Living Spree™

In this episode, Aimee introduces her new book, "RadiKal Courage: Living Your Truth When It Matters Most." She shares the inspiration behind the book, recounts a pivotal moment in her life, and reads the introduction and first chapter. The episode explores the difference between ordinary bravery and RadiKal courage, the journey to authentic living, and practical steps for transformation.Timestamps & Chapters:00:00 – Welcome & Introduction00:27 – About the Book: "RadiKal Courage"00:46 – Table of Contents Overview01:10 – The Kitchen That Changed Everything: A Personal Story02:23 – What is RadiKal Courage?03:19 – The Journey to Authenticity04:16 – The Anatomy of Awakening07:40 – Chapter One: Understanding RadiKal Courage08:03 – The Difference Between Ordinary Bravery and RadiKal Courage09:10 – The Awakening Arc: Recognition, Resistance, Choice, Integration10:45 – Closing Thoughts & Invitation for Feedback11:23 – Outro & How to ConnectTop 3 Takeaways:RadiKal Courage is Transformational: It’s not just about facing fears, but about restructuring your life around your deepest truths—even when it means letting go of external success.Authenticity Over Perfection: The journey is about trusting your inner knowing and living in alignment with your values, not about having all the answers or being fearless.Awakening Begins with Disruption: True transformation starts when something disrupts your status quo, leading you to recognize misalignment, resist change, make a choice, and ultimately integrate a more authentic self.Connect with Aimee CristEmail: aimee@livingspree.lifeWebsite: www.livingspree.lifeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimeesebastiancrist/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingspree.life/

Healing Trauma Without Talking About It? Exploring Yoga, Breathwork & Science with Dr. KoenenIn this powerful episode of Living Spree, host Aimee Crist sits down with Dr. Karestan Koenen, a trauma survivor, clinical psychologist, and researcher at Harvard University. Dr. Koenen shares her personal journey from trauma to healing and how it shaped her career dedicated to helping survivors of trauma and PTSD. They delve into the biological effects of trauma on the body, including the latest research on epigenetics and trauma’s impact on physical aging. The conversation highlights groundbreaking evidence on trauma-informed yoga, breathwork, and body-based therapies as accessible and effective healing modalities. Dr. Koenen offers practical advice on grounding techniques and the importance of feeling safe in the body as a first step in recovery. They also explore the meaning of resilience as optimism and growth in the face of adversity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating trauma, healing, or personal reinvention.Key Takeaways:• Trauma has deep and lasting impacts on both mental and physical health through biopsychosocial processes such as epigenetics.• Healing is multifaceted; body-based therapies like trauma-informed yoga and breathwork are scientifically supported and accessible.• Support systems, even indirect ones, play a crucial role in recovery from trauma.• Simple grounding techniques are effective first steps for those beginning their healing journey.• Resilience is about meaning-making and optimism, not just the absence of suffering; growth often springs from adversity.Connect with Dr Karestan C. Koenen, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Epidemiology Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health email: kkoenen@hsph.harvard.eduConnect with Aimee CristEmail: aimee@livingspree.lifeWebsite: www.livingspree.lifeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimeesebastiancrist/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingspree.life/

In this episode of Living Spree, host Aimee Crist is joined by Stephanie Byford, a senior business development leader with 20+ years of experience in finance. The discussion centers on empowering women and overcoming self-doubt in leadership. Stephanie shares her journey, insights, and strategies for building genuine connections, advocating for women's voices, and transforming insecurity into bold leadership. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, networking, and setting personal boundaries. With practical advice and personal anecdotes, the episode aims to inspire listeners to find their voice, trust their strengths, and elevate those around them.00:00 Welcome to Living Spree with Aimee Crist00:13 Introducing Stephanie Byford: Empowering Women in Finance01:46 Stephanie's Journey: From Insecurity to Advocacy05:00 Strategies to Overcome Self-Doubt06:48 Networking Tips and Building Authentic Connections09:14 Practical Steps for Women in Leadership12:31 Bliss Boost and RadiKal Courage Moments14:12 Final Thoughts and FarewellConnect with Stephanie Byford LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-byford-5168987 Substack https://stephaniebyford.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsConnect with Aimee CristEmail: aimee@livingspree.lifeWebsite: www.livingspree.lifeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimeesebastiancrist/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingspree.life/

In this episode, host Aimee Crist, Chief Inspiration Officer, shares how small shifts can spark major life changes as we head toward 2026. She dives into the power of a growth mindset—drawing from Carol Dweck’s research—to help you release fixed beliefs and start thriving.This is your reminder to Start Crazy—don’t wait for the calendar, a new week, month, or year. Start today. You have everything you need right now to take action.Learn how to “fail forward,” create unstoppable momentum through Atomic Habits, and build routines that last. Aimee also shares how to protect your energy, declutter your mind and space, and celebrate every small win.You don’t need perfection—just progress. Start now. Protect your energy. Trust the process. Connect with Aimee CristEmail: aimee@livingspree.lifeWebsite: www.livingspree.lifeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimeesebastiancrist/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingspree.life/

Amber Powers, founder of Powers Peak Consulting and fractional COO, shares her dynamic “Get Shit Done” (GSD) mindset rooted in execution and delivering results beyond planning. Transitioning from finance to project management, Amber found joy in action and solving complex challenges, valuing progress over endless discussion.Amber recently embraced personal growth through a 12-week improv class, which boosted her confidence in spontaneous communication and creativity. She emphasizes the power of networking and community and idea exchange to elevate professional growth. For momentum in business or life, Amber advises focusing on execution over overthinking, using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks by impact and effort. Drawing leadership lessons from water sports like rowing and paddle boarding, Amber underscores discipline, synchronicity, and the importance of rest to prevent burnout. Her RadiKal Courage moment was boldly leaving a demanding corporate job to start her own consulting business, fueled by a desire to contribute more meaningfully in operations.Key Takeaways:• Execution beats endless planning; taking action creates clarity and momentum.• Trying new experiences, like improv, builds confidence and adaptability.• Networking with diverse groups expands perspectives and support.• Prioritize tasks with an impact/effort matrix to combat execution fatigue.• Leadership lessons from sports include teamwork, discipline, and pacing.• RadiKal Courage often involves a definitive step away from comfort toward purpose-driven work.Connect with Amber PowersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberpowers312/Website: https://powerspeakworks.com/Connect with Aimee CristEmail: aimee@livingspree.lifeWebsite: www.livingspree.lifeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimeesebastiancrist/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingspree.life/

Reflections after attending my 30 year college reunion (Shout out Chi Omega Theta and The Karl Shuman Band!) and some reflective questions for you. Connect with Aimee CristEmail: aimee@livingspree.lifeWebsite: www.livingspree.lifeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimeesebastiancrist/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingspree.life/