in the middle of your excitement.”

⚠️ Content Note

This episode includes discussion of childhood trauma, sexual abuse, addiction, and recovery in the context of healing and resilience. Listener discretion is advised. If these topics are tender for you, please take care of yourself as you listen, pause when needed, and reach out for support if anything resonates too closely.

Connect:

Where to find Hilary:

Website: https://www.hilarypowers.com/
Follow Hilary:
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/hilarymombergerpowers/]
📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hilary+momberger]
📺TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@hilarympowers]
📱LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-momberger-powers-078a604/]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Hilary Momberger-Powers, Sally Brown, Peanuts, reinvention, recovery, self-belief, gratitude, mindset, service, community, transformation, resilience, healing

🎧 Next time, Hilary and I talk about re-parenting and self-soothing—how to comfort your younger self, speak kindly when old wounds flare, and practice compassion that actually heals.

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next chapter.

Disaster Diaries, Day 3: Messages, Money, and Meaningful Connections

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries, Sacha’s daily audio journal series from The High-Functioning Disaster.

In this third installment, Sacha reflects on productivity, loss, and unexpected signs of connection. Between editing podcast episodes, reading The Total Money Makeover, and cheering on her husband Brandon as he launches his own show (Ashes & Aftermath), the day takes a deeply emotional turn when a message from her late father comes through a guest medium.

This entry blends the practical with the spiritual — from decluttering her office to the reminder that love and energy don’t fade, they transform. It’s a tender, real-time look at grief, gratitude, and the small ways our stories intertwine.

💡 Mentioned in This Episode:

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
Ashes & Aftermath podcast (by Brandon Holder)
Unsilenced Grief podcast (by Marie Lesses)
The High-Functioning Disaster upcoming episode with Steve Gamlin
Podmatch – where meaningful podcast connections begin

✨ Support the Show:

If you’d like to help keep The High-Functioning Disaster and Disaster Diaries rolling:

Venmo: venmo.com/sachasmells
Scentsy: Shop or join Sacha’s fragrance community at sachasmells.com

🧭 Key Takeaways:

Grief doesn’t end — it evolves and connects us in unexpected ways.
Productivity and healing can coexist when approached with grace.
Financial empowerment begins with awareness, not perfection.
Connection — whether spiritual or human — is always worth nurturing.
Every day holds both the ordinary and the extraordinary.

⚠️ Content Note:

This episode includes discussion of grief, loss of a parent, and a brief mention of mediumship and spiritual connection. Listener discretion is advised if you’re sensitive to conversations around death and spiritual communication.

Connect:

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Disaster Diaries, The High Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, daily podcast journal, self-reflection, family dynamics, caregiving stress, post-COVID fatigue, mindfulness, Miracle Morning, No Spend November, yoga and Pilates, FitOn app, grounding practices, humor in healing, productivity with compassion, vulnerability, authentic living, morning routine, mindset growth, Target organization, decluttering, Costco finds, self-kindness, podcast diary

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

No Longer Leading with Your Wounds with Hilary Momberger-Powers (Part 1)

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Hilary Momberger-Powers—best known as the original voice of Sally Brown in the Peanuts cartoons—shares the raw truth of what came after childhood fame: trauma, addiction, and ultimately recovery. In this first part of our conversation, Hilary and host Sacha Holder unpack what it means to stop leading with your wounds, how childhood survival roles become adult identities, and why stability starts with the simplest acts of self-care.

In this episode:

The cost of perfection and people-pleasing
How trauma scripts shape our adult choices
Recognizing the “trauma character” we build to survive
Stabilizing with HALT — Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
Moving from survival mode into belonging

If this episode helped you, share it, follow the show, and leave a quick review—it helps the message reach others who need it.

Key Takeaways

We build “trauma characters” that mask pain until we face the wound.
Stabilization is spiritual: eat, rest, connect, breathe.
Freedom starts when you own your part without self-blame.
You don’t erase the past—you befriend it.

Pull Quotes

“I wasn’t broken—I was fractured. And fractures heal stronger.”
“Your wound can’t drive if you stop handing it the keys.”
“Little-by-little beats ‘all of a sudden.’ Every time.”

⚠️ Content Note

This episode includes discussion of childhood trauma, sexual abuse, addiction, and recovery in the context of healing and resilience. Listener discretion is advised. If these topics are tender for you, please take care of yourself as you listen, pause when needed, and reach out for support if anything resonates too closely.

