Episodios
-
Do you feel stuck in the sugar cycle, no matter how hard you try to break free? In this episode, Dara Thomason, the Accidental Weight Loss Coach, shares strategies to help you break unhealthy patterns and transform your relationship with food—without relying on calorie counting or step tracking. Building on the insights from Episode 184, Dara explores how connection plays a crucial role in overcoming addiction and how reprogramming your brain can lead to lasting weight loss success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why traditional weight loss methods often fail
✅ The connection between addiction, environment, and weight struggles
✅ How to rewire your brain using neuroplasticity and the vagus nerve
✅ A real-life client success story that proves small changes make a big impact
✅ Practical strategies to create a sustainable calorie deficit without tracking every bite
Key Takeaways:
🧠 Your body isn’t the problem—your approach to weight loss needs an update
🤯 Weight loss starts in your brain, not with restrictive dieting
💡 Making your life more interesting helps shift focus away from food
🔥 Simple mindset shifts can help you break free from emotional eating patterns If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with someone who could benefit. Don’t forget to leave a review—it helps others discover the podcast!
Watch this episode on Youtube
Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
-
Addiction and How to Break Free
In today’s episode, we dive into a powerful concept that challenges the traditional narrative around addiction. What if addiction isn’t about the substance or behavior itself but about a lack of connection? As the Quilter’s Coach, I’m here to help you uncover the deeper issues behind the habits that hold you back—whether it’s sugar, scrolling, shopping, or people-pleasing.
We’ll explore why connection, both with others and yourself, is the true antidote to addiction. Through personal coaching stories, compelling research, and actionable strategies, I’ll show you how understanding your habits and reconnecting with your inner wisdom can transform your life.
I also share a touching story of a client who overcame her struggles with perfectionism and people-pleasing to host a stress-free event, showing how connection to self can reduce anxiety and increase joy. Plus, we’ll take a closer look at groundbreaking studies, like the Rat Park experiment, that illustrate how community and connection play a vital role in overcoming addiction.
In this episode, you’ll learn: Why addiction isn’t just about chemical hooks—it’s about the need for connection. How perfectionism and self-judgment keep you stuck in unhealthy patterns. The importance of vulnerability in building stronger relationships with yourself and others. Practical tools for reconnecting with your purpose and breaking free from habits that no longer serve you. Resources and Links: Book a discovery call with me for personalized coaching: https://daratomasson.com/contact/ Learn more about the Rat Park experiment and its insights on addiction: https://www.yesmagazine.org/social-justice/2015/02/12/portugal-cut-drug-addiction-rates-in-half-by-connecting-users-with-communities This episode is a reminder that you’re not broken—you just haven’t learned how to connect deeply with yourself. Let’s break the cycle of addiction and create a life of purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
Subscribe and Share:
If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with someone who could benefit. Don’t forget to leave a review—it helps others discover the podcast!Watch this episode on Youtube
Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
Let’s start connecting and creating a life you love, one stitch at a time.
-
¿Faltan episodios?
-
How to Achieve Mastery and Break Free from Old Habits
In today’s episode, I’m talking about the concept of mastery—what it truly means and how to achieve it in ways that stick. As the “accidental weight loss coach,” I’ve learned that creating lasting habits isn’t about perfection but about intention. Did you know that Day 19 of building a habit is often a make-or-break day? I recorded this episode on January 19th because I’m here to help you avoid falling into the statistics of setting a goal and giving up. Together, we’ll explore how to reframe your mindset and create habits that support a joyful, sustainable life.
I also share a powerful story about a client who discovered how her fears shaped her identity and decisions—and how she broke free to create a life aligned with her true self. It’s a reminder that our old patterns don’t have to define us, and by applying intentional tools, we can create new habits that align with the life we really want. Mastery, as we’ll discuss, doesn’t mean perfection; it means creating autopilot habits that serve us. I’ll also reflect on J.K. Rowling’s insights on failure and imagination, two tools that are key to redefining success on your own terms.
