Congruent with Lisa Carpenter | The truth beneath success. Why it never feels like enough.

From Burned Out High Achiever to Multi-Million Dollar Coach: The Messy Truth About Success That No One Talks About

This week, I’m flipping the script and taking the hot seat.In this special episode, I’m joined by my client Angela—a life coach and medical doctor from New Zealand—for a deep, heartfelt conversation about what it really means to choose your path, trust yourself, and evolve beyond who you used to be.We dive into the real behind-the-scenes of my journey: the career pivots, identity shifts, and uncomfortable-but-worth-it moments that led me to where I am today. From walking away from business models that no longer felt aligned, to navigating fear and self-doubt, this episode is an honest look at what happens when we stop performing and start living from our values.Inside this episode, you’ll hear us talk about:Why choosing yourself often means disappointing othersLetting go of identities that once felt safe—but no longer serveWhat it really looks like to lead with integrity (even when it’s messy)How to stop outsourcing your power and start trusting your truthWhy redefining success is one of the most courageous things you can doThe quiet—but radical—act of living in alignment with your valuesThis isn’t about “doing it all” or chasing the next goal. This is about you—getting honest about what you want, what matters most, and where you’re still stuck in outdated stories that are keeping you from living fully. This episode is for you if you are: At a crossroads in your life or businessTired of chasing success that doesn’t feel goodReady to reconnect with yourself—and choose your next chapter with intentionAnd if this episode speaks to you, it’s time to go deeper...Join Me in Tulum — Only 3 Spots LeftMy 12-month coaching + retreat experience is for the high-achieving woman who’s done all the “right” things... and still feels like something’s missing.This isn’t about fixing you. It’s about meeting the real you—and giving her space to exhale.✔️ High-touch private coaching ✔️ Intimate, soul-shifting retreat in Tulum ✔️ A powerful sisterhood of women who get itReady to walk into your next chapter, lighter and more aligned than ever? Apply now for Tulum →Thank you for tuning in. If this conversation sparked something in you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.And remember— Your next level doesn’t require you to do more. It asks you to choose differently. You have the power to choose your way forward.

This High-Earning Pilot was Losing Sleep Over Money at 3 AM (Here’s How I Coached Him)

In this powerful episode, Lisa shares an unedited coaching conversation with Greg, an airline pilot who has significant wealth on paper yet still wakes up at 3 AM worried about money. This is context coaching in action—addressing the story problem, not the money problem.What you'll hear:The "Just Enough" Identity Crisis Greg has substantial assets and multiple properties, but his relationship with money is still governed by childhood stories like "money doesn't grow on trees." Despite his financial success, he operates from scarcity and wakes up anxious about lack. This disconnect between his actual wealth and his emotional experience with money is more common than you might think among high earners.Context vs. Content Coaching in Action Rather than coaching Greg on budgeting or cash flow management, Lisa immediately identifies that this isn't a money problem—it's an identity problem. She coaches to the pattern underneath his words, not the surface-level content he's presenting. This is the difference between treating symptoms and addressing root causes.Real-Time Transformation You'll witness the exact moment Greg has a visceral reaction to Lisa calling him "wealthy" and how she uses that as a gateway to help him step into a new identity. Lisa introduces the concept of pattern interrupts and gives Greg specific homework to retrain his brain out of scarcity thinking.The conversation reveals how Greg's scarcity mindset isn't just affecting his sleep—it's preventing him from doing more good in the world. He and his husband have already established endowments at his alma mater, but his "just enough" identity keeps him from fully stepping into his role as a wealthy person who can create positive impact.Lisa helps him see that holding onto lack mentality is actually a disservice to those who need him to show up in his full financial power. The shift from victim to steward of wealth becomes not just personal growth, but moral responsibility.Lisa gives Greg specific assignments: calculate his total net worth and use that number as a pattern interrupt whenever scarcity thoughts arise. She also challenges him to define what wealth means for him personally and plan how he wants to give back from that place of abundance.The homework isn't about managing money better—it's about managing his identity and relationship with wealth completely differently.Why This Episode MattersThis isn't theory or feel-good advice. It's real coaching happening in real time with someone who has significant financial success but is still trapped by old stories. If you're a high achiever who feels financially stressed despite your success, this conversation will show you exactly how those patterns operate and how to break free from them.You'll hear how quickly transformation can happen when you address the right problem. Greg doesn't need more money—he needs to step into the identity of someone who already has more than enough.Ready to examine your own money stories? Head to lisacarpenter.ca/wwm to apply for coaching and discover what's really keeping you stuck.