Connect:

Where to find Hilary:

Website: https://www.hilarypowers.com/
Follow Hilary:
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/hilarymombergerpowers/]
📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hilary+momberger]
📺TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@hilarympowers]
📱LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-momberger-powers-078a604/]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Hilary Momberger-Powers, Sally Brown, Peanuts, trauma healing, recovery, resilience, self-worth, stability, HALT, mind-body connection, inner child work

🎧 Next time, Hilary opens up about reinvention as a calling — not a midlife crisis. She’ll share how a spontaneous trip to Australia taught her to “do it scared,” why changing “I have to” into “I get to” shifts everything, and how service and community help us heal what spotlight never could. Part 2 drops next week — make sure you’re subscribed!

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next chapter.

Disaster Diaries, Day 2: Family, Football, and Finding the Floor

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to Disaster Diaries, Sacha’s daily audio journal series from The High-Functioning Disaster.

In this second entry, Sacha shares a slice of real life — football losses, messy home projects, Target runs (no-spend November…ish), and trying to connect with family through complicated dynamics. She reflects on grounding rituals like sitting on the floor, practicing yoga, and slowly reshaping her mornings with The Miracle Morning.

It’s candid, funny, and unfiltered — from calling the Colts the “Indianapolis Dolts” to her husband’s Pilates awakening. This episode is about the tiny wins that come with giving yourself grace when progress looks like “half done” but still moving forward.

💡 Mentioned in This Episode:

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
Target’s Y-Weave bins (and the art of functional chaos)
FitOn App for Pilates & Yoga
Costco pulled pork and protein goals
No Spend November progress
2026 goal planning and letting go of resolutions

✨ Support the Show:

If you’d like to help keep The High-Functioning Disaster and Disaster Diaries rolling:

Venmo: venmo.com/sachasmells
Scentsy: Shop or join Sacha’s fragrance community at sachasmells.com

🧭 Key Takeaways:

Progress doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to keep moving.
Humor and honesty can make even “blah” days feel lighter.
Sometimes your most grounding moment is literally on the floor.
Family relationships may take time, patience, and persistence.
Morning routines can evolve — even for night owls.

⚠️ Content Note:

This episode includes casual mentions of family tension, job loss, and post-COVID cognitive fatigue. It also contains mild adult language. Sacha approaches these topics with humor, honesty, and compassion, offering a grounded look at daily life and healing.

Connect:

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Disaster Diaries, Day 1: Rest, Reflection, and Resetting the Pace

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500

Welcome to Disaster Diaries, a daily audio journal series from The High-Functioning Disaster.

In this first entry, Sacha gets honest about burnout, lost audio files, and the emotional fatigue that comes with trying to hold it all together — while also learning when to simply rest.

She shares how she's balancing job loss, financial strain, and creative frustration with intentional routines like The Miracle Morning, No Spend November, and a new Pilates + Yoga rotation. With humor, humility, and heart, this episode is a raw peek behind the curtain into what it means to rebuild your energy and faith — one day at a time.

If you’ve ever needed permission to rest, this one’s for you.

💡 Mentioned in this episode:

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
FitOn App for Pilates & Yoga
Sacha’s Scentsy favorites and Scentsy Club subscription perks

✨ Support the Show:

If you enjoy this series and want to help keep it going:

Venmo: https://venmo.com/sachasmells
Scentsy: Shop or join Sacha’s fragrance community at sachasmells.com

🧭 Key Takeaways:

Sometimes the best productivity tool is rest.
Creative frustration doesn’t mean failure — it’s feedback.
Balancing purpose with survival takes both structure and softness.
A daily “Miracle Morning” ritual can ground even the toughest days.
You can reset your finances, focus, and faith — even in the middle of the mess.

⚠️ Content Note:

This episode includes personal reflections on job loss, financial stress, and emotional burnout. If you’re navigating a tough season, please take care of your own energy while listening. This journal entry leans into honesty, self-compassion, and the small steps that help us reset.

Connect:

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Disaster Diaries, The High Functioning Disaster, Sacha Holder, daily audio journal, burnout recovery, self-reflection, job loss journey, financial stress, personal growth, emotional resilience, Miracle Morning, No Spend November, mindset shift, growth mindset, self-care, rest and reset, productivity with compassion, yoga and Pilates, FitOn app, Dave Ramsey, Hal Elrod, Carol Dweck, Scentsy consultant, podcast journal, authenticity in hard times

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next entry.

Grief, Growth & Keeping It Real: Finding Light After Loss with Zulma Williams

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this final part of my conversation with Zulma Williams — The Swearing Therapist, we explore grief, loss, and finding light in the mess.

