Plucky Not Perfect Podcast

Reclaiming Life After Traumatic Brain Injury with Erika Brouillette (#36)

What happens when life doesn’t just take a detour—but completely reroutes your future?
In this deeply moving episode of Plucky Not Perfect, I’m joined by Erika Brouillette—mom, caregiver, advocate, podcast host, and founder of Reclaim: TBI Wives. Erika shares her story of becoming a full-time caregiver overnight when her husband suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, and how that moment reshaped her identity, faith, boundaries, and purpose.
We talk about:
Advocating for a child with special needs—and a spouse with a traumatic brain injury
Becoming a caregiver in the middle of crisis (and COVID)
Losing yourself in survival mode—and how to slowly reclaim who you are
The permission many women need to care for themselves without guilt
Setting boundaries after years of people-pleasing
Finding hope when doctors give none
Why community matters when no one else truly “gets it”
Gratitude, faith, and recognizing glimmers of hope in the darkest seasons
Erika also shares how her own healing led her to create a space for other women walking similar roads—women who are so often asked how their husband is doing, but rarely how they are.
This conversation is for anyone who has found themselves living a life they didn’t plan—and is learning how to keep going anyway.
Connect with Erika:
Website & Community: Reclaim TBI Wives
Podcast: Real Lives of TBI Wives
Socials: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
Connect with your host:  Carrie
 

Instead of “Let Me Know If You Need Anything,” Here’s How to Help a Struggling Friend (#35)

When someone you care about is facing grief, illness, divorce, or any major life shake-up, it’s easy to worry about saying the wrong thing… and end up doing nothing. After my own cancer journey and recovery, I learned firsthand what truly helps and what doesn’t.
In this episode, we cover:
Why something is better than nothing (even if you feel awkward)
How to check in without adding pressure or expecting a reply
Offering specific, practical help instead of “Let me know if you need anything”
Caring for friends from afar: texts, cards, gift cards, meaningful little touches
Supporting friends nearby: homemade food, errands, childcare, time together
What not to do when you're trying to help
A gentle reminder:
You don’t have to be perfect, just present. Plucky helps! Small gestures of care go a long way.
Email me at thecarriejobradley@gmail.com if you would like the companion guide to this episode, a free printable PDF with tangible reminders of how to help in a time of need. 
Let’s connect on Instagram @carriejobradley. 

Revolutionary Rest: Living Worthy with Heather Boersma (#34)

What if the bravest thing you could do was to slow down?  In this episode, Carrie talks with life coach, speaker, and author Heather Boersma about redefining success, finding rest, and living from a deep sense of worthiness instead of striving for it. 
Heather shares how years of chasing achievement led her to burnout and anxiety, and how she learned to live “from significance, not for it.” 
Together, they explore rest as a courageous act, how to realign with your core values, and why being present is the true measure of a meaningful life.
In this conversation:
The difference between living for success and living from significance
How burnout taught Heather to reimagine rest as strength, not laziness
Co-regulation, nervous system safety, and redefining identity beyond productivity
Courage, worthiness, and the beauty of slowing down
Practical ways to live from your values 
Resources & Links:
www.heatherboersma.com 
The Rest Revolution 
Connect with your host: www.instagram.com/carriejobradley.

Traveling Through Uncertainty as a Cancer Mom Turned Midlife Explorer with Jennifer Montgomery-Lay (#33)

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “too late” to start over—or felt stuck between who you’ve been and who you want to become, this is the episode for you. 
Jennifer Montgomery-Lay’s story is one of unimaginable resilience. As a cancer mom for more than two decades, she’s spent much of her adult life caregiving. Instead of letting fear or past identities define her, Jenn has learned to lean into discomfort to step out into new adventures.
Jenn and Carrie met at a business networking event a few years ago. Back then Jenn didn’t have a business—just a quiet nudge that she was meant for something more. What she did have was courage.
In this episode, Jenn shares how her family traveled the world in the midst of heartbreak, chaos and uncertainty. She talks about how travel became a catalyst for healing, and how she’s now helping others rediscover themselves through adventure. We talk about perfectionism, giving ourselves permission to dream again, and what it really means to be plucky in midlife.
As Jenn said, “You’re gonna be okay. Even if you look silly. Even if you mess up. You can find people who believe in you until you believe in yourself.”
 In This Episode:
The uncomfortable moment that sparked Jenn’s reinvention
Life as a cancer mom: the raw truth, not the hashtag version
How a one-way ticket and a leap of faith changed everything
The healing power of travel and curiosity
Saying yes to new adventures (even when it feels scary)
Resources & Links: 
www.instagram.com/lifealloverthemap
Connect with your host: www.instagram.com/carriejobradley.

How I’m Approaching Fear of Surgery (#32)

In this episode, Carrie shares her personal journey of facing the fear of surgery following her battle with colorectal cancer and past traumatic hospital experiences. She discusses the emotional challenges of preparing for surgery, the importance of acknowledging fear, and the role of mindfulness and community support. Carrie discusses the Plucky Challenge as a way to build courage and emphasizes that who we are matters more than our actions in moments of fear. She encourages listeners to embrace their fears and lean into their inner courage. The episode concludes with a listener’s insight. 
 