In this episode, you’ll learn: How to define mastery for yourself and recognize areas where you’ve already achieved it. Why failure and imagination are essential for growth and transformation. Practical tools to rewire your brain and create habits that align with your goals. Ready to dig deeper? Sign up for my free masterclass at darathomason.com/freeclass, and let’s get started!Watch this episode on Youtube
Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
-
Are you craving more joy and excitement in your life? Maybe you feel like you're going through the motions, stuck in a cycle of routines and expectations. What if you could rewrite the recipe of your life, adding just the right ingredients to make it uniquely yours? This episode is all about discovering three unexpected ingredients to create the most delicious and fulfilling life, tailored to your dreams and goals.
In this episode, Dara shares her journey of transforming her life by embracing curiosity, fun, and intentional questioning. From achieving her dream of becoming an international quilting instructor to helping clients design lives they love, she explains how these key ingredients lead to clarity, freedom, and lasting happiness. You’ll also hear inspiring stories of clients who broke free from societal pressures and created their own paths, whether in business, weight loss, or personal growth.
What you will learn in this episode:
The importance of curiosity in breaking free from judgment and experimenting with new approaches. How infusing fun into your daily life and decisions can make even challenges feel lighter. Why questioning long-standing habits and expectations helps you take ownership of your life.Dara’s insights will inspire you to rethink the way you approach your goals and create a life that truly reflects who you are. Tune in for actionable tips and real-life examples that will help you find freedom and joy in your unique journey!
Watch this episode on Youtube
Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
-
Do you wake up feeling the weight of 2025 already? Does life feel like Groundhog Day, with the same routines and frustrations repeating no matter your good intentions? If you’re craving relief and want to break the cycle, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you create real change and bring much-needed relief into your life.
In this episode, I share four transformative strategies to help you stop the pressure cycle and create lasting relief. From learning to “burn the boats” and let go of old habits to embracing the pendulum swing of trying new approaches, these strategies will help you redefine your relationships, habits, and mindset. You’ll hear stories of clients who found unexpected freedom and joy by applying these tools and how you can, too. This episode is all about creating a new baseline for your life—one that feels authentic and sustainable.
What you will learn in this episode:
The importance of letting go of old patterns and “burning the boats” to create change How to use the pendulum swing of experimentation to find what truly works for you The power of creating a new baseline and questioning long-held expectationsThis episode is packed with actionable insights to help you step into 2025 with clarity and confidence. Let’s make relief your new reality!
Watch this episode on Youtube
Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
-
Do you ever feel stuck in habits or patterns that aren’t helping you reach your goals? Have you been holding onto things simply because you think quitting isn’t an option? If so, this episode will help you see quitting in a whole new light. I’m sharing how strategically letting go of what no longer serves you can create the space and energy you need to thrive in 2025.
In this episode, I dive into why quitting isn’t about failure—it’s about freedom. I share personal stories, including how I’ve embraced boldness and simplicity to grow my coaching business. You’ll also hear an inspiring client success story about how quitting old patterns transformed her relationship. This episode is all about helping you make intentional choices to let go of what’s holding you back and focus on creating a life you truly love.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
Why quitting the right habits or mindsets can lead to greater progress and clarity. How to embrace boldness and simplicity to create lasting change in 2025. An inspiring example of how quitting control can improve relationships and personal growth.Watch this on Youtube
Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE
Checkout other Episodes HERE
-
Are you feeling stressed about setting goals for the New Year? Does the thought of goal-setting make you cringe because you haven’t done well with them in the past? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into a new way to approach goals that feels achievable and empowering—no shrinking or shuddering required. I’ll show you how to create goals that inspire you to grow and succeed without unnecessary pressure.
In this episode, I share the difference between clean and dirty goals, concepts I’ve learned and applied to my own life and teaching. Clean goals are clear, motivating, and transformational, while dirty goals can leave you feeling stuck or pressured. You’ll also learn how to reverse-engineer your own successes and uncover why some past goals fell short. Plus, I share an inspiring win from a client who used these strategies to achieve an ambitious quilting goal.
What you will learn in this episode:
The seven characteristics of a clean goal and why they’re essential for success How to identify and avoid dirty goals that create unnecessary pressure A simple reverse-engineering exercise to understand your goal-setting habits and make lasting changesWatch this on Youtube
Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE
Checkout other Episodes HERE
-
Do you find yourself struggling to feel joy, even when you look around and see everything you have? If you’ve ever wondered why it’s so hard to feel joyful in the everyday moments of life, this episode is for you. Join me as we explore what joy really means, why it sometimes feels elusive, and how to embrace it more intentionally.