Zulma unpacks her definition of grief — “love that has nowhere to go” — and shares how we can honor our loved ones through rituals, laughter, and everyday living. From celebrating the people we’ve lost to giving ourselves permission to cry, she reminds us that healing doesn’t mean forgetting — it means remembering differently.

We also talk about the messy, funny side of being human: dogs interrupting deep moments, family stories, and why humor is one of the most powerful coping tools we have.

If you’ve ever struggled to move forward after loss or guilt, this conversation is an invitation to embrace every part of your story — tears, laughter, and all.

✨ Content Note: This episode includes adult language and candid discussion of topics such as abuse, depression, cancer, and suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised, and please take care of yourself while listening.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. In the U.S., you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.

Key Takeaways

💔 Grief is love that has nowhere to go.
🌼 We don’t get over grief — we grow around it.
🙏 Healing doesn’t erase pain; it makes space for peace.
😂 Humor can coexist with heartbreak.
❤️ You deserve joy, even after loss.

Connect:

Where to find Zulma:

Website: https://www.dragonflytherapyservices.net/
Follow The Swearing Therapist and Dragonfly Therapy:
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/theswearingtherapist]
📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@theswearingtherapist]
📱Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/DragonflyTSLV]
📱LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulma-williams-ab7609214]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Zulma Williams, The Swearing Therapist, grief, loss, healing, mental health, trauma recovery, love and loss, resilience, therapy, humor and healing, authentic therapy, Dragonfly Therapy Services

🎧 Next Episode: Next week, we switch gears in a big way. I’ll be joined by Hilary Momberger-Powers — the original voice of Sally Brown from Peanuts — for an inspiring, deeply human conversation about recovery, storytelling, and reclaiming joy.

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to The High-Functioning Disaster so you don’t miss this next chapter.

From Setbacks to Strength: Reframing Failure & Building a Life That Fits with Zulma Williams

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this third part of my conversation with Zulma Williams — The Swearing Therapist, we dive into setbacks, self-trust, and standing your ground.

Zulma opens up about how being ignored at work pushed her to start her own practice, Dragonfly Therapy Services, and how that leap turned frustration into freedom. She explains why boundaries aren’t selfish, how to stop apologizing for your needs, and what it really means to build a life that fits you.

From redefining “failure” to rejecting the scarcity mindset, this episode is a fiery reminder that your power lies in what you decide to accept — and what you finally stop doing for everyone else.

✨ Content Note: This episode includes adult language and candid discussion of topics such as abuse, depression, cancer, and suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised, and please take care of yourself while listening.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. In the U.S., you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.

Key Takeaways

🔥 What looks like failure may be the start of your freedom.
🧭 Boundaries protect your peace — they aren’t up for debate.
💬 Saying “no” is not rude; it’s responsible.
🌿 Self-discipline and self-trust create lasting change.
✨ You don’t have to apologize for designing a life that fits you.

Connect:

Where to find Zulma:

Website: https://www.dragonflytherapyservices.net/
Follow The Swearing Therapist and Dragonfly Therapy:
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/theswearingtherapist]
📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@theswearingtherapist]
📱Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/DragonflyTSLV]
📱LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulma-williams-ab7609214]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Zulma Williams, The Swearing Therapist, Dragonfly Therapy Services, failure mindset, self-discipline, boundaries, mental health, self-trust, resilience, therapy journey, burnout recovery, personal growth

🎧 Next Episode: In Part 4, Zulma gets raw about grief, loss, and keeping it real — from redefining what grief truly is to finding humor and healing in everyday life.

We’ll talk about love that has nowhere to go, why laughter belongs in the healing process, and how she stays authentic — four-letter words and all.

👉 Subscribe now so you don’t miss this powerful finale.

Interrupting the Spiral: Anxiety, Depression & Taking Back Control with Zulma Williams

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this second part of my conversation with Zulma Williams — The Swearing Therapist — we dig into what anxiety and depression really look like in daily life, and what it takes to stop the spiral before it takes over.

Zulma breaks down simple grounding techniques, explains why therapy is an act of strength, and shares why we need to stop glorifying “doing it alone.”

We talk about becoming the CEO of your own life, the difference between managing vs. healing emotions, and why discipline—not motivation—creates real change.

Expect laughter, honesty, and plenty of four-letter words that somehow make it all feel a little lighter.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. In the U.S., you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.

Key Takeaways

🧠 Grounding breaks the anxiety spiral by anchoring the brain in the present.
💬 Therapy isn’t weakness — it’s a form of emotional intelligence.
⚖️ Healing means doing the deeper work, not just managing symptoms.
🙌 You are the CEO of your own life. Start acting like it.
💪 Discipline outlasts motivation every single time.

