Where to Next | Spirituality, Health & Wellness, Life Coaching

114. Tracy Harward on Creating Ishtara & the Power of Connecting to Your Body

Today’s episode features Tracy Harward, the creator of Ishtara, a movement method that promotes body awareness and healing.
 
Stacey and Tracy explore the importance of connecting with your body, and the transformative power of listening to what your body has to say. Tracy shares how she created Ishtara, and explains how processing your feelings in your body can lead to healing, freedom, and self-love. 
 
Tracy is the creator of Ishtara - an embodiment method that balances emotions and gives you a way to become your own healer. Tracy created Ishtara from her own journey of healing herself from childhood trauma through the wisdom of her body. After years of searching for answers, she healed herself by learning to listen to her own body's guidance in meditative movement. What began as her personal practice gradually evolved into her life's work—empowering others learn to heal themselves. Through a decade of following her body's wisdom, Tracy created a method to naturally transform patterns held in the nervous system. She also validated her method by studying with experts she deeply admires, including Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Peter Levine, Dr. Stephen Porges, and Dr. Pat Ogden. These studies, along with her exploration of gestalt psychology, trauma therapy, attachment theory, Jungian psychology, and yoga, helped her understand the science behind what she was experiencing. Ishtara grew from Tracy's desire to share what worked for her, offering simple, body-based practices that make healing accessible to everyone. Today, she feels grateful to see Ishtara being shared by compassionate, trauma-informed teachers and embraced by people around the world who are discovering their own path to healing through movement.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 
 
(0:20) Grounding practices & connecting to your body 
 
(2:30) How we become disconnected from our bodies 
 
(7:14) Tracy’s story & the origin of Ishtara 
 
(12:35) Finding the spark to keep trying when nothing is working 
 
(17:18) The pivotal experience that taught Tracy to go towards what she was feeling in her body, instead of running away 
 
(25:43) Why processing emotions in your body is safer, faster, and freeing
 
(32:20) Finding complete love from within, beyond romantic relationships 
 
(35:00) Stacey’s experience of healing through Ishtara & what she learned about herself in the process
 
(43:10) Your body is the source of your intuition 
 
(45:45) How to know if Ishtara is for you
 
(52:30) The power of listening to your body & following its wisdom 
CONNECT WITH TRACY 
Website: ishtarabody.com
IG: @ishtarabody
 
CONNECT WITH STACEY 
Instagram | LinkedIn | Website 

113. Embracing Your Next Chapter in Life

Welcome back to the Where to Next Podcast! In this episode, Stacey reflects on her decision to end the podcast, and shares why she’s bringing it back, plus what to expect in this new iteration. 
 
She talks about embracing the midlife phase of life - and what to do when you start to have more energy & bandwidth, and you find yourself wanting to make a shift or go do something new. 
 
Stacey closes the episode with four things you can do right now to figure out what’s next for you.   
 
If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and embrace a new chapter in your life - this episode is for you! 
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS 
 
(1:00) It’s time to stop quitting on ourselves
 
(3:30) Embracing this phase of life - you’re not starting over
 
(6:45) What to expect in this new iteration of the podcast 
 
(7:30) The power of taking risks & stepping outside of your comfort zone
 
(9:50) Four things you can do right now to figure out what’s next for you
 
QUOTABLE 
 
“The only way we fail in life is when we quit on ourselves.”
 
“You’re not staring over. You have a wealth of knowledge, expertise, knowledge, intuition, wisdom - and that matters, because you can’t unknow what you already know.”
 
“You have everything you need right now to go and do whatever it is you want to go and do.” 
 
CONNECT WITH STACEY 
 
Instagram | LinkedIn | Website 

112. Danielle Stanton on going after what you want and running a company in this chapter of life

Today’s conversation features Danielle Stanton, co-founder and CEO of Fuel 4 Ever. Danielle shares her personal journey through perimenopause, hormonal changes, and mental health struggles.
 
Danielle emphasizes the importance of going after what you want - at any stage of life. She shares what its like to launch a company and run a business with her husband.
 
Stacey and Danielle chat about going through challenges, the importance of mindset & resilience, and celebrating this chapter in life.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS 
(2:35) What happens when perimenopause is misdiagnosed as depression
(16:50) If you want more … go for it!
(20:50) How Danielle created products and launched Fuel 4 Ever
(23:45) What it’s like running a business with your husband
(25:10) Behind the scenes of selling a consumer packaged good
(31:30) Shifting your parenting style after divorce
(34:10) Finding things that light you up & getting through tough moments after divorce
(40:35) The challenges of making female friends at this stage of life
(45:02) Celebrating this chapter of your life
 
CONNECT WITH DANIELLE
Fuel 4 Ever: https://fuel4ever.com/
Personal IG: @daniellenstanton
Business IG: @fuel4ever_
 
CONNECT WITH STACEY
Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

The Podcast is Coming Back … Welcome to Where to Next - The Reboot!

Welcome to Where to Next - The Reboot!
 