The Truth About Coaching That No One Talks About

Fresh off her second Camino walk, Lisa tackles the question everyone's thinking but not asking: What's the actual difference between coaching and therapy? And why do successful, exhausted people often find therapy keeps them stuck while coaching propels them forward?Here's the real difference:Therapy is past-focused—diving into what happened to you, processing trauma, gaining insights about how things impacted you. You talk about the problem, get some insight, then leave.Coaching is future-focused—where are you now, where do you want to go, and what needs to shift to get you there? It's about identity shifts, accountability, and taking action.Lisa's approach is different because she coaches to your context, not your content. She's not listening to your circumstances—she's hearing the patterns underneath your words. Because the problem you think you have? It's usually not the problem you actually have.Think about money. Instead of talking about your financial struggles, Lisa asks: "If money were a person, what kind of relationship would you have with them?" Then you step into the identity of someone who treats money with reverence. That's how she became debt-free—identity shift first, results follow.You might need therapy if: You're dealing with clinical depression, trauma, or severe anxiety.You're ready for coaching if: You feel stuck despite having it all, keep repeating the same patterns, have done years of therapy but aren't gaining momentum, or you're ready to stop being a victim of your circumstances and start taking responsibility for your future.The bottom line: Coaching isn't something you need—it's something you want because you love what it brings to your life and how it helps you expand into more. Ready to explore what's possible?Lisa has openings this summer and fall, plus Reclamation (her signature program) is open for registration. To learn about Lisa’s transformative "Reclamation" program, visit LisaCarpenter.ca/ReclamationTo learn about working 1:1 with Lisa click hereIf this episode resonated, share it with someone who might be ready to stop being a victim of their circumstances and start becoming the architect of their life.

The Camino Recap 2025 — Why Your Internal State Creates Your Reality and Life Won’t Get Better Until You Change

In this deeply personal episode, Lisa takes you behind the scenes of her second Camino walk—and the powerful reminder that true transformation starts with one simple, uncomfortable truth: No one is coming to save you. You have to choose yourself.Lisa shares how the contrast between last year’s torrential, miserable walk and this year’s lighter, more connected experience reflects the deeper work she’s done to heal, let go, and lead herself.If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or trapped in your own patterns, this episode will remind you: Change is possible—but only when you decide to choose it. What You’ll Hear In This Episode:How last year’s dark, rainy Camino mirrored Lisa’s internal struggles—and why this year felt completely different The uncomfortable (but freeing) truth about choosing change for yourself Why healing and letting go isn’t a one-time event—it’s a layered process that requires courage and patience How your external world often reflects your internal state—and how to shift both The role of rest, nervous system regulation, and community in sustainable growth How to measure your progress without falling into perfectionism or self-judgment Lisa’s invitation to the women who know they’re ready for more You’re not stuck. You’re not broken. But you do have a choice.The question is: Are you ready to make it? Ready to Choose Yourself?Lisa’s exclusive Tulum Retreat + 12-Month Private Coaching Experience is for the driven, high-achieving woman who’s quietly wondering: “When is it my turn?” This isn’t another retreat—it’s a full year of support, nervous system work, and deep, identity-level coaching, culminating in a transformational week in Tulum. There are only a few spots left for the woman who knows she’s ready to stop outsourcing her fulfillment and start leading herself differently.→ Apply now to claim your spotListen now—and share this episode with the women in your life who need the reminder that the future they want is always one brave decision away.