Connect:

Where to find Zulma:

Website: https://www.dragonflytherapyservices.net/
Follow The Swearing Therapist and Dragonfly Therapy:
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/theswearingtherapist]
📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@theswearingtherapist]
📱Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/DragonflyTSLV]
📱LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulma-williams-ab7609214]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Zulma Williams, The Swearing Therapist, anxiety, depression, therapy stigma, grounding techniques, mental health, emotional healing, resilience, motivation vs discipline, trauma recovery, authentic therapy

🎧 Next Episode: In Part 3, Zulma shares how a setback at work became the push to build her own practice — and why she refuses to apologize for living on her own terms.

We’ll also dive into how to reframe failure, set boundaries, and stop believing every thought you think.

👉 Subscribe now so you don’t miss it.

Becoming the Warrior: Swearing, Surviving & Starting Over with Zulma Williams

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Zulma Williams — better known as The Swearing Therapist — is living proof that it’s never too late to start over. After immigrating to the U.S. from Argentina at 31, she earned her bachelor’s degree at 42, her master’s at 50, and built a thriving therapy practice that helps people face anxiety, depression, and trauma head-on.

In this candid conversation, Zulma and host Sacha Holder talk about reframing “Why me?” into “Why not me?”, surviving breast cancer, refusing to live as a victim, and why self-discipline matters more than motivation. Expect humor, heart, and a few f-bombs of truth.

✨ Content Note: This episode includes adult language and candid discussion of topics such as abuse, depression, cancer, and suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised, and please take care of yourself while listening.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. In the U.S., you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.

Key Takeaways

💪 “Why not me?” — shifting from victimhood to empowerment.
🧭 Discipline and determination will outlast motivation every time.
🩷 Healing isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence.
🔥 You’ve already survived 100 % of your hardest days — you can do it again.
💬 Authenticity connects — swearing included.

Connect:

Where to find Zulma:

Website: https://www.dragonflytherapyservices.net/
Follow The Swearing Therapist and Dragonfly Therapy:
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/theswearingtherapist]
📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@theswearingtherapist]
📱Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/DragonflyTSLV]
📱LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulma-williams-ab7609214]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Zulma Williams, The Swearing Therapist, trauma healing, resilience, breast cancer survivor, women’s mental health, motivation vs discipline, anxiety relief, depression support, authentic therapy, empowerment, mindset shift, overcoming adversity, mental health podcast

🎧 Next Episode: In Episode 2, Zulma dives deeper into anxiety and depression in real life — what they actually look like day-to-day, how to interrupt the spiral with simple grounding techniques, and why going to therapy is an act of strength, not weakness.

👉 Subscribe now so you don’t miss it.

Healing Trauma with Amy Vincze, Part 3: The Body Remembers and the Power of Tapping

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Unprocessed emotions don’t disappear — they take up residence in our bodies. In this final part of Sacha Holder’s conversation with Amy Vincze, we explore how trauma can create energetic blockages, physical symptoms, and emotional fatigue — and how practices like EFT tapping help release what’s been held too long.

Amy walks through the chakra system, explaining why the root chakra is the foundation for healing and how fear, guilt, and shame correspond to physical and emotional imbalances. Together, they discuss the 90-second rule for feeling emotions, the courage it takes to sit in stillness, and what balance truly looks like on the other side of trauma.

✨ Content Note: General references to trauma, emotion-based healing, and spiritual tools (no graphic content).

Key Takeaways

In this episode, Amy Vincze reveals how emotional energy becomes physical — and how tapping, breath, and awareness can restore flow. We talk about fear versus love, the wisdom of the body, and why sitting with discomfort is often the fastest route to peace. It’s about coming home to yourself — balanced, grounded, and open to healing from the inside out.

Connect:

Where to find Amy:

Website: soarwithtapping.com
Follow Soar with Tapping:
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/soarwithtapping]
📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@soarwithtapping9898]
📺TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@soarwithtapping]
📱Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/share/191vWHGCk8]
📱LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-vincze-1a86063]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords:

EFT Tapping, trauma healing, emotional release, body-mind connection, energy healing, chakra balance, emotional regulation, somatic healing, stored emotions, nervous system healing, root chakra, holistic wellness, stress relief, emotional resilience, energy meridians, self-compassion, mindfulness, anxiety relief, trauma recovery, self-acceptance, healing journey, fear vs love, body remembers, tapping therapy, inner peace, balance and grounding, trauma-informed healing

🎧 Next Episode: Part 1 of my conversation with Zulma Williams, Swearing Therapist. I hope you find it as enjoyable and helpful as I do!