This version of the podcast will feel a little different from last time.
 
There will be conversations, interviews, solo episodes, and coaching.
 
You can expect inspiration, practical advice and wisdom, a little bit of woo (or maybe a lot!), takeaways … and probably tears, from time to time.
 
This podcast is for you if you’re in the midlife stage of life, and you’re itching to do something new, make a career change, or pivot a part of your life.
 
You’ll hear stories of women who have taken leaps, while feeling afraid; those who have mustered courage to go after more, despite not needing to; and those who have intentionally upset the apple cart, because they wanted to.
 
This chapter of your life is the prime time.
 
Stay on the lookout for new episodes of Where to Next - The Reboot, dropping soon!
 
Connect with Stacey
Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

26. Closing Ceremony

Stacey has some news to share …this is the final episode of Where to Next. It’s not because Stacey is quitting or isn’t having fun. Quite the opposite. The podcast isn’t taking Stacey in the direction she wants to go, so instead of forcing things, she’s stopping while she’s still enjoying it. Hear more about this decision and Stacey’s plans for the future in this final episode.
 
As this chapter comes to a close, it's not a farewell, but an invitation to stay connected with Stacey. Join her on Instagram for  new adventures, remember to subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive updates, empowering insights, and the latest news about her upcoming endeavors.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
(0:10) This is the final episode of the Where to Next podcast! Hear why Stacey has loved this podcast so much.
(1:05) Here’s why the podcast is ending.
(3:49) It can sometimes take us a while to take action on how we’re feeling.
(5:33) Part of this process has been through journaling.
(8:22) The irony of the Where to Next Podcast ending isn’t lost on Stacey. Hear her thoughts.
(10:58) Goodbye for now. Make sure to keep up with Stacey on her Instagram and newsletter!
QUOTABLE
“We tend to live in our heads, but we are not our thoughts.”
“I don’t see this as quitting. I see this as no longer taking me in the direction I want to go.”
“When we do things that don’t light us up, that’s letting me down and that’s letting you down.”
“When you’re at a party, make sure you leave when you’re having a good time.”
SOCIAL
Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

25. What To Do When You Just Can’t Anymore

Have you ever experienced those overwhelming 'just can't' days when even the simplest tasks feel impossible? Whether it's tackling never-ending chores, to socializing, or battling low energy levels, we've all been there. And guess what? Stacey can relate!
 
On this episode of the Where to Next Podcast, Stacey shares how she gets through the hard days – where you’re feeling frustrated and exhausted. When everything feels so challenging. She also talks about how taking care of yourself models healthy behavior for your kids. Tune in to this episode and equip yourself with the tools you need to face your next 'just can't' day with grace and determination.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
(0:14) Today’s topic can be shared with your kids! Hear why.
(1:30) Stacey recently had one of these days. Here’s what happened.
(3:09) The first thing Stacey does when these days are happening: Stop
(4:40) Next, Stacey has a conversation with herself.
(6:07) Third, Stacey pinpoints specifically what she “just can’t” do.
(6:51) Finally, it’s time to solve the problem.
(10:15) Here’s what Stacey learned through her most recent “just can’t” day.
(12:26) Do you practice self-compassion on hard days? Hear why you should.
(15:24) When you ask for help, you’re modeling healthy behavior for your kids.
(17:19) Stacey shares an analogy from a storm.
 
QUOTABLE
“The thing about thoughts is whenever we have a thought, we have a feeling.”
“We are not the things we think.”
“What’s gotta go? What can I let go of for now?”
“Our children need to know they can ask for help. They need to know it’s okay.”
 
SOCIAL
Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

24. How To Have a Hot Mom Summer

Do you have a love/hate relationship with summer? Bring on the vacations, and pool, and the beach, and later nights, and lots of BBQs. But also comes the whirlwind of chauffeuring our kids to various activities, disruptions to our daily schedules, and new routines, all of which can make it challenging to recapture the carefree summer spirit we experienced in our own childhood. Fear not! 
 
In this engaging podcast episode, Stacey dives into practical tips and insights to help moms reclaim that wonderful summer feeling and create a season of joy and fulfillment for themselves.
 
From simple yet effective strategies to indulging in self-care and finding pockets of relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle, this episode is packed with inspiration to make the most of the summer season.
 
Sign up for Finding Forward, the 6-week small group experience to help you define & decide your next best steps by emailing hello@staceyv.com and put “register” in the subject line.
 
10 for 10 List by Lindsey Lives Well
KEY TAKEAWAYS
(1:08) It’s about to be summer break for Stacey’s kids. Hear what she loves about summer!
(2:56) Moms never want to feel resentful in the summer. This is what Stacey did to resolve these feelings.
(4:21) First, Stacey got curious about her feelings. Listen to what she means.
(6:51) Let’s chat about planning events in the summer. Hear how Stacey approaches them.
(12:41) What can happen at home during the summer?
(13:28) Hear some ideas about Summer activities the whole family can do, not just your kids.
(17:00) Here’s what Stacey is looking forward to this summer!
 
