Pulling Threads, Weaving Authenticity

✨ Endings, Beginnings, and Everything In-Between | Reflecting on 2025 & Welcoming 2026As 2025 comes to a close, many of us feel a mix of exhaustion, gratitude, and quiet hope. In this episode of Pulling Threads, host Leslie Mathews—therapist, coach, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teacher—dives deep into the emotions that surface at the end of a long year.We talk about what it means to release old versions of ourselves, honor the grief beneath “growth,” and find softer ways to begin again. If you’re tired of the “new year, new you” pressure and craving peace, reflection, and authenticity instead—this episode is for you.🪶 In this episode:Why endings feel heavier this year (from a neuroscience & nervous-system lens)How astrology and human design mirror this collective shiftLetting go of old identities & patterns that no longer fitThe truth about “healing hustle” and toxic positivityGentle reflection prompts to close your year with graceWhy slowing down is the most radical form of self-care💬 “You’re allowed to arrive slowly. You’re allowed to hope, even if it’s quiet.”🌿 Connect with Leslie Mathews & The LooM Life:🧵 Website: www.theloomlife.com📸 Instagram (Coaching): @the.loom.life💭 Instagram (Therapy): @loomlifetherapy🎙️ Podcast: Pulling Threads on Apple Podcasts & Spotify📹 YouTube: Pulling Threads Channel📱 TikTok: @the.loom.life📘 Facebook: The LooM Life

Mindfulness isn’t woo-woo — it’s neuroscience.Most people check out the moment they hear the word mindfulness because they imagine crystals or chanting. But the truth? Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is one of the most researched, evidence-based programs for rewiring the brain, regulating the nervous system, and transforming the way we respond to stress, trauma, divorce, and everyday life.In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what MBSR really is, how it works in the brain, and why it changed my life during the most difficult season I’ve ever lived through — my divorce and a traumatic accident that left a friend in a coma.You’ll learn:🧠 How MBSR literally reshapes the amygdala, prefrontal cortex & default mode network💛 Why mindfulness strengthens emotional regulation and reduces rumination🔥 Real-life examples of mindfulness in daily moments (triggering texts, hard conversations, morning coffee rituals)🌿 Why MBSR in community is exponentially more powerful than going it alone👣 What embodiment truly means and how it helps people in trauma📚 The history & credibility of MBSR from Jon Kabat-Zinn and my training at Brown UniversityAnd throughout the episode, you’ll hear exactly how these practices became the lifeline that helped me survive — and rebuild — my life.🎙 ABOUT THIS EPISODEIf you’ve ever wondered:Why does my anxiety take over even when I “know better”?How do I actually regulate my nervous system, not just talk about it?Why does mindfulness feel impossible when I’m stressed, overwhelmed, or going through a divorce?Can something as simple as breath and awareness really change my life?…this episode was made for you.This is not a meditation app.This is not “think positive thoughts.”This is a structured 8-week program proven through functional MRI research to create long-term change.I trained in the official MBSR lineage at Brown University, continuing the work of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of the original MBSR program at UMass Medical Center. And now I’m bringing this transformative framework to women navigating divorce, separation, heartbreak, and reinvention.🧡 JOIN THE UPCOMING MBSR GROUPMindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Women Navigating Separation, Divorce & BreakupsWhere neuroscience meets self-compassion to help you regulate, rebuild, and rise.📅 Starts late January🌐 Virtual (Florida-based, open to all women)📥 Details & registration: [link]If you're NOT navigating divorce but are interested in another MBSR group, send me a message! I’m exploring a second February cohort.⏱ CHAPTERS0:00 – Mindfulness isn’t woo-woo: why people get it wrong1:15 – Who I am & why this work matters3:10 – What MBSR actually is (beyond meditation)5:40 – How MBSR helped me survive divorce8:10 – The traumatic accident & how mindfulness kept me grounded12:25 – Understanding embodiment & PTSD signs15:05 – Neuroscience: amygdala, PFC, default mode network18:30 – Real-life mindfulness examples (texts, conflict, coffee ritual)23:10 – Why group MBSR works: coregulation, resonance & accountability27:40 – How MBSR strengthens intuition & emotional clarity31:15 – Invitation to join the upcoming MBSR group33:05 – Jon Kabat-Zinn’s quote: learning to surf the waves34:00 – Outro & how to connect