Healing Trauma with Amy Vincze, Part 2: Inherited Pain and Generational Healing

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Generational trauma is real — but what does it actually look like in everyday life? In Part 2 of this conversation, Amy Vincze shares how unhealed patterns, beliefs, and emotions pass through families both energetically and biologically — and how breaking those cycles begins with awareness.

Amy explains how inherited fears can show up as money blocks, emotional sensitivities, or chronic stress, and why healing yourself can ripple backward and forward through your lineage. We also talk about self-blame, anger, and compassion — the messy middle between “It wasn’t my fault” and “It’s still my burden to heal.”

✨ Content Note: General discussion of trauma, family patterns, and emotional healing (no graphic detail).

Key Takeaways

This episode dives into the roots of generational trauma — the emotional and energetic legacies we inherit without realizing it. Amy Vincze and Sacha Holder explore how fear, shame, and outdated family beliefs can shape our choices, and how awareness and compassion can begin to rewrite those patterns. It’s a conversation about reclaiming agency, releasing blame, and choosing healing not just for ourselves, but for the generations that came before and those yet to come.

Connect:

Where to find Amy:

Website: soarwithtapping.com
Follow Soar with Tapping:
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/soarwithtapping]
📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@soarwithtapping9898]
📺TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@soarwithtapping]
📱Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/share/191vWHGCk8]
📱LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-vincze-1a86063]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords:

generational trauma, inherited trauma, family healing, emotional healing, intergenerational patterns, breaking cycles, ancestral trauma, trauma recovery, emotional awareness, EFT Tapping, Amy Vincze, self-compassion, forgiveness, lineage healing, inner child work, reparenting, family dynamics, trauma healing podcast, nervous system regulation, epigenetics, generational patterns, emotional resilience, healing family wounds, holistic wellness, mind-body connection

🎧 Next Episode: The Body Remembers and the Power of Tapping — how emotions live in our bodies and how tapping can help release them.

Healing Trauma with Amy Vincze, Part 1: Big T, Little t, and the Stories We Carry

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Show Notes:

What does trauma really mean — and how does it shape the way we cope?

In this first episode of a three-part conversation, Sacha Holder talks with health and wellness expert Amy Vincze, who has spent over 20 years helping people heal emotional and physical pain through EFT Tapping.

Amy explains the difference between Big T and little t trauma, why coping mechanisms like perfectionism, people-pleasing, procrastination, and addiction often begin in childhood, and what it takes to move beyond simply managing anxiety, stress, or overwhelm — to actually heal them.

You’ll also hear Amy’s simple “table-and-legs” metaphor for dismantling long-standing patterns and a compassionate reminder that our behaviors often start as our brain’s attempt to keep us safe.

✨ Content Note: General references to trauma and abuse (no graphic detail)

Connect:

Where to find Amy:

Website: soarwithtapping.com
Follow Soar with Tapping:
📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/soarwithtapping]
📺YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@soarwithtapping9898]
📺TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@soarwithtapping]
📱Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/share/191vWHGCk8]
📱LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-vincze-1a86063]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Key takeaways

This conversation with Amy Vincze peels back the layers of how trauma shapes who we become — and how we can finally begin to rewrite those patterns. From childhood fear to adult burnout, perfectionism to people-pleasing, Amy helps make sense of why our coping looks the way it does and how we can move beyond survival mode. We talk about nervous system safety, self-compassion, and the radical act of sitting with our emotions instead of shaming them. Whether you’re learning to soften your perfectionism, recover from chronic stress, or finally see your younger self through gentler eyes, this episode invites you to lean in and begin again.

Keywords

trauma healing, Big T vs little t trauma, EFT Tapping, Amy Vincze, emotional healing, anxiety relief, coping mechanisms, perfectionism recovery, people-pleasing, nervous system regulation, self-compassion, emotional awareness, inner child healing, mindfulness, self-growth, stress management, holistic wellness, mental health podcast, trauma recovery, self-acceptance

Coming Up Next

🎧 Part 2 of my conversation with Amy continues with a deep dive into generational trauma and how healing yourself can heal backward and forward through your lineage.

Angie Hawkins on Healing Stress, Core Values & Living in Integrity

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In the final part of my 3-part conversation with Angie Hawkins, author of Running in Slippers and creator of the Shine From the Inside program, we’re diving into the powerful connection between the mind, body, and stress—and how living outside our core values shows up in our physical and emotional health.