ENCORE: Embracing Self-Care in a High-Achiever’s World

In this episode of the Full Frontal Living Podcast, we revisit Episode 42 where Lisa dives deep into the struggles many high-achieving women face when it comes to balancing their personal lives, business, and well-being. She shares insights on how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and overworking are often the same traits that keep women stuck in a cycle of burnout, feeling overwhelmed, and disconnected from their true desires. What You'll Learn in This Episode:The Power of Choosing Yourself: Lisa talks about how important it is to make the decision to prioritize yourself, even when the world expects you to keep doing more.Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage: We dive into the importance of recognizing self-sabotaging behaviors and how they show up in high-achieving women’s lives. Lisa shares practical ways to break this cycle and embrace self-compassion.The Emotional Cost of Perfectionism: Understand how perfectionism and the need to please others are linked to burnout and emotional exhaustion, and how to shift from self-criticism to self-love.Redefining Success: Lisa encourages listeners to reevaluate what true success looks like for them—beyond the accolades and external validation—and how to build a life that truly aligns with their values.Finding Peace in the Chaos: Discover practical tools for quieting the noise and finding peace amidst the chaos of life. Lisa shares actionable strategies for creating more balance and slowing down without sacrificing ambition.Living with Purpose, Not Perfection: The episode closes with a powerful reminder that true fulfillment comes from living with purpose, not perfection. Lisa encourages listeners to show up authentically and stop chasing an idealized version of success. Key Takeaways:The role of perfectionism in keeping you stuck in burnoutHow to break free from the cycle of people-pleasing and self-sabotageWhy choosing yourself and your well-being is the first step towards living a life you loveHow to shift your mindset from perfection to purposeThe importance of creating space for peace, joy, and self-compassion in your life Resources Mentioned:Full Frontal Living Podcast: https://lisacarpenter.ca/podcast/Lisa’s Website: https://lisacarpenter.caBook a Coaching Call with Lisa: https://lisacarpenter.ca/wwm/Are you ready to break free from the cycle of burnout and start prioritizing yourself? Listen to this powerful episode and get inspired to make the shift towards a more balanced, fulfilled life. If you’re ready for deeper work, join Lisa’s Reclamation Program and begin reclaiming your power today.

ENCORE: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

In this episode, we revisit the raw and unfiltered episode 145 of the Full Frontal Living™ Podcast. Lisa Carpenter opens the door to a conversation most high-achievers avoid: what it really means to not be okay—and how to recognize when your so-called “coping” is just numbing in disguise.Whether you’re caught in perfectionism, scrolling your feelings away, pouring another glass of wine to take the edge off, or chasing one more accomplishment that still doesn’t feel like “enough,” Lisa’s here to call it out with love.This episode is a deep dive into emotional fluency, nervous system regulation, and how to build true resiliency when your usual go-to is to power through. What You’ll Learn:Why saying “I’m fine” is usually a lie—and how to tell when you're not okayHow overworking, people-pleasing, and emotional shutdown are socially rewarded forms of numbingThe difference between nurturing vs. numbing behaviors (even “healthy” ones like exercise)How to release stuck emotions without spiralingWhy your nervous system might be “redlining” even if your mind says you're okayWhat real self-care looks like when you're burned out, exhausted, and emotionally disconnected Tools + Resources Mentioned:Yoga Nidra + meditation for nervous system regulationEmotional awareness strategies to interrupt burnout cyclesTips on navigating identity loss, control patterns, and people-pleasing Work With Lisa:Ready to stop running on fumes and start living fully again?Lisa is currently accepting new private coaching clients inside her Reclamation container.Learn more about 1:1 coaching with lisa: https://lisacarpenter.ca/wwm

Why You Might Be Addicted To Achievement (And How To Let Peace In Without Slowing Down)

What if the driving force behind your achievements isn't about what you want, but what you're desperately trying to run away from? In this raw and honest episode, Lisa gets real about the hidden addiction to achievement that so many high performers share—and why your relationship with success might actually be keeping you from the life you really want.What We're Diving Into:The Achievement Trap: Lisa breaks down how the constant chase for more—awards, recognition, that next level of success—often becomes a way to avoid sitting with ourselves. Are you actually pursuing your dreams, or are you just trying to outrun discomfort?Your Power to Choose (Yes, Really): Here's the thing—you're not stuck in old patterns or at the mercy of external validation. Through awareness and honest self-reflection, you can choose how to respond, break the cycles that are keeping you small, and create new patterns that actually nourish you.Peace Without the Productivity Guilt: This isn't about slowing down or doing less (Lisa knows that's not realistic for most of us). It's about learning how to let peace and satisfaction exist alongside your ambitions. You can have both.Success That Actually Feels Good: True fulfillment isn't about what everyone else sees on the outside—it's about how you feel when you're alone with yourself. Lisa shares how to build that intimate, loving relationship with yourself where peace becomes your new normal.Living Enchanted: Drawing from Elizabeth Gilbert's work, Lisa introduces the concept of an "enchanted life"—not the Instagram version, but a sustainable way of being that's grounded, balanced, and deeply satisfying.The Real Talk Moments:Why excitement and depression are often two sides of the same coin—and how many of us are actually addicted to the chaosHow your body can become hooked on dopamine and adrenaline hits, making stillness feel scary or "wrong"The hard questions you need to ask yourself about where you're chasing intensity instead of actual fulfillmentWhy reclaiming your power of choice is the gateway to deeper presence, creativity, and connectionYour Homework (Because Lisa Always Gives You Homework):Get Honest: Where are you mistaking busyness for productivity? When did you last choose to slow down instead of being forced to?Notice the Good Stuff: What are your moments of real enchantment? The ones that fill you up without requiring achievement? Can you let more of these in?Remember This: You deserve to feel as good as your life looks on paper. But that's a choice you have to make from the inside out.Bottom line: Every single day, you get to choose—to let peace in, to honor what you've built, and to create a life that feels as incredible as it looks. The question is: will you?Ready to Go Deeper?Lisa shares details about working together, including her Reclamation program for women ready to stop performing their lives and start living them, one-on-one coaching, and her upcoming Tulum retreat where you'll integrate peace and ambition in the most beautiful setting.If this episode hit you right in the feels, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And honestly? Leave a review. It helps other people find these conversations when they need them most.

