Episodes

  • Summary

    In this episode of the Banyan Effect podcast, Mindi Kessenich reflects on the challenges of 2024 and shares three key strategies for thriving in 2025. She emphasizes the importance of processing hardships, reframing past experiences, and adopting a growth mindset to move forward. Mindi's personal journey of overcoming struggles serves as an inspiration for listeners to embrace their challenges and learn from them, ultimately leading to personal growth and resilience.

    Takeaways

    This has been a really challenging year for many people.
    It's important to thank supporters during tough times.
    Every year comes with its own set of challenges.
    Squeezing hardships for lessons prevents repeating them.
    Toxic positivity does not help in processing emotions.
    Sitting with feelings is crucial for healing.
    Reframing past experiences can change your perspective.
    Hindsight is 50-50; how we process events matters.
    Thinking like a goldfish helps in moving on from mistakes.
    You can turn your life around in a year with effort.


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  • Summary

    In this episode of the Banyan Effect podcast, Mindi Kessenich discusses the importance of setting boundaries, especially during the holiday season. She shares her personal experiences and insights on how to prioritize family, communicate effectively, and protect one's time and energy. Mindi emphasizes that individuals are the gatekeepers of their lives and calendars, and that it is essential to eliminate toxic relationships and obligations that drain emotional and physical resources. The conversation provides practical tips for listeners to create a healthier and more fulfilling holiday experience.

    Takeaways

    You are the gatekeeper to your life and calendar.
    Setting boundaries takes practice and confidence.
    Prioritizing your immediate family is essential.
    It's okay to disappoint others to protect your well-being.
    Shrinking your social circle can lead to greater freedom.
    Recognize the seasons of relationships and friendships.
    Communicate your boundaries clearly and early.
    Protect your time and energy during busy seasons.
    It's important to define your priorities for the holidays.
    Disappointment from others is a part of life.


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  • Summary:
    In this solo episode, Mindi shares her recent journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and the lessons learned from balancing ambition with self-worth. Drawing from her experiences working with coaches and therapists, Mindi delves into the importance of prioritizing intentional growth over constant expansion. She explores how self-reflection, space, and curiosity can uncover deeper truths about our motivations and coping mechanisms. This episode is packed with actionable exercises for goal setting, breaking out of comfort zones, and creating a life aligned with your values.

    What You’ll Learn:

    Why multitasking growth efforts can backfire.The impact of tying self-worth to achievements and how to break the cycle.How curiosity can unlock personal insights.Three practical exercises for reflection and goal setting:The Nine Life Categories Assessment.The Comfort Zone Bullseye Exercise.The Power of Space and Solitude.Why slowing down can sometimes be the fastest route to real growth.

    Resources Mentioned:

    Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima.The Nine Life Categories Assessment Physical HealthMental/EmotionalSpiritual HealthFun & RecreationCareer/BusinessFinancial SecurityLove & IntimacyFamily RelationshipCommunity/Friendship

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  • In this episode of the Banyan Effect podcast, Mindi discusses the concept of redefining success based on personal experiences and insights gained from a recent conference. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, the influence of societal expectations, and the need for individuals to determine their own definitions of success. Mindi encourages listeners to reflect on their desires and the impact of external influences on their lives, ultimately inviting them to engage in self-discovery and personal growth.

    takeaways

    Redefining success is a personal journey that varies for everyone.Self-care is essential for overall well-being and fulfillment.Success should not be solely defined by external accolades or income.It's important to prioritize personal health and happiness.Social media can distort our perceptions of success and happiness.Finding joy in simple, everyday activities can redefine success.Personal trauma can influence our definitions of success.Curiosity about our desires can lead to deeper self-understanding.Setting boundaries against external expectations is crucial for personal growth.Reflection and soul searching are necessary for authentic living.

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  • In part two of our series on being present, Leslie and Mindi continue their exploration of mindfulness and presence in daily life. They share personal stories and reflections on the life-changing impact of practicing presence over the last few weeks.

    From balancing busy schedules to the subtle art of doing one thing at a time, this episode dives deep into the struggle between always thinking ahead and finding peace in the here and now.

    Leslie reveals how stepping back from marathon training unlocked new levels of success, while Mindi shares how simple tasks like making sourdough can turn into moments of meditation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s fast pace, tune in for relatable insights, practical tips, and a reminder that it’s never too late to start being present in your own life.

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  • You pull in your driveway after a day of work and you don’t remember the drive home. Or remember that conversation your kid was trying to have with you but you were too distracted in your phone to listen? It’s time to make a change.