Angie shares her experience with autoimmune illness, the cost of chronic people-pleasing, and what it looks like to build a life rooted in integrity and self-trust. We explore reconnecting with our intuition, releasing others’ expectations, and discovering the small, daily ways to return to our authentic selves.

If you’ve ever felt burned out, disconnected, or like you’re living for everyone else, this conversation is your permission slip to breathe, pause, and come home to yourself.

If this conversation hit home, remember:

You are not broken, and you’re not alone.

If you or someone you love is struggling, you can call or text 988 in the U.S. for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

In this episode

How stress and people-pleasing impact your body
The hidden cost of living outside your values
Reconnecting with intuition and self-trust
What “living in integrity” really means
The one thing Angie would tell her younger self
Why you are worthy of peace and joy

About Angie

Angie Hawkins is the author of Running in Slippers and a women’s coach who helps high-functioning achievers break cycles of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-abandonment so they can live with authenticity, boundaries, and purpose.

Connect

Where to find Angie:

Book: Running in Slippers (ebook, print, and audiobook) https://amzn.to/4nMBikQ
Follow Angie:
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/angiehawkins808/] | Bio.Site [https://bio.site/angiehawkins] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@angiehawkins808]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Key takeaways

People-pleasing recovery, overcoming perfectionism, radical self-love, authenticity, trauma healing, vulnerability, shame resilience, suicide survival story, audiobook memoir, corporate burnout, boundaries for women, Midwest to Hawai‘i.

Credits & CTA

Mention hearing this podcast and receive a discount on the coaching program. Email Angie at angie@runninginslippers.com or visit her website to schedule a 1-hour appointment.

If this episode resonated, share it with a friend, and leave a rating or review. Subscribe for new conversations that normalize life’s messiness—and the many ways we grow through it.

Coming Up Next

We’ll be back on schedule with Episode 1, featuring Amy Vincze, an EFT tapping therapist who helps people release stored emotions and rewire their nervous systems for calm and clarity.

Angie Hawkins on Self-Worth, Boundaries & Healing

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 22:30:00 -0500

In Part 2 of my conversation with Angie Hawkins, author of Running in Slippers and creator of the Shine From the Inside program, we dive into what it means to live by your own rules, find inner confidence, and reclaim your light after years of over-functioning and people-pleasing.

Angie shares how her “Glow Method” helps women reconnect with their childhood selves, heal old survival patterns, and set boundaries that stick. We talk about why enforcing boundaries is the real challenge, how to handle guilt, and why courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s doing the thing anyway.

We also get into anxiety management, a 90-second reset technique you can use anytime, and the surprising link between courage, adventure, and vulnerability.

If this conversation hit home, remember: you are not broken and you’re not alone.

If you or someone you love is struggling, you can call or text 988 in the U.S. for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

In this episode

Writing your own rules for life
Moving from external validation to inner confidence
Boundaries as the highest form of self-respect
“Be the diva” mindset for protecting your energy
Turning fear into excitement
The 90-second anxiety reset
Courage vs. comfort
Healing through self-loyalty and authenticity

About Angie

Connect

Where to find Angie:

Book: Running in Slippers (ebook, print, and audiobook) https://amzn.to/4nMBikQ
Follow Angie:
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/angiehawkins808/] | Bio.Site [https://bio.site/angiehawkins] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@angiehawkins808]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Key takeaways

Credits & CTA

Mention hearing this podcast and receive a discount on the coaching program. Email Angie at angie@runninginslippers.com or visit her website to schedule a 1-hour appointment.

If this episode resonated, share it with a friend, and leave a rating or review. Subscribe for new conversations that normalize life’s messiness—and the many ways we grow through it.

Coming Up Next

The final part of my chat with Angie Hawkins drops tomorrow—we’ll close out with lessons on courage, healing, and living in alignment after burnout.

Angie Hawkins on Surviving Rock Bottom, Dismantling People-Pleasing, and Writing Running in Slippers

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Author and coach Angie Hawkins joins The High-Functioning Disaster to talk about surviving rock bottom, dismantling lifelong people-pleasing, and choosing radical self-love—the messy, real kind. We trace Angie’s journey from a Midwest childhood with emotionally unavailable parents to life in Hawai‘i, the day she survived an intentional overdose, the friend who said “It’s not your time,” and how that moment set her on a path to write her memoir Running in Slippers and help women break free from performance and perfection.

We also get into vulnerability vs. shame, why recording her audiobook was harder than writing it, signs you might be stuck in a people-pleasing loop (hello resentment and exhaustion), letting yourself be seen on social media, and leaving corporate burnout to live in alignment.