Are You Ready to Let Go, or Just Want to? [Re-release Rock Episode + 1 Year Reflection]

Lisa shares a raw, personal story from her transformative month-long solo journey through Spain and Morocco. After 2023 turned her world upside down, she found herself carrying literal rocks that represented her deepest pain - and discovered why we cling to suffering even when we desperately want to be free.This isn't your typical "just let it go" advice. This is the real, messy truth about what it actually takes to release what's holding you back. The Story That Changes EverythingWhile walking the Camino, Lisa picked up two rocks representing specific pains in her life. What happened next reveals the hidden psychology behind why we stay stuck:She carried one rock for thousands of kilometers across multiple countriesShe checked on it daily, panicking if she couldn't find itShe knew she wanted to let it go, yet actively protected itShe realized she was doing the same thing mentally with her painThe uncomfortable truth: We get addicted to our pain because it feels safer than the unknown. Why Smart, Successful People Stay StuckThe Pain You Know vs. The Pain You Don'tFamiliar suffering feels more manageable than uncertain healingYour pain becomes your identity, making you fear who you'd be without itPast hurt tricks you into thinking it's protecting you from future hurtThe secondary benefits of pain (attention, sympathy, avoiding decisions) keep you hookedThe Certainty TrapWhen you're carrying emotional rocks, you know exactly what to expect each day. Without them? Complete uncertainty. And uncertainty feels dangerous to high achievers who built their success on control and predictability. The Real Work Begins After You Let GoHere's what no one tells you: Releasing the pain is the easy part. The hard part is the commitment you make afterward.When Lisa finally threw her rock into the ocean, she committed to:Never allowing those thought patterns to take root againRedirecting her mind when it wanted to revisit the painBuilding a completely new foundation based on her valuesMoving forward without looking backThis is why most people fail at letting go - they think the release is the end, when it's actually the beginning. Your Turn: The Rock ExerciseIdentify your rocks - What pain, story, or identity are you carrying?Get honest about the payoff - What are you getting from holding onto this?Find actual rocks - Create physical representations of what you want to releaseCarry them - Notice how you check on them, protect them, worry about themDefine your commitments - What will you be committed to when you let go?Release with ceremony - When you're truly ready, let them go meaningfully Why This Matters for Driven PeopleIf you're someone who has "everything figured out" on the outside but feels disconnected on the inside, this episode is for you. Lisa's story shows that:Success doesn't protect you from needing to do deep emotional workThe same intensity that drives achievement can keep you stuck in painTrue leadership requires facing the parts of yourself you've been avoidingYour capacity for joy will only match your willingness to feel everything else The Bottom LineStop saying you're "working on letting go." Either you're ready to let go, or you're not. And if you're not, get honest about why. What's that pain doing for you? What would you have to commit to if it wasn't there?The life you want is waiting on the other side of the rocks you're carrying. But you have to be willing to put them down and walk forward empty-handed.Ready to do this work? Lisa is accepting new one-on-one coaching clients and has spots available in her Reclamation program. Because some transformations require support, and this is one of them.If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you take on the rock exercise, tag Lisa on Instagram @lisacarpenterinc - she'd love to witness your journey.