In this episode, I share heartwarming wins from my clients and practical tools to help you discover and cultivate more joy in your life. We’ll redefine joy, uncover how your brain influences what you notice, and explore ways to record and measure joy to create a more balanced and fulfilling life. Whether it’s through reframing your thoughts, anchoring your experiences, or measuring progress, these strategies will help you live more intentionally and with purpose.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to define joy in a way that resonates with you and fits your life Tools to intentionally seek, record, and amplify moments of joy Strategies for embracing both positive and negative emotions to create a balanced and fulfilling lifeWatch this on Youtube
Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE
Checkout other Episodes HERE
-
Do you worry about planning for the New Year, feeling nervous and unsure about how to make it your best year yet? Maybe self-doubt creeps in, and you’re not confident about creating the changes you truly want. The good news is that, just like a blank sheet of paper, the new year is a blank slate. In this episode, I’m sharing practical, doable strategies to help you step into 2025 with clarity and confidence.
In this episode, I walk you through a simple yet transformative exercise to plan your ideal year. You’ll learn how to collect data about your current routines, envision your dream day, and identify the shifts needed to create the life you desire. With insights from my coaching experience and tools like the time capture strategy, I’ll show you how to take control of your year without feeling overwhelmed. Let’s build a year that truly reflects your goals, values, and joy.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to use the "time capture" exercise to assess your current habits Steps to design your ideal day and align it with your best self Practical strategies to break old patterns and create lasting change in 2025Watch this on Youtube
Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE
Checkout other Episodes HERE
-
Do you worry about gaining the same 10 or 15 pounds every holiday season? Maybe it feels inevitable with all the parties, treats, and indulgences that come with the festive season. What if you could approach holiday eating differently this year—without guilt or stress—while still enjoying the foods you love? In this episode, I’ll share practical strategies to help you navigate holiday eating with intention, so you can enjoy the season without sacrificing your health or peace of mind.
In this episode, I discuss why holiday weight gain feels so common and how to address it with simple, actionable strategies. From planning your indulgences to building awareness around transitions and overwhelm, I break down effective techniques to help you stay mindful and avoid the traps of holiday overindulgence. You’ll also learn how to deepen your relationship with yourself by being intentional with your choices and creating traditions that align with what truly brings you joy.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to strategically plan your "joy eats" without guilt or overeating The importance of transitions and self-awareness during the holidays Ways to strengthen your relationship with yourself through mindful holiday traditionsWatch this on Youtube
Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
-
Have you ever wondered why our ancestors celebrated Thanksgiving and how gratitude can transform your mental, physical, and emotional well-being? This episode dives into the deep history of Thanksgiving and its ties to gratitude practices that have stood the test of time. Drawing on both historical traditions and modern scientific research, I explore why gratitude is more than just a feel-good practice—it’s a proven way to improve overall well-being.
In this episode, I’ll share insights on why gratitude plays such a powerful role in our lives, the science behind its benefits, and how to start cultivating it for yourself. I’ll also take you behind the scenes into my personal and client experiences, showcasing how gratitude can help build stronger relationships, improve emotional health, and even aid in weight loss. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse into the fascinating history of Thanksgiving and the universal truths that connect us all.
What you will learn in this episode:
How gratitude impacts mental, physical, and emotional health according to scientific studies. The historical roots of Thanksgiving and its connection to gratitude traditions across cultures. Practical ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily life for lasting transformation.Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
-
Do you ever feel like you're using coaching tools in a way that actually makes things harder? Many of us, myself included, can fall into the trap of using coaching methods or personal growth strategies with the wrong mindset, turning them into sources of stress and pressure instead of empowerment. In this episode, I dive deep into how life coaching tools can sometimes become a weapon when misused—leading to feelings of failure, frustration, and burnout. Just like a hammer can be a powerful tool or a destructive weapon depending on how it’s used, the same goes for the coaching tools we implement in our lives.