    In this episode of The Banyan Effect Podcast, Mindi and Leslie discuss the concept of living in the present moment and appreciating what we have. It’s all too easy to float through life thinking about what’s next, preparing for the future, worrying about the past that we forget to live now. And.. all of a sudden, we find ourselves in a pivotal moment of life wondering how it’s possible for time to go so fast.

    In this episode, you’ll hear personal stories and struggles with being present and finding balance between pursuing goals and being content. In part one of this two-part series, Mindi and Leslie emphasize the importance of being present to create meaningful memories and avoid regrets. The episode explores the emotional impact of neglecting the present moment and offers insights on finding contentment and achieving balance. Maybe, just maybe our contentment can lead to growth by allowing us to be more present and aware in different areas of our lives?

    Listen in and start to find the balance between contentment and growth and learn practical tips for savoring the present. Setting goals without losing sight of the present is possible by finding a balance between being present and working towards goals.

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  • Ever felt like you've lost your way or fallen off the bandwagon? You're not alone! In this episode, Mindi & Leslie share their own experiences of hitting a rough patch (errr... patch*es*) and how they're bouncing back. Tune in for honest conversations, practical tips, and a reminder that it's never too late to pick yourself up and start again. A must-listen for anyone needing a little motivation to get back on track!

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  • In part one of this two part series of the Banyan Effect podcast, Mindi and Leslie discuss the concept of falling off the wagon and delve into the psychology behind it. They share their personal experiences of feeling off track and explore why humans tend to revert back to old behaviors. They discuss the resistance to change and the stress response that occurs when we step out of our comfort zones. They also touch on the concept of cognitive dissonance and how our beliefs about ourselves can impact our ability to make lasting change.

    Check back next week for how to effectively get back on the "Bandwagon!"


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  • In this episode of The Banyan Effect Podcast, Mindi and Leslie discuss five common phrases and their different interpretations.

    They explore popular sayings like 'it is what it is' and 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger' discussing how these common phrases can both help us and hurt us. Whether they inspire us or drive us crazy, these expressions have a big impact on our communication.

    Tune in for a fun and thought-provoking conversation that will get you thinking about the words you use every day and how you can leverage them to help you grow or drop them so they no longer hold you back. Perfect for anyone interested in personal growth, communication, and self-help.

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  • Join Leslie and Mindi as they discuss how over-functioning can be used as a superpower. They talk about recognizing when to turn on and off over-functioning and how to use it to accomplish goals. They also discuss the importance of setting boundaries and saying no, even if it disappoints others. They emphasize the need to prioritize and be aware of one's own needs and desires to avoid burnout and highlight the importance of understanding and managing over-functioning as a tool rather than letting it control one's life.

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  • In this episode, Mindi and Leslie discuss the concept of over-functioning and its impact on our lives. They define over-functioning as taking on excessive responsibility for the taks, decisions, and well being of others. Sound familiar? Listen up. Part one of this two part series is packed with personal examples of how over-functioning shows up in our everyday lives and how this awareness can help us better understand our own role in creating some of the stress and anxiety that shows up in our lives.

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  • In this episode, Mindi and Leslie dive into the topic of imposter syndrome, particularly its impact on women. They share personal stories from their own experiences in the workplace and other aspects of life, illustrating how imposter syndrome can manifest and affect our self-worth. The hosts discuss the importance of recognizing and acknowledging our strengths, and how overcoming imposter syndrome is crucial for achieving our goals and dreams.

    Mindi and Leslie highlight the power of affirmations and emphasize the need to follow through on promises we make to ourselves. They encourage listeners to envision their 99-year-old self, focusing on the person they aspire to become and the legacy they wish to leave behind.

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  • It's easy to blame external factors for our unhappiness, but Mindi and Leslie reveal that we have a lot more control over our joy than we might think. In this episode, they share three practical ways to take responsibility for your own happiness. First, Mindi and Leslie explore what personal accountability means in the context of happiness and why taking ownership of your actions and decisions is crucial for cultivating joy. They discuss how to embrace the power of the pivot when life doesn’t go as planned by acknowledging your unhappiness, identifying what needs to change, and taking proactive steps to realign your life with your joy.

    Next, they dive into the practice of gratitude, which shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have, fostering a sense of contentment and joy. Learn practical ways to express gratitude to others and reflect on positive experiences to nurture the joy that already exists in your life. Finally, Mindi and Leslie discuss how to cultivate a positive mindset. Your thoughts significantly impact your emotions and overall outlook on life. Discover how to challenge negative thoughts, surround yourself with positivity, and practice positive affirmations to maintain a joyful and resilient mindset.

    As they wrap up the episode, Mindi and Leslie challenge listeners to pick one of these methods and start incorporating it into their lives this week. Reflect on how it impacts your happiness and share your experiences with them on social media. Tune in for an empowering discussion on how to take charge of your happiness and create a life filled with joy and fulfillment!