QUOTABLE
“Plans are a direction. It’s an intention, if you will. It’s like picking a point on a map and then aiming for that. You can deviate, that’s fine. At least you know where you’re going.”
“Summer is totally a state of mind. You having that state of mind, however you want to feel, is possible.”
“I know when I give myself an afternoon or whatever it is, that space I give myself is a gift.”
“What does summer mean to you? What are the feelings you love about summer? What is your intention for yourself for this summer?”
 
SOCIAL
Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

23. Mother’s Day

Join us for a unique episode of the Where to Next Podcast, as we accompany Stacey on a walk with her dogs. In this conversation, Stacey candidly shares her personal journey and the complexities she faces during Mother's Day, marked by the loss of her mother at the young age of 19.
 
In this episode, Stacey reflects on the bittersweet emotions that accompany Mother's Day. Stacey shares the profound impact her mother's absence has had on her life and what she has learned along the way. Tune in to hear some tools for you to use if you relate to Mother’s Day being complicated.
 
Sign up for Finding Forward, the 6-week small group experience to help you define & decide your next best steps by emailing hello@staceyv.com and put “register” in the subject line.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
(0:17) Welcome back to the podcast! You’re joining Stacey on her walk.
(1:21) Today, Stacey is sharing what she learned after her mom passed away: How to take care of herself.
(3:24) Stacey realized what she needed to do for herself– Mother herself in some ways.
(4:51) Stacey still continues the practice of taking care of herself. Hear what she does.
(5:37) If you resonate with this episode, sign up for Stacey’s virtual meetup group.
 
QUOTABLE
“Holding love, demonstrating love, just being love. That’s what I think about with “mothering” myself.”
 
SOCIAL
Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

22. What Is a Thought Loop and How To Free Yourself

Are you tired of being trapped in endless thought loops that undermine your self-esteem? Whether it's ruminating over a perceived conversational misstep or fixating on the temptation of a single Hershey Kiss, these thought loops can seize control and dominate our thoughts throughout the day. 
 
In this episode, our host Stacey opens up about a personal experience that occurred on the day of recording. She recounts her morning struggle and how she escaped the clutches of a persistent thought loop.
 
Stacey will share practical tips and techniques that have helped her successfully break free from thought loops. By implementing these strategies, you'll gain the tools needed to regain control over your mind and experience newfound peace and self-confidence. Tune into this episode and gain valuable insights from her journey and learn effective techniques to overcome similar challenges in your own life.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
(1:04) Stacey shares what happened to her the morning she recorded this podcast.
(5:00) Today, we’re talking about all-or-nothing thinking. Hear what this is and why it happens.
(8:22) Hear another way thought loops show up.
(9:19) What’s going on when we’re stuck in a thought loop?
(11:24) The good news: You have a choice to stay in a thought loop or not!
(13:34) Here’s what Stacey did to get out of her thought loop this morning.
(16:04) With practice, Stacey has defeated thought loops. She shares how.
(19:07) Stacey shares one last tool to help you get out of thought loops.
 
QUOTABLE
“We can keep engaging in certain patterns or behaviors because it’s familiar. Imagine you’re hiking. Those synapses in your brain are just like hiking paths. They are well-worn paths. Forging a new hiking path takes a lot of back and forth for it to become dirt. Our brain’s pathways are just like hiking paths. The ones we practice are the ones we will continue to go to.”
“One of my favorite tools is to ask myself this: ‘Can I just ______?’ Can I just go for a walk around the block? Can I just focus on one part of my project for 10 minutes?”
“What’s a thought loop? It’s when your brain fixates on a thought and it just keeps looping and looping.”
 
SOCIAL
Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

21. What We Really Buy When We Walk Into Louis Vuitton

We think when we buy a luxury item, it’s about the thing. Not really. In this episode, Stacey shares her experience of working at Louis Vuitton in New York City. She reveals her insightful realization about the reasons behind the exhilarating feeling of buying luxury goods, especially for oneself. Tune in to discover why the shopping experience can be so satisfying and the questions she always gets asked about her time working there: think discounts and celebrities. Oh yes—Stacey dishes about both.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
(0:28) Today, we’re talking about the real value of buying luxury goods.
(1:28) Hear how Stacey got the job at Louis Vuitton in Manhattan.
(4:31) The way you feel in stores is all by design. Stacey explains why.
(7:52) Stacey shares a story about her favorite customer.
(9:02) Do you have a “thing” with buying luxury goods? Hear some examples from Stacey.
(11:12) Remember, these are just temporary, external cues.
(12:55) Before Stacey goes – she shares about the LV discount and the celebrity sightings!
 
QUOTABLE
“Everything we do in life is to create a feeling, experience a feeling, or avoid a feeling.”
“These external cues are just that. They are outside of us. And their impact is often temporary.”
“Everything we buy comes down to one thing… It is the feeling you are trying to create or avoid.”
 
SOCIAL
Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website