In this episode, I’m going to share why you might be inadvertently sabotaging your own success with coaching tools and how to shift your perspective. I also share personal stories and real-life examples, including a client story about body image, weight loss, and the pressure we place on ourselves. By examining how pressure impacts our mindset and behavior, I’ll show you how to free yourself from unhealthy expectations and create space for true self-compassion. Whether you're struggling with goals, weight loss, or just feeling stuck, this episode will give you actionable insights to shift your approach.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to avoid using life coaching tools as a weapon and instead use them as empowering tools for growth. The importance of differentiating between needs and wants, and why understanding this can relieve unnecessary pressure. How to practice self-compassion and take the pressure off, so you can achieve your goals with a healthier mindset.Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
-
Have you ever felt that the holiday season brings as much stress as it does joy? With so many expectations and traditions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, wishing you could enjoy Christmas on your own terms without the pressure. If the thought of holiday preparations makes you anxious, this episode is for you. I’m Dara Thomason, and today, we’re exploring how to create a holiday season that feels meaningful and stress-free.
In this episode, I walk you through how to kick holiday stress to the curb, using powerful insights from neuroscience and personal experiences. Together, we’ll reflect on how to adjust your holiday habits to feel more joy and less pressure. You’ll learn practical tools to help you plan ahead, edit traditions that no longer serve you, and visualize a holiday season that leaves you feeling connected and fulfilled. It’s all about crafting a Christmas that brings peace instead of chaos!
What you will learn in this episode:
How to reframe your holiday traditions to align with what truly brings you joy Ways to set clear emotional goals for Christmas to keep stress at bay Simple visualization techniques to prepare for a peaceful and enjoyable holidayGrab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
Resources:
Emotion Wheel: https://positivepsychology.com/emotion-wheel/ The Happiness Project: https://gretchenrubin.com/books/the-happiness-project/ Michael Phelps - The Journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-mZhvxeK_k Science of Visualization: https://www.neurovine.ai/blog/the-science-of-visualization-can-imagining-your-goals-make-you-more-likely-to-accomplish-them -
Do you ever feel stuck in your weight loss journey, frustrated by those seemingly endless plateaus? Have you reached a point where the scale just won't budge, leaving you questioning if all your efforts are even worth it? This episode is here to remind you that plateaus aren’t a setback—they’re a powerful place to pause, reflect, and build stability in your progress. Whether you're focused on weight loss or any other area in life where you're hitting resistance, it's time to reframe these "stuck" moments as opportunities for growth.
In this episode, I dive deep into the concept of plateaus and why they’re not the enemy many people think they are. Using real stories from my clients and my own experiences, I unpack how these stages of stability are essential for sustainable progress. Together, we’ll look at how weight plateaus mirror other areas in life, like career or personal goals, where we often feel pressured to keep pushing forward without stopping to appreciate the progress we’ve made. I share valuable insights on shifting your perspective around plateaus to recognize them as essential steps in your journey, allowing your body and mind to fully acclimate before moving forward.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to reframe plateaus as moments of stability and growth, not failure Why understanding your "why" for weight loss or any goal makes all the difference Practical strategies to stay motivated and aligned with your goals without falling into self-sabotageGrab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
-
Do you use food as a treat or find yourself struggling with the temptation of holiday sweets? Many of us see food as a reward, especially during holidays like Halloween, where treats are abundant. Have you ever asked yourself if there’s a healthier, more fulfilling way to handle these temptations? In this episode of the Quilters Coach Podcast, we’ll talk about navigating holiday temptations and exploring the stories we tell ourselves around food. I’ll guide you through shifting your mindset from seeing food as a treat to finding more lasting, internal satisfaction.
In this episode, I share how we unconsciously reward ourselves with food and what we can do to break this cycle. By understanding our relationships with food—whether it’s for comfort, joy, or escape—you’ll gain a clearer perspective on how to make healthier choices without feeling deprived. I also share a story about my personal journey in creating a healthier relationship with food during Halloween and how you can embrace that shift, too. Plus, we’ll look at how the environment and the stories we tell ourselves play a role in shaping our food habits.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to identify when you’re using food as a reward or comfort.
Practical tips for navigating Halloween and holiday treats mindfully.
How to cultivate internal fulfillment without relying on external sources like food.
Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
-
Do you often find yourself feeling exhausted at the end of the day but not truly fulfilled? Do you struggle to accept compliments or downplay your own achievements? If you’ve ever felt like you're undervaluing yourself, this episode is for you! We'll explore the common mindset traps that lead us to overlook our own value and how to start shifting those habits today.