    If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a friend, or to social media, and don’t forget to tag us! @thebanyaneffectpodcast

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  • Let's be honest -- setting big goals is part of who we are. If you're anything like us, you have a dream in your heart and big goals to accomplish in your life. And.. let's be honest, many of us are guilty of reaching a goal and immediately thinking it wasn't big enough. Now, don't get us wrong, we are in no way avocading to settle, BUT, what is the balance? Can being present and appreciating the now actually help us in reaching those big goals? We think so.

    In this episode, Leslie and Mindi discuss the importance of being present and mindful while on the journey of personal growth and reaching big goals. They emphasize the need to appreciate the small wins and experiences along the way, rather than constantly striving for the next big accomplishment. They also talk about the power and significance of being content where you are and mindful of the present in order to help you dream big and reach goals. A must listen if you're a natural born achiever!

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  • In this weeks podcast episode, Mindi and Leslie discuss the sad reality that so many of us have a hidden problem...are we a society full of dopamine addicts? Mindi and Leslie talk about the role that social media plays in our expectations to live each and every day as a 10. They share all of the reasons that the 1's are equally, if not MORE, important to living a fulfilled life. From lessons learned as parents to hitting rock bottom, these two help us acknowledge that we tend to live our lives through the lens of a camera, one that can be damaging to our quality of life and our expectations on how our days should look. Mindi and Leslie help us reframe how to embrace the good days as well as the bad!

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  • In this episode, Mindi & Leslie dive into the universal desire for change and the often frustrating reality of its timing. We know we want change but so often get stuck not doing it or not knowing what change we want. Why?

    In this episode, Mindi & Leslie explore why change sometimes feels elusive. It can sometimes feel like a big unknown -- what change do I need? How do I figure it out? How can I even make a change? This process can be frustrating... but it doesn't need to be!

    Join Mindi & Leslie as they talk about how to build and work towards change. Recognizing and leveraging moments along the way that help you go through the process of putting all the pieces in place and walking into your change with ease when the timing is right.

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  • Another 12 hour, life changing experience to learn insight from! This week Mindi and Leslie swap roles and we get to hear all about how Leslie’s life was changed in just one day!! From reliving memories and learning what from her childhood still makes her tick, to getting answers to some of life’s biggest questions…this interview is one you don’t want to miss!! Join us as we continue to grow in an effort to help those out there that are looking to live their very best life, and take us all the space they were created to!

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  • A TWLEVE HOUR WALK?! But WHY? You’re in for a treat! Today Leslie interview Mindi on why on earth she decided to take on Colin O’Brady’s 12 hour walk challenge, and some of the revelations she received during it. Leslie’s questions are authentic and in real time because it’s the first time they’ve talked since the hike. You don’t want to miss this emotionally charged, honest and vulnerable, episode that will inspire you so much, that YOU might want to go on your own 12 hour hike!

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  • In this episode, hosts Mindi and Leslie delve into the complexities of adult friendships, exploring how to establish and maintain meaningful connections in a busy world. Mindi and Lesliediscuss practical strategies for making new friends and the importance of setting healthy boundaries and managing expectations with existing ones. Whether you are looking to expand your social circle or you need to have an honest conversations around what you can offer your current relationships, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable tips to help foster strong and fulfilling friendships at any stage of life. Tune in to hear Mindi and Leslie share their experience on creating a balanced social life that enriches and supports overall well-being.

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  • Join Mindi and Leslie in a candid conversation about the power of honesty and vulnerability in today's society...and the not-so-glamorous parts that come with it. But, is it all still worth it? Mindi and Leslie share the pros..and the cons, and balance out why it IS still worth it.

    How powerful would it be if we all just showed up a bit more real? Would we all be happier if we got more than the highlight real? Would we be a better version of ourselves if we recognized that our struggles are common and a normal part of life? What would it do for us if we didn't struggle in silence and have to work so hard to show up as a different version of ourselves in public? Let's talk about it!

    In this episode, Mindi and Leslie delve into the nuances of transparency, exploring how societal pressures and the curated world of social media have shaped our perception of authenticity. They share personal insights on the importance of embracing vulnerability with intention while navigating the potential challenges and backlash it may bring.
    From handling false accusations to overcoming the fear of judgment, Mindi and Leslie offer practical strategies for maintaining self-worth and confidence in the face of adversity. They emphasize the transformative impact of surrounding oneself with supportive and authentic connections, highlighting that living authentically is not about changing others' opinions but about staying true to oneself.
    Tune in to discover how embracing honesty and vulnerability can lead to genuine connections, personal growth, and ultimately, a more fulfilling life. Join the conversation and learn to navigate the journey of self-discovery with courage and resilience.

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