Future of Therapy: AI Tools for Coaches and Therapists with Dr. Stephanie Thrower | Pulling Threads PodcastIn this episode of Pulling Threads, host Leslie Mathews, MSW sits down with Dr. Stephanie Thrower — a psychologist, business coach, and the visionary creator behind AI Tools for Change — to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of therapy and coaching.Together, they discuss how AI can enhance human connection, simplify business systems, and help heart-centered practitioners scale sustainably — without losing authenticity or burning out.Dr. Thrower shares her powerful journey from psychologist to AI innovator, explaining how her deep background in vocational and identity psychology intersects with technology, mindset, and soulful entrepreneurship. You’ll hear how she helps values-driven therapists and coaches build AI tools that generate revenue, attract ideal clients on autopilot, and create more freedom in their practices.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How AI can enhance (not replace) human connection in therapy and coachingPractical ways to use AI for marketing, content creation, and client engagementWhy understanding your mindset and messaging is key to scaling sustainablyHow to integrate AI ethically while protecting client trust and privacyThe psychology of resistance to technology — and how to move through itThe future of therapy, coaching, and entrepreneurship in an AI-driven world🧠 This conversation weaves together vocational psychology, maternal mental health, and innovation — offering real tools and inspiration for therapists, coaches, and creatives ready to lead in a new era of helping work.⏱ Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Pulling Threads00:47 Meet Dr. Stephanie Thrower01:38 Stephanie’s Journey from Psychologist to AI Innovator03:20 The Intersection of AI and Vocational Psychology03:58 AI in Course Creation and Client Engagement05:36 Navigating Career Changes with AI10:56 Building AI Tools for Therapists and Coaches15:39 Ethics and Privacy in AI for Therapy19:43 The AI Content Gym: Enhancing Marketing with AI22:06 Exploring Human Design and AI Integration23:37 Qualitative and Quantitative Assessments24:24 Integrating AI with Traditional Assessments25:27 Marketing and Entrepreneurship Insights35:08 Navigating Technology Resistance39:49 Future of Therapy and Coaching with AI44:02 Work-Life Balance and AI46:28 Closing Reflections & Contact Info👩‍💻 Connect with Dr. Stephanie ThrowerWebsite: coachingwithdrthrower.comEmail: stephanie@coachingwithdrthrower.comInstagram: @aitoolsforchangemakersFacebook Group: AI Tools for Change💫 Connect with Pulling Threads & Leslie MathewsWebsite: www.theloomlife.comInstagram: @the.loom.lifeYouTube: Pulling Threads PodcastTikTok: @parandpeaceFacebook: The LooM Life

Navigating Holidays Without Your Kids: Tips for Divorced ParentsIn this special pre-holiday episode, originally featured on both 'Pulling Threads' and the 'Women Navigating Divorce' Facebook group, we address the challenges of navigating holidays without your kids post-divorce. Understand the emotional complexities and gain tools to stay anchored, present, and connected to your children even when they're not physically with you. From mindfulness strategies to creating rituals of connection, learn how to cope with feelings of guilt and loneliness. Host Cindy shares personal insights and practical suggestions to support parents during this difficult transition. Stay tuned for additional resources, including a guided meditation to calm your nervous system.00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode01:02 Coping with Holiday Separation02:55 Personal Experience and Empathy04:34 Naming the Pain and Fears06:57 Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques08:31 Creating Rituals of Connection11:01 Compassion and Self-Talk12:14 Final Thoughts and Support