In this episode, I’ll share practical tools and real-life examples to help you recognize when you're undervaluing yourself and how to break free from that trend. I dive deep into why we often feel responsible for others' happiness and neglect our own needs, and I’ll guide you through actionable steps to start celebrating your worth. Plus, you’ll learn how to set goals and create an environment that supports your growth—both mentally and emotionally.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to identify if you're undervaluing yourself and why it happens.
Simple strategies for shifting your mindset to prioritize your own value and happiness.
The power of consistency and how small changes can create lasting transformation.
Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
-
Have you ever felt frustrated with your relationship, wondering why no matter how hard you try, things just don’t seem to improve? Do you often find yourself waiting for your spouse or significant other to make the right moves, only to feel disappointed? In this episode, I share why your happiness and the quality of your relationships are actually within your control—yes, it’s up to you!
In this episode, I dive into how life coaching can transform not just your relationships but also your overall happiness. I’ll guide you through powerful tools and techniques for rethinking your expectations in your marriage or other relationships. From letting go of “shoulds” to rewriting your manual for how others should act, I explain how to stop placing conditions on others and start focusing on what you can control. Whether you’re dealing with relationship struggles or navigating difficult conversations, this episode will give you fresh insights and strategies.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to identify and reframe your relationship “manual” for a happier marriage. The importance of taking responsibility for your own happiness. Practical tools for having difficult conversations and building better relationshipsGrab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
-
Have you ever felt stuck while trying to build your quilting business and wondered if there's a way to overcome the mental and emotional challenges of entrepreneurship? Life coaching might be the missing piece you need. In this episode, we explore how life coaching can help you gain clarity, build confidence, and create a sustainable business model for your quilting venture.
In this episode, I’ll share actionable strategies for building a successful long-arm quilting business, from setting up your studio to pricing your services effectively. You’ll hear real-life success stories of quilters who used both business tools and life coaching techniques to reach their goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, life coaching offers valuable insights to help you navigate challenges and achieve business success.
What you will learn in this episode:
How life coaching can help you overcome mindset barriers and build confidence as a quilting business owner. The key steps to set up and grow your quilting business, including marketing and pricing strategies. How to balance your passion for quilting with the practicalities of running a successful business.Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
-
Have you ever wondered what life coaching is really about and why it’s becoming such a powerful tool for personal growth? Do you feel like you're stuck in a cycle of striving for success but never quite feeling fulfilled? In this episode, I explore why life coaching is more than just goal-setting—it’s about understanding how your thoughts and emotions shape your reality and learning how to take control of them for lasting change.
In this episode, I break down the essence of life coaching and why it matters for anyone looking to transform their life. Whether it’s weight loss, improving relationships, or growing a business, life coaching helps you stop relying on willpower and start creating sustainable habits. I’ll also share personal stories and client experiences that show how powerful it is to learn how to be happy and fulfilled, no matter where you are on your journey. Together, we’ll explore how coaching gives you the clarity and tools to change your mindset and, ultimately, your life.
What you will learn in this episode:
The role of life coaching in helping you find clarity and happiness in your current circumstances. Why it’s crucial to rewire your brain for success rather than rely on willpower alone. How life coaching helps you connect your thoughts and emotions to create lasting change.Grab this week's episode worksheet HERE.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.
-
Do you ever doubt your ability to achieve the results you want or struggle to trust yourself when setting goals? If you’ve ever felt stuck or uncertain about how to prioritize your time and energy, this episode is for you. As we dive into tools and strategies that will help you take control and truly start living an authentic life, I’ll guide you through ways to guarantee your success without the stress or overwhelm.In this episode, I share personal stories and insights on how life coaching principles can help you create permanent changes in your life. Whether it's feeling more relaxed, building better relationships, or breaking old habits, you’ll discover how organizing your time into three categories—necessary, essential, and nice-to-do—can lead to more balance and fulfillment. I also share a heartfelt story of how a member found deeper connection in her marriage by applying some of these tools.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to organize your time into three key categories for more balance Why your worth as a person is already 100%, and how to embrace that Practical steps to take control of your life and guarantee your resultsGrab this week's episode workheet HERE.
Watch this episode on Youtube.
Checkout other Episodes HERE.Other Resources:
Choose Ye This Day to Serve the Lord
- Mostrar más