Content note: This episode includes candid conversation about suicide and an intentional overdose (approx. 06:00–10:10). If you or someone you know is struggling, in the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

In this episode

Growing up with emotionally unavailable parents, and the belief “I don’t deserve love.”
The two-and-a-half-year cascade that led to Angie’s breaking point
“It’s not your time”: the sentence that shifted everything
Why she chose coaching when traditional therapy wasn’t working
Writing and recording Running in Slippers—grief, shame, and unexpected healing
People-pleasing as self-abandonment and how to spot it (resentment, exhaustion)
Radical self-love in practice, not Instagram
Allowing yourself to be seen: imperfect “walk-and-talk” videos, authenticity over polish
Enneagram cameo, big-energy Eights, and solution-mode brains
Walking away from corporate America to build a values-aligned life

About Angie

Angie Hawkins is the author of Running in Slippers and a women’s coach who helps high-functioning achievers break cycles of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-abandonment so they can live with authenticity, boundaries, and purpose.

Connect

Book: Running in Slippers (ebook, print, and audiobook) https://amzn.to/4nMBikQ
Follow Angie:
Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/angiehawkins808/] | Bio.Site [https://bio.site/angiehawkins] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@angiehawkins808]
✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:
🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]
📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Key takeaways

Credits & CTA

Mention hearing this podcast and receive a discount on the coaching program. Email Angie at angie@runninginslippers.com or visit her website to schedule a 1-hour appointment.

If this episode resonated, share it with a friend, and leave a rating or review. Subscribe for new conversations that normalize life’s messiness—and the many ways we grow through it.

Big Feelings, Messy Lives: Jacintha Field on Authenticity, Friendship, and the High-Functioning Child (Part 3)

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Summary

In the final part of my conversation with Jacintha “Jay” Field (Family & Child Counsellor, Art Therapist; founder of Happy Souls Kids), we get practical about presence over perfection, how to meet kids’ needs when your own life is messy, and how to recognize the “high-functioning but hurting” child—the one who looks fine to teachers and grandparents but unravels with their safe person at home. We also dig into resilience myths, bedtime meltdowns, and why surrender and acceptance are secret parenting skills.

In this episode:

Presence > perfection: What “being present” actually looks like when life is chaotic, and why 20 minutes of undivided, child-led time can shift behavior.
Needs mapping at home: A simple dinner-table practice for naming each family member’s needs (rest, activity, friends, quiet, connection).
Yes-Day (lite): Letting kids choose within time/$ limits to restore a sense of control—especially post-separation or big transitions.
Permission for parents: Why filling your own cup is not selfish—and how modeling self-care teaches kids to do the same.
Resilience myth-busting: Kids don’t get resilient by “toughening up”; they get resilient by feeling and moving emotions through.
Spotting the high-functioning-but-hurting child: The “elastic band” effect (perfect at school/grandma’s, big release with you), why that’s actually a trust compliment, and how to respond without over-fixing.
Bedtime unraveling: Why emotions surface right before sleep and ways to hold that space (connection activity, movement, breath, nature).
For teachers & caregivers: Signs to watch for and how to invite safe, regulated release.
Surrender & acceptance: Reframing late starts and life detours; responding instead of reacting.
J’s mission: Reaching 100,000 kids by 2027 so they know their feelings are normal—and have tools to navigate them.

Mentioned

Happy Souls Kids – J's platform supporting emotional regulation through playful, evidence-informed tools.
“Human Medicine” by Charlie Goldsmith – on processing feelings; his “My Good Habits” framework is referenced.
Rudy Nudie play mats – washable mats that make messy play easier.
Adolescents (Netflix series) – a triggering but eye-opening look at digital risks and parent/teen disconnection. (Viewer discretion advised.)

Content note: This episode may mention domestic violence and grief. Please listen with care.

Disclaimer:

This conversation is for information/education only and isn’t a substitute for therapy or medical advice. If you or your child needs support, please reach out to a qualified professional in your area.

CTA

If this episode helped, share it with a caregiver, teacher, or parent who needs a little permission and a lot of relief. Follow/subscribe for new episodes every Monday—and if you’ve got 30 seconds, a rating or review helps more people find the show.

New episodes every Monday. Come as you are. That’s enough.

🔗 Resources:

Happy Souls Kids — [https://www.happysoulskids.com/]
Connect with Jacintha on Instagram — @jacinthafield [https://www.instagram.com/jacinthafield/]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com

📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com

🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]

🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]

📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]

📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]

💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Big Feelings, Messy Lives: Jacintha Field on Play, Presence, and Practical Tools (Part 2)

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Big feelings aren't "bad behavior." In Part 2 of my conversation with Jacintha Field, we unpack what's really happening under the surface, how play therapy opens doors words can't, and what simple shifts help parents show up without burning out.