AI for High Achievers: Strategic Tools to Amplify Your Impact While Reclaiming Your Time

In episode 308 of the Full Frontal Living Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant and bold Callan Faulkner, AI coach and founder of The Uncommon Business, to talk about something that feels equal parts exciting and overwhelming for most of us: artificial intelligence.But don’t worry—we’re not talking robots and world domination.We're talking about how AI can be a surprisingly powerful mirror for your personal growth, your habits, your chaos... and ultimately, your power to choose how you show up.This episode is part soulful conversation, part practical strategy—and 100% about helping you see that technology doesn't replace your wisdom. It amplifies it. If you’re willing to engage with intention. What We Get Into:AI as a Self-Reflection Tool: It’s not about the tech—it’s about how you use it. AI simply reflects back what you bring to it. If you’re feeling scattered or unsure, guess what’s going to show up in your prompts? Yep—more chaos.Why Questions Matter More Than Answers: Whether you’re journaling, talking to a coach, or prompting a chatbot—the quality of your input always shapes the outcome. Callan and I riff on how to ask better questions so you get better results.Collapsing Time + Clarifying Chaos: We talk about how AI can help streamline your life—from meal planning to emotional processing—and why your real power lies in choosing what to act on (and what to let go of).Overcoming Overwhelm: Callan and I both share how AI can become another form of busy work if you're not careful. It’s not about more ideas—it’s about choosing what actually matters. Ready to Work Smarter AND Grow Deeper?Start by asking yourself: Where am I using my tools—and where are my tools using me? Because the real transformation isn’t in the tech. It’s in the way you choose to live your life. Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:Loved this episode? Screenshot your favorite moment and tag me and Callan on IG. Have questions or want to dive deeper into this kind of work? You know where to find me.Instagram: @lisacarpenterincWebsite: lisacarpenter.caFollow Callan and her work at:Instagram: @callanfaulknerEnrol in Foundations of AI hereJoin the waitlist for her Automate to Accelerate AI course (next cohort in Fall 2025)

Why Your Self-Criticism Might Actually Be Your Secret Weapon

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Full Frontal Living Podcast with Lisa Carpenter! In episode 307, Lisa invites listeners to explore the depth of their inner world with the timeless fable of the two wolves, drawing on her own journey and her extensive coaching experience.Lisa shares both the classic and extended versions of the "Two Wolves" fable, unpacking how this story relates to our daily choices, emotions, and personal growth. Instead of seeing the “Dark Wolf” (our challenges, doubts, and tough emotions) as something to ignore, Lisa encourages us to acknowledge and understand both our dark and light sides. Ultimately, this episode is a powerful reminder that we all possess the incredible power to choose which parts of ourselves we nurture—but also how much richer life can be when we accept and learn from all of our internal experiences.Key Highlights:You Always Have a Choice: Lisa reminds us that the life we’re living is the result of countless choices, both conscious and unconscious. Where we put our attention and energy—whether it’s on positivity and growth or on negative thought loops—shapes our experience and outcomes.Beyond “Good” and “Bad” Sides: The extended version of the Two Wolves fable reveals that both our dark and light sides have gifts to offer. Instead of starving one side, we’re invited to feed both, gaining courage, tenacity, compassion, and self-compassion in the process.Embracing All of Yourself: Lisa models how to integrate, value, and lovingly acknowledge every part of who we are—including the parts we often try to hide or suppress. This acceptance is where true peace, ease, and fulfillment are found.The Power to Change Your Story: Suffering and struggle may seem like our default settings, but by choosing to focus on what we want to create (rather than what we wish to avoid), we empower ourselves to change—and truly thrive.Real Transformation: Lisa’s episode is not just theory; she shares personal examples and client experiences that show just how much is possible when we honor all of ourselves, create new habits, and choose courage over comfort.This episode is more than just a story; it’s about the freedom that comes when you realize your power to choose and start integrating all parts of yourself. Lisa encourages you to reflect: How can you nurture both your dark and light wolves—and what could become possible if you do?Grab your earbuds, get cozy (or go out on a walk!), and let Lisa guide you to greater self-understanding and empowerment. Resources:To learn about Lisa’s transformative "Reclamation" program, visit LisaCarpenter.ca/ReclamationLisa loves hearing feedback from her listeners! Share your thoughts, ah-ha moments, or questions.If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, and don’t forget to rate and review Full Frontal Living wherever you listen to podcasts!