Resources & Links:
This Simple Mind Hack Will Help You Overcome Any Fear: www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-15/
Connect with your host: www.instagram.com/carriejobradley.
 

From “Too Shy to Speak” to Top 1% Podcaster with Teri Holland (#31)

Do you ever hold yourself back because you’re afraid to speak up — or worried what people will think?
Today’s guest, Teri Holland, knows that fear well. Once nicknamed “Mouse” for how quiet she was as a child, Teri has transformed into a confident speaker, coach, and top 1% podcaster.
We trace her journey from a shy little girl whispering to her parents, to a coach who has given a TEDx talk and helps others use their voices with courage and confidence. 
Teri shares:
How a single solo line in a Christmas concert changed everything
What acting taught her about safety, scripts, and control  and how she learned to be confident without them
How burnout and illness led her to the world of NLP, hypnotherapy, and timeline therapy
The story behind starting her podcast, Success in Mind — and what happened when imposter syndrome shut it down at its peak
What it really takes to build confidence and transform self-doubt
How courage and confidence are skills we can all practice and grow
🎧 This conversation will remind you that courage and confidence aren’t fixed traits, they’re muscles we can build. Teri proves that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about a fulfilling life fueled by growth, grit and courage.
Resources & Links
www.instagram.com/theteriholland www.teriholland.ca
Connect with your host, on www.instagram.com/carriejobradley. 

Rebuilding Life After Loss: A Young Widow’s Story of Courage with Lindsay Aho (#30)

Carrie reconnects with her friend Lindsay Aho (Kuehster), who shares her powerful story of loss and rebuilding with courage. Lindsay opens up about life behind the façade of perfection — navigating her husband’s alcoholism and PTSD and facing unimaginable loss when he took his own life.
Through it all, Lindsay found the strength to start again, to heal, and to redefine what grace looks like. Her story reminds us that courage isn’t about pretending everything is fine; it’s about facing the truth, asking for help, and rebuilding one brave step at a time.
In this episode:
The hidden pain behind “having it all together”
Recognizing when it’s time to leave and finding the courage to do it
Healing from trauma and loss through writing and community
The power of forgiveness for ourselves and others
What “strength” looks like when you don’t feel strong
Resources & Links
Lindsay’s memoir: Redefining Grace
Connect with Carrie: @carriejobradley

Ten Types of Courage: How to Build Your Plucky Muscles in Everyday Moments (#29)

Courage isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this episode, I share 10 types of courage—from beginning and speaking to resting and persisting—and how small, daily acts of bravery can strengthen your “plucky muscles.” Plus, learn more about the 100-Day Plucky Challenge to grow your courage one small step at a time.
📥 Want to Join the Challenge?
Email thecarriejobradley@gmail.com to get a printable checklist with 100 small dares to help you grow your courage one day at a time.
💛 Stay Connected
Follow @carriejobradley on social media and share your acts of courage. Remember—it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being plucky.

Mental Performance Tools for Building Confidence and Resilience with Ashley Wiles (#28)

Ashley Wiles—founder of Sole Girls, TEDx speaker, Ironman athlete, and mom—joins Carrie to talk about building resilience. Ashley shares powerful tools from her new program, The Inner Game, and offers tangible ways parents can model resilience, recover from mistakes, and build authentic confidence without perfectionism.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to support girls (and yourself) after mistakes or setbacks
A simple “mistake ritual” to stop the shame spiral
Why confidence is an inside job
The power of using and instead of but to hold two truths
Ashley also opens up about her own struggles, from prenatal depression to self-doubt, and shares practical mental performance tools parents and kids can use right away.
Resources & Links
Learn more about Ashley’s programs: Sole Girls Mental Performance Training for Sports Girls
Follow Ashley on Instagram: @sole_girls, @evaruns
Connect with Carrie on Instagram: @carriejobradley
 

Don’t Let Your Candle Melt in the Closet: Stop Waiting and Start Living with Tedx Speaker Gillian Parlane (#27)

What if the things you’re saving for that perfect “someday” are holding you back today? In this episode of Plucky Not Perfect, Carrie talks with TEDx speaker and communication coach Gillian Parlane, whose talk Change Your Closet, Change Your Life has reached over 3.2 million views.
Gillian shares how a melted candle became the catalyst for her life motto: don’t let your candle melt in the closet. From daring to wear what you’ve been saving, to moving toward your fears, to finding courage in public speaking, Gillian reveals practical ways to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start living fully right now.
You’ll hear:
Why saving your best things for the perfect moment can hold you back
The two scarcity mindsets—I’m not enough and I don’t have enough—that keep us stuck
How courage comes before confidence (and why small steps matter most)
The surprising ripple effects of improving your communication skills
Why public speaking is more like giving a gift than delivering a performance
Whether you’re holding onto a necklace, an unopened bottle of champagne, or a hidden dream, this conversation will challenge you to use what you have, wear what you love, and take action before you feel ready.
Links & Resources:
Watch Gillian’s TEDx Talk: Change Your Closet, Change Your Life
Learn more about Gillian’s Public Speaking Playground and coaching: gillianparlane.ca
Follow Gillian on Instagram: @gillianparlane
Connect with your host, @carrriejobradley
If this episode inspired you, take a photo of something you’re finally using or wearing and tag us—let’s start a movement of not letting our candles melt in the closet!