We dig into:

What emotional regulation actually means for kids (and adults)
Why play therapy works — sand trays, art, slime, story, movement
Scripts you can use in public meltdowns or boundary-setting moments
How mirror behavior (modeling feelings language) shapes home life
When to lean on movement, nature, breath, or sensory tools
The role of trust and honesty in building lifelong parent–child connection
This episode is for every parent, caregiver, or teacher who has ever thought, “Why is my kid freaking out over something so small?” — and wants practical tools for showing up without burning out.

Content note: This episode may mention domestic violence and grief. Please listen with care.

Disclaimer:

The content shared on The High-Functioning Disaster is for informational and conversational purposes only and is not intended as professional, medical, or mental health advice. Everyone’s situation is unique, and what we talk about here may not apply to your specific circumstances. Please do what’s right for you, and always consult with a qualified professional for medical, mental health, financial, or legal guidance. You take care of you, boo.

🔗 Resources:

Happy Souls Kids — [https://www.happysoulskids.com/]
Connect with Jacintha on Instagram — @jacinthafield [https://www.instagram.com/jacinthafield/]

New episodes every Monday. Come as you are. That’s enough.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com

📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com

🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]

🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]

📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]

📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]

💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Big Feelings, Messy Lives: Jacintha Field on Parenting Through Chaos (Part 1)

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Episode Notes

Family & Child Counsellor and Art Therapist Jacintha “J” Field knows what it’s like to walk through fire. From surviving a 15-year abusive relationship to solo parenting through a pandemic, she’s turned her pain into purpose as the founder of Happy Souls Kids—a global platform helping children regulate their big feelings through play, storytelling, and creativity.

In this first part of our conversation, J shares:

How her early relationships shaped her self-worth and healing journey
What changed when she became a parent
Why “present, not perfect” parenting matters most
The perfectionism trap and learning to let go
Real talk about parenting during separation, betrayal, and COVID chaos

Her story is raw, honest, and full of hope for parents who are doing their best in messy, unpredictable circumstances.

Content note: This episode mentions domestic violence and grief. Please listen with care.

Disclaimer:

🔗 Resources:

Happy Souls Kids — [https://www.happysoulskids.com/]
Connect with Jacintha on Instagram — @jacinthafield [https://www.instagram.com/jacinthafield/]

New episodes every Monday. Come as you are. That’s enough.

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com

📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com

🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]

🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]

📱 Follow on IG: @thehighfunctioningdisaster [https://instagram.com/thehighfunctioningdisaster]

📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]

💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Welcome to the Disaster

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0500

In the very first episode of The High-Functioning Disaster, host Sacha Holder pulls back the curtain on what it really means to look “high-functioning” on the outside while juggling chaos on the inside.

On paper, Sacha is a project manager with a wall of certifications, a color-coded calendar, and years of professional success. Off paper, she’s a wife, daughter, caregiver, bariatric patient, and survivor of mental, emotional, and sexual abuse who lives with anxiety, panic attacks, and the never-ending mental load that so many of us carry.

This isn’t a self-help podcast — it’s a self-permission podcast. Permission to be exhausted. Permission to let the to-do list go. Permission to admit you don’t have it all together.

In this short, solo introduction, Sacha shares:

Who she really is beyond her LinkedIn bio
Why she started this podcast after losing a job she loved
How she navigates overwhelm with her “glass, plastic, and rubber balls” framework
What you can expect from future episodes with guests who bring raw, unfiltered stories about burnout, grief, caretaking, trauma, and resilience

If you’ve ever smiled through anything while falling apart inside, this space is for you. Because here, life is the disaster, not necessarily you.

The High-Functioning Disaster: A Podcast About Burnout, Boundaries, and Showing Up Anyway

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0500

Welcome to The High-Functioning Disaster—a podcast about what it means to show up in the middle of chaos. If you’re holding it together on the outside while quietly unraveling on the inside, you’ve found your people.

In this short trailer, host Sacha Holder shares the story behind the show, what you can expect from upcoming episodes, and why you don’t need to be “fixed”—you just need space to be real.

✨ Starting September 1, 2025, new episodes drop every Monday. Come as you are.

🎧 Subscribe and listen anywhere you get your podcasts.

📲 Follow along on Instagram: @thehighfunctioningdisaster

📩 Get in touch or suggest a guest: thehighfunctioningdisaster@gmail.com