In this episode of Pulling Threads, Leslie Mathews, a therapist and coach, addresses women who feel lost in seemingly safe marriages. This is not an encouragement for divorce but a guide to help women rediscover themselves and make an informed decision about staying or leaving their relationships. Sharing personal experiences and professional insights, Leslie provides a heart-to-heart framework of discernment, steps for preparing to leave if necessary, and advice for both paths, emphasizing the importance of intentional choice, support, and self-trust throughout the journey.00:00 Introduction: Feeling Lost in a Safe Marriage01:02 About the Speaker: Therapist and Coach02:08 Personal Journey: Struggles in Marriage03:46 Insights for Women: Stay or Go?04:52 Framework for Discernment09:16 Exploring Career and Identity15:18 Steps for Leaving: Practical Advice30:07 Rebuilding After the Decision32:42 Conclusion: Embracing Your New Path✨ The LooM Life — Connect, Work With Me & Follow My Journey ✨Weaving mind, body, and soul into a life you actually want to live.► WORK WITH ME (Coaching & Programs)📍 Explore The LooM Life Coaching & resources:www.theloomlife.com► FOLLOW ON SOCIALS📸 Instagram (Coaching, Mindfulness & Life After Divorce)https://www.instagram.com/the.loom.life/💇‍♀️ Therapy Instagram (Mental Health, Trauma, Anxiety, Divorce Therapy)https://www.instagram.com/loomlifetherapy⛳ TikTok | Golf, Mindful Living & “Par & Peace”@parandpeace📍 Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/theloomlife/► ABOUT LESLIE MATHEWS, MSWLeslie Mathews is a holistic therapist, trauma-informed coach, and founder of The LooM Life. She helps women navigate divorce, heal attachment wounds, rebuild identity, and create aligned relationships through mindfulness, nervous-system-based healing, and emotional empowerment—all while weaving practical tools with spiritual insight.► WHAT YOU’LL FIND HERE✓ Divorce healing & emotional recovery✓ Nervous system + trauma education✓ Mindfulness & somatic practices✓ Dating after divorce & relationship skills✓ Coaching for clarity, authenticity & alignment✓ Golf as a mindfulness practice + lifestyle content► BUSINESS & MEDIA INQUIRIESFor speaking, podcast interviews, brand partnerships, or collaboration requests, contact: hello@theloomlife.com

In this episode of Pulling Threads, host Leslie welcomes Mary Eldridge, a licensed clinical social worker and coach who specializes in helping high-achieving women navigate and recover from toxic and abusive work environments. Mary shares her personal inspiration for this work and goes on to discuss the tools she uses to help women both thrive in their current positions or strategically transition out of toxic workplaces. They explore the curious challenge of distinguishing between a merely stressful and a truly toxic work environment, the systemic and personal impacts of such environments, and practical strategies for nervous system regulation and empowerment. Mary also highlights the importance of community support and the nuanced red flags to look for when seeking new employment. This episode is invaluable for anyone looking to understand and overcome the multifaceted issues related to toxic workplaces.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:49 Mary's Journey and Passion for Empowering Women01:24 Helping Women in Toxic Work Environments04:04 Recognizing and Regulating Toxic Workplaces05:56 Challenges Faced by High Achieving Women08:57 Sexism and Work-Life Balance15:34 Healing and Setting Boundaries23:14 Empowerment and Career Fulfillment32:40 Final Thoughts and Resources

Food as Medicine: How Food Dyes, Chemicals, and Nutrition Shape Children’s Health & Behavior | Pulling Threads PodcastIn this powerful episode of Pulling Threads, host Leslie Mathews, MSW sits down with Dr. Kelly Cross, a board-certified pediatrician and integrative medicine practitioner, to explore how what we eat influences the mind, mood, and overall health — especially in children.💬 Topics we cover:• The impact of food dyes, preservatives, and ultra-processed foods on behavior and attention• How chemical sensitivities can mimic symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and mood swings• Dr. Cross’s journey from traditional pediatrics to integrative medicine• Practical ways parents can create healthier eating habits without spending a fortune• The connection between nutrition and mental health in kids and teens• Honest conversation about food system challenges, upcoming legislation, and the complex landscape of vaccines✨ Key Moments:00:00 Introduction to Pulling Threads00:34 Meet Dr. Kelly Cross02:07 Kelly’s Journey to Integrative Medicine06:33 Balancing Traditional and Holistic Approaches11:06 The Impact of Chemicals and Dyes on Health17:52 Nutrition Tips for Kids and Teens26:14 Affordable Organic Options (Aldi + Costco)31:08 Diet and ADHD Connections39:31 The Future of Food Safety & Policy41:28 Vaccine Conversations48:12 Practical Steps for Healthier LivingIf you’ve ever wondered how food choices shape our children’s mental and emotional health, this conversation will change the way you think about your plate — and your pantry.👉 Subscribe for more episodes on mindfulness, holistic health, and emotional healing.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full video here on YouTube.💬 Share your thoughts below — how have food choices impacted your family’s well-being?#FoodAsMedicine #IntegrativeMedicine #ChildrensHealth #FoodDyes #ADHD #NutritionAndMentalHealth #HolisticHealth #MindBodyConnection #PullingThreadsPodcast #LeslieMathewsMSW #DrKellyCross

Rebuilding Self-Trust & Finding Your Voice After Toxic Relationships & Narcissistic Abuse | Pulling ThreadsWith guest Clarissa Stolte – Therapist & Toxic Relationship CoachIn this emotionally resonant episode of Pulling Threads, host Leslie dives into the journey of healing and transformation after toxic or narcissistic relationships. She’s joined by Clarissa Stolte, therapist and founder of The Reclaiming Her Voice Method, who shares her personal story of growing up in a narcissistic family system—and how she now helps women break cycles of self-doubt, restore self-trust, and reclaim their authentic voice.🎙 What we cover:00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection01:18 Guest Introduction: Clarissa Stolte02:12 Clarissa’s Background and Personal Story03:53 The Impact of Narcissistic Family Systems12:14 Healing Journey and Professional Experience15:02 Misconceptions About Healing from Narcissistic Abuse21:33 Rebuilding Self-Trust and Emotional Regulation28:52 Overcoming Relationship Chaos29:33 Setting Boundaries Without Guilt32:58 The Importance of Self-Care35:44 Rebuilding After Toxic Relationships37:11 Navigating the Dating World46:37 Finding Your Voice Again51:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts🔗 Resources + Connect with Clarissa:LinkedIn ➤ www.linkedin.com/in/clarissa-stolte-reclaiming-herInstagram ➤ @clarissastolteFacebook ➤ facebook.com/share/1CccF1gE2K/?mibextid=wwXIfr✨ About Clarissa:“I help women healing from narcissistic abuse break the cycle of toxic relationships, rebuild self-trust, and create a life of calm, confidence, and authentic connection through The Reclaiming Her Voice Method.”🎧 Why listen?If you’ve experienced emotional or narcissistic abuse, feel stuck in self-doubt, struggle to trust your voice or set boundaries—or you’re simply ready to reclaim your authentic self and step into greater confidence—this episode offers heart-felt insights, practical steps, and a reminder that healing and authentic connection are absolutely possible.📌 Don’t forget:Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and the BELL icon so you never miss an episode of Pulling Threads. Share this with someone who needs it. Leave us a comment: What’s one boundary you’re ready to set for your next chapter?#ToxicRelationships #NarcissisticAbuse #SelfTrust #Boundaries #AuthenticConnection #TraumaRecovery #WomensHealing #PullingThreadsPodcast

From Burnout to Deep Rest: Healing Women’s Sleep with Melissa Good | Pulling Threads PodcastExhaustion. Overwhelm. Sleepless nights.So many ambitious, heart-centered women are running on empty — but rest isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.In this episode of Pulling Threads, host Leslie Mathews, MSW—therapist, coach, and founder of The LooM Life—sits down with Melissa Good, licensed therapist and sleep coach, for a transformative conversation on how to move from burnout and insomnia to true restoration.Melissa opens up about her journey from correctional officer to therapist and sleep coach, and how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and chronic stress quietly steal our rest. Together, Leslie and Melissa unpack:✨ The link between the nervous system and sleep✨ Myths that keep women stuck in exhaustion✨ How to navigate sleep changes during perimenopause and menopause✨ Simple, science-backed strategies for deep, lasting restWhether you’re struggling with insomnia, waking up at 3 a.m., or just feeling disconnected from your body’s natural rhythms, this episode will help you understand your nervous system, regulate stress, and reclaim restorative sleep.🪶 Join us to learn how rest becomes the most radical form of self-care.🎧 Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome + Introduction01:41 – Melissa’s Journey to Becoming a Sleep Coach05:47 – The Importance of Sleep and Common Issues08:09 – Myths & Misconceptions About Sleep12:08 – Perfectionism, People Pleasing & Stress16:10 – The Nervous System + Sleep Connection19:38 – Behavioral Techniques for Better Rest24:42 – Personal Struggles with Sleep29:06 – Midlife, Perimenopause & Menopause Challenges32:26 – Self-Advocacy and Women’s Health37:13 – Practical Sleep Tips40:51 – Join the Community for Better Sleep45:28 – Final Thoughts + Connect with Melissa💫 Follow Melissa Good Insta: @melissa__good ; Facebook: Melissa Good (melissagoodsleepcoach), LinkedIn: Melissa Good ; Website www.melissagood.com👉 Link to her Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/yourbestsleep👉 Learn about her 8-week Better Sleep program💛 Connect with Leslie Mathews + The LooM Life:Instagram: @the.loom.lifeand @loomlifetherapyTikTok: @parandpeacePodcast: [Pulling Threads on YouTube]YouTube Golf Channel: @ParandPeace Website: www.theloomlife.com

In this episode of Pulling Threads, we welcome Melanie Miller, a licensed professional counselor, to discuss the intricacies of parallel parenting in blended families and the journey of living an alcohol-free life. Melanie shares her personal journey and the challenges of dealing with adverse childhood experiences, emotional neglect, and parental substance use. She explores her transition into therapy and sobriety coaching, offering valuable insights on overcoming alcohol dependence and creating a sober community. The episode delves deeply into creating realistic expectations within blended families, setting boundaries in co-parenting and parallel parenting, and the profound impact of emotional regulation and mindset in navigating these transitions. Melanie also discusses her innovative 'Off the Rocks' sobriety program and shares advice for those considering an alcohol-free life. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on maintaining mental wellness, the importance of self-care, and developing resilience through life's toughest challenges. Don't miss this episode filled with practical advice, personal stories, and professional insights!You can contact, follow, and learn more about Melanie on her website, Facebook page, or Instagram. www.pratidanawellness.comhttps://www.facebook.com/PratidanaWellnessCoaching/https://www.instagram.com/off.the.rocks.sober/https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-miller-lpc/"00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:59 Melanie's Personal Journey02:52 The Path to Sobriety06:52 Challenges and Misconceptions of Sobriety20:17 Switching Gears: Co-Parenting and Parallel Parenting27:09 Creating a Safe Space for Children27:51 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents28:40 The Rollercoaster of Parenting29:02 Challenges of Blended Families31:05 Setting Realistic Expectations in Blended Families32:32 Navigating Loyalty Conflicts in Children42:04 The Impact of Alcohol on Co-Parenting43:59 Mindset and Emotional Regulation45:04 Creating a New Life Post-Divorce50:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement