Episodi

  • How Faith Guided Her Next Step featuring Jade Patronis
    Apr 22 2026
    What if the secret to a happy life isn't just about the highlight reel, but about the depth you build during the "late bloomer" seasons?This week, I am bringing you a very special Happy Ass Encore episode because y'all loved her so much the first time, and she is just too precious not to share again. I’m sitting down with one of my happiest, most energetic friends, the "Lipstick Diva" herself, Jade PatronisJade opens up about her journey of reinvention at age 40 moving from being a stay-at-home mom to launching a lipstick line. We swap stories about our shared "prissy girl" love for looking adorable (even just for ourselves!), the legacy of the women who came before us, and why we are both choosing to kick aging’s butt every single day.From her days traveling the world with the USO to the spiritual discipline of waking up with a "thank you" on her lips, Jade reminds us that while beauty might only last three days, the way you treat people lasts a lifetime. This episode is a soulful reminder that God has already paid it all...all we have to do is show up and be exactly who He created us to be.Episode Highlights[1:00] Energy Matching: Karen and Jade discuss being kindred, high-energy spirits.[1:30] Adjective Affirmations: The power of the words we use to describe those we love.[3:00] Reclaiming Identity: Jade’s journey from "Mommy full-time" to reinventing herself at 40.[4:00] The Niche: How selling "Steak, Lobster, and Lipstick" led to a nationwide business.[5:00] Prissy and Proud: Why looking cute is a service to yourself and your legacy.[6:00] The Season of Waiting: Trusting God’s timing when big doors start to open.[8:00] Opposites Attract: How Karen and Jade’s husbands handle their "crazy" energy.[11:00] Live and Let Live: Learning the Serenity Prayer through an alcoholic upbringing.[12:30] Depth in the Dark: A moving story about nurse Karen and a family tragedy.[13:30] Beauty "Tune-ups": Honesty about Botox, filler, and aging gracefully.[15:30] Captain Anderson’s: The 60-year legacy of a local landmark and its loyal staff.[22:00] The Pageant Sport: How beauty pageants paid for college and built inner depth.[27:30] Small Town Roots: Discovering a shared history in Enterprise and Slocum.[32:30] The Goodness of God: A miraculous story of recovery and the power of prayer.[36:00] The Stop Sign Habit: Using daily cues for positive affirmations.[38:00] Protecting Your Peace: Setting boundaries and avoiding the "lure of everything".[42:30] Empty Cups: Admitting the struggle of being a people-pleaser in a busy world.[48:30] Best for the Rest: A shoutout to the best King Cake and local artSpecial Thanks to Our SponsorsBuffalo Rock Pepsi https://www.buffalorock.comHoliday Beach Mechanical https://holidaybeachmechanical.comBay Tax Solution https://bay.taxElysian Med Spa https://elysianmedspa.comHue Salon and Boutique https://www.huesalonandboutique.comShore House Furniture https://shorehousefurniture.comAbout Jade Patronis: Jade is the founder of Lipstick Diva, a beauty brand rooted in color, confidence, and American-made quality. Raised in her mother’s beauty shop and seasoned by a career in pharmaceutical sales, Jade found her niche by combining her love for aesthetics with a sharp business mind. A Troy University graduate and a former USO performer, she views life as a "sport" where authenticity and heart are the real trophies. Jade is a devoted wife, mother, and Jesus-follower who believes in the power of prayer and the importance of never growing up.Let’s Stay Connected!Follow along @MyHappyAssLife on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and YouTube so you never miss an episode.Get Karen’s Love Notes at www.myhappyasslife.comPresented by ADF MediaBe sweet, y’all!
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    50 min
  • Tuning Into Your Inner Soundtracks With Britt Matthews
    Apr 13 2026
    What if the messages playing in your head were actually holding you back from the life you were meant to live?Today I am joined in the studio by my effervescent and darling daughter, Britt, for a conversation that is as deep as it is spicy. Today we’re talking about soundtracks, which are the internal voices and repetitive thoughts that shape our reality. Inspired by the work of Jon Acuff, we explore how to identify the broken records of overthinking and replace them with messages that are much more aligned with our values and are more positive. We get vulnerable about our own current soundtracks. Britt shares her journey of moving away from hustling for self worth and embracing the mantra that she deserves a love she does not have to chase. Meanwhile, I open up about my people pleasing recovery and the realization that while I can do many things, my energy is expensive and I should focus on the things I am truly great at.If you are struggling with a stuck thought or just need a little spark to get your fire going we’re here to remind you that you have the power to turn down the volume on negativity and curate a sound track that serves you.Episode Highlights[00:01] Studio chaos: Who let the dogs out and why we do not need an agenda.[00:02] The poetry of joy: Discussing Joyce Sullivan and why joy is not a trick.[00:04] Jon Acuff and Soundtracks: Why we love his edgy and accessible take on mindset.[00:05] Fearlessly and wonderfully made: The soundtrack that started before Britt was born.[00:07] Some is better than none: Breaking the lie that there is not enough time.[00:08] Good is good enough: Utilizing Pareto’s Principle in business and life.[00:10] Sponsor Break: Love for Buffalo Rock Pepsi and Holiday Beach Mechanical.[00:11] Nana's legacy: Fashion, ear bobs, and the gift of being a biggest fan.[00:15] Staying in your lane: Why you should not try to be great at everything.[00:16] Energy is expensive: Taking a cue from Taylor Swift on protecting your peace.[00:20] Turning down the dial: Replacing negative tapes with coping actions like exercise and lists.[00:26] The People Pleasing Trap: Why Karen signed up for Orange Theory.[00:32] Relationships and Affirmations: Writing what you need to hear in the moment.[00:35] The Burger King Blessing: How a little spark of energy can change someone's day.[00:38] Curiosity over Fear: Britt’s parting wisdom on the inner artist and being a maker.Special Thanks to Our SponsorsBuffalo Rock Pepsi :www.buffalrock.comHoliday Beach Mechanical:https://holidaybeachmechanical.comHue Salon and Boutique: https://www.huesalonandboutique.comAmor Boutique: https://amorboutiquepc.comBay Tax Solution: https://bay.taxElysian Med Spa: https://elysianmedspa.comFerrucci Ristorante: https://ferruccipc.comAbout BrittBritt is the friend with the messy car, a growing hat collection, and a deep belief that it is never too late to become who you are supposed to be. As a musician and poet, she writes for women in the thick of it those navigating divorce, career pivots, empty nests, and the beautiful chaos of reinvention. Her words are for anyone who is tired of pretending they have it all together. Through her poetry and prose, Britt advocates for choosing curiosity over fear and reclaiming the creative maker within us.www.BrittMatthews.com Let’s Stay Connected!Follow along @MyHappyAssLife on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and YouTube so you never miss an episode. Get Karen’s Love Notes at www.myhappyasslife.com Presented by ADF Media Be sweet, y’all!
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    36 min
  • How Angela Klopf Creates Real Community Impact
    Apr 6 2026
    What if the secret to a truly happy life… is giving something away? 💛Y’all… this conversation made my heart so happy I could barely stand it. I got to sit down with the absolutely beautiful, warm, and generous Angela from Habitat for Humanity, and let me tell you… this is what it looks like when someone is living a life of purpose.We talk about what Habitat really does…Of course, they build homes, but let’s not forget they also build hope, instill belonging, and plant the seeds of community. When Angela shares her story of growing up in foster care and how that shaped her heart for service… whew. It just reminds you that God can take every hard thing and turn it into something beautiful. If you’re out there searching for community this is a reminder that YOU can be a part of something bigger! Whether that’s swinging a hammer, donating to the ReStore, or simply showing up when your community needs you. I’m telling you… if you're still trying to figure out how to have a happy life, this is a prime example. You give. You love. You show up. And it comes right back to you tenfold.
    Episode Highlights
    [00:16] Meet Angela at Habitat
    [04:04] Home Dedications and Tears
    [04:37] Women Build Fundraiser
    [06:57] Angela’s Why and Foster Care
    [10:14] Sponsor Shoutouts Break
    [11:25] Butterfly Necklace Story
    [13:26] Moving to Florida and Community
    [17:52] Ways to Give Today
    [19:25] Committees and Home Closet
    [22:29] Volunteer Builds and Materials
    [23:56] Land Needs and Habitat Village
    [25:31] Jimmy Carter and Faith


    Get My Love Notes Here:
    https://myhappyasslife.com/category/love-notes


    Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
    Buffalo Rock Pepsi
    https://www.buffalorock.com
    Holiday Beach Mechanical
    https://www.holidaybeachmechanical.com
    Ferruci Ristorante:
    https://ferruccipc.com
    Elysian Med Spa
    https://www.elysianmedspapcb.com
    Minutes & Miles
    https://minutesandmiles.com
    Gypsy Willow
    www.gypsywillowmarket.com
    Amor Boutique
    www.amorboutique.com
    Get My Love Notes Here:
    https://myhappyasslife.com/category/love-notes/

    Follow along on social media @MyHappyAssLife and don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and YouTube so you never miss an episode.🎙 Presented by ADF MediaBe sweet, y’all! 💕
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    31 min
  • What's Stuck In Your Craw?
    Mar 30 2026
    Today I’m asking a question that hit me right in the heart…what is stuck in your craw?I’m sharing where I’ve ignored the little irritations in my life until they turned into something bigger… and where I’ve finally made changes before things reached a breaking point. I also talk about something powerful I heard: most people don’t change out of desire…they change because of disasters. And that made me stop and ask myself… what can I change today before it gets to that point? This message is your gentle nudge to pause, reflect, and choose growth on purpose…not by force.

    Episode Highlights
    [01:30] What “stuck in your craw” really means
    [03:00] Why we ignore what bothers us
    [04:00] My health wake-up call and losing 50 pounds
    [06:30] Small changes that led to big results
    [08:00] Struggles with money and people-pleasing
    [10:30] The boutique spending habit I had to face
    [12:30] What are you avoiding right now?
    [13:30] Desire vs. disaster: why most people change
    [15:30] Why I’m choosing growth at 67
    [16:30] One small step you can take today
    [17:30] A new affirmation: working on myself is a joy

    Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
    Buffalo Rock Pepsi:
    www.buffalorock.com
    Holiday Beach Mechanical:
    www.holidaybeachmechanical.com
    Elysian Med Spa:
    https://elysianpcb.com/

    Let’s Stay Connected!
    Follow along on social media @MyHappyAssLife and don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and YouTube so you never miss an episode.🎙 Presented by ADF MediaBe sweet, y’all 💛
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    20 min
  • Encore Episode: Why Authenticity Wins Online with Lacy Counts
    Mar 23 2026
    This week I’m bringing back an encore episode with the hilarious and inspiring Lacy Branch Counts. If you’ve ever spent time on social media in our community, you probably already know Lacy. She’s a successful business owner, a mama raising a child with autism, and someone who keeps life refreshingly honest and funny.In this conversation, we talk about what it really looks like to juggle business, motherhood, marriage, and community involvement. Lacey shares the real-life moments behind the highlight reel—how she balances running The Yard Bar, being a wife to Steven, and raising her son Crew while navigating the unique challenges of parenting a child with autism.What I love most about this conversation is how real it is. We laugh, we talk about messy moments, and we dig into the strength it takes to keep showing up for your family and your dreams. Lacey reminds us that even when life feels chaotic, there’s beauty in the journey and purpose in the everyday moments.

    Follow Lacy @lacycounts

    Episode Highlights
    [2:00] Meeting Lacy Counts and her larger-than-life personality
    [6:00] Life as a business owner and running The Yard Bar
    [12:30] Marriage, family, and balancing a busy life
    [18:45] Raising a child with autism and learning through the journey
    [25:00] Social media, community influence, and staying authentic
    [32:10] The messy, funny, and very real side of motherhood
    [40:20] Navigating challenges while staying grounded in family and faith

    Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
    Buffalo Rock Pepsi
    https://www.buffalorock.com
    Holiday Beach Mechanical
    https://holidaybeachmechanical.com
    Gypsy Willow
    www.gypsywillowretail.com
    Amor Boutique
    https://amorboutiquepc.com

    Let’s Stay ConnectedFollow along on social media @MyHappyAssLife and don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and YouTube so you never miss an episode.🎙 Presented by ADF MediaBe sweet, y’all!
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    51 min
  • Losing Yourself in Love With Maurice Hunter
    Mar 16 2026
    What if the love you’ve been searching for your whole life was already inside you?Today I’m sitting down with my friend Maurice, an incredible artist whose work is rooted in one powerful idea: self-love. What started as a letter he wrote to his young daughter eventually grew into a personal philosophy about love, relationships, and the responsibility we have for our own emotions.In this conversation we talk about how many of us spend years looking for love outside ourselves, only to discover that the deepest love begins within. Maurice shares how that realization shaped his art, his speaking, and the book he’s preparing to publish. Along the way, we explore relationships, breakups, emotional responsibility, and the beautiful process of rediscovering who you are.If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to love yourself, this conversation is a gentle reminder that growth, healing, and love all begin inside you.Episode Highlights[00:57] The origin of Maurice’s self-love philosophy[03:20] Difficulty as inner reorientation[04:46] Collaboration over competition in business[07:10] Art as an expression of the mission[08:24] Sponsor break and shoutouts[10:12] From Los Angeles to a spiritual journey[11:57] Breakups as catalysts for rediscovering self[17:39] Self-love within relationships[20:12] From art to speaking and workshops[22:28] “Three Letters” book reveal[23:29] Love letters and the self-publishing journey[25:10] Healing the feminine[27:38] Self-love beyond thought[29:11] A turbulent season and growth[31:58] Taking ownership of your emotions[33:00] Reverse paranoia and choosing trust[36:07] Workshops and building community[38:46] Staying grounded in chaos[40:28] Relationship standards and self-worth[43:13] Building a culture of self-love through brandingSpecial Thanks to Our SponsorsBuffalo Rock Pepsihttps://www.buffalorock.comHoliday Beach Mechanicalhttps://holidaybeachmechanical.comHue Salon & Boutiquehttps://www.huesalonandboutique.comGypsy Willowwww.gypsywillowretail.comAmor Boutiquehttps://amorboutiquepc.com/Bay Taxhttps://bay.taxElysian Med Spa:https://elysianmedspa.comShore House Furniture:https://shorehousefurniture.comFerrucci Ristorante: https://ferruccipc.comAbout Maurice Hunter Maurice is the founder of evolfleS spelled backward but pronounced Selflove an inner lifestyle brand rooted in the idea that Self and Love are not separate, but one lived experience. Through art, fashion, media, and creative expression, Maurice reflects the wholeness already within each person and invites others to experience love from the inside out.What began as a letter to his daughter grew into a deeper personal philosophy that now shapes his work, his message, and his mission. Through evolfleS, Maurice is making inner awareness visible and embedding Selflove into culture in a way that is not explained so much as felt.His work centers on presence, connection, creative power, and the belief that the love we spend so much of our lives searching for is already within us.Learn more at:evolfles.comLet’s Stay Connected!Follow along @MyHappyAssLife on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and YouTube so you never miss an episode.Get Karen’s Love Notes atwww.myhappyasslife.comPresented by ADF MediaBe sweet, y’all!
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    47 min
  • How to Use Positive Triggers to Rewire Your Brain For More Peace and Happiness
    Mar 9 2026
    Have you ever overreacted to something minor and realized it wasn’t about now it was about then? Today, I’m sharing a practical way to retrain that response using positive triggers. I call them joy buttons, small moments that help me shift into gratitude, compassion, and calm. I’ll show you how to build your own list and actually use it when your mind starts to spiral. Mine include coffee, outfit joy, and gym time. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, let this be your gentle reset.

    Episode Highlights:
    [01:39] The dark house memory and what it stirred up
    [05:05] Daily positive mantras and rewiring reactions
    [10:17] The brain’s negativity bias
    [10:46] Sponsors and practicing gratitude
    [12:12] Creating your own joy list
    [14:34] Rewriting worst-case thoughts in real time
    [16:31] Coffee, enthusiasm, and small daily delights
    [18:26] Style, color, and self-expression as joy triggers
    [19:51] Supporting local boutiques as gratitude in action
    [21:49] Joy buttons affirmation


    Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:
    Buffalo Rock Pepsi
    https://www.buffalorock.com
    Holiday Beach Mechanical
    https://holidaybeachmechanical.com
    Hue Salon & Boutique
    https://www.huesalonandboutique.com
    Can’t Hide Pretty
    https://www.canthidepretty.com
    Gypsy Willow
    www.gypsywillowretail.com
    Amor Boutique
    https://amorboutiquepc.com
    Bay Tax
    https://bay.tax
    Minutes & Miles:
    https://minutesandmiles.com
    Lending Hand Mortgage
    Kevin Kenerson
    615-390-7534
    www.lhmtg.com


    Let’s Stay Connected!
    Follow along @MyHappyAssLife on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
    Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and YouTube so you never miss an episode.
    Get Karen’s Love Notes at www.myhappyasslife.comPresented by ADF Media
    Be sweet, y’all!
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    25 min
  • It’s Not You—It’s Me (And That Changes Everything)
    Mar 2 2026
    Ever catch yourself mentally drafting a “what they should do” speech… while your own side of the street is a mess? Today’s episode is a loving gut-check about the one thing I actually have control over: me.I talk about how easy it is to point outward when I’m tired, stressed, or overwhelmed, and why that always leads to a cascade of drama I didn’t need. The real work is noticing my part, owning my response, and choosing peace instead of trying to manage everyone else’s behavior. I share the mindset shift that keeps bringing me back: I can’t fix what’s going on inside someone else, but I can pause, take responsibility, and stop reacting like I’m on autopilot. If you’ve been feeling frustrated, disappointed, or stretched thin, this one will help you loosen your grip and move forward with more clarity.

    Episode Highlights:
    [00:00] A quick life update and what’s on my heart today
    [02:00] Why “it’s not you, it’s me” is actually true
    [05:00] The difference between reacting and responding
    [09:00] Staying in my lane when emotions run hot
    [12:00] Giving grace when you don’t know what someone’s carrying
    [15:00] Letting go of what I can’t control
    [20:00] Weekly love note + affirmation
    [22:00] A closing reflection to reset your mindset

    Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

    Buffalo Rock Pepsi
    https://www.buffalorock.com
    Holiday Beach Mechanical
    https://holidaybeachmechanical.com
    Hue Salon & Boutique
    https://www.huesalonandboutique.com
    Amor Boutique
    https://amorboutiquepc.com
    Can’t Hide Pretty
    https://www.canthidepretty.com
    Gypsy Willow:
    www.gypsywillowretail.com
    Bay Tax
    https://bay.tax
    Amor Boutique
    https://amorboutiquepc.com
    Shorehouse Furniture
    https://shorehousefurniture.com
    Lucky’s Pine Straw –
    https://luckiespinestraw.com


    Let’s Stay Connected!

    Follow along @MyHappyAssLife on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
    Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and YouTube so you never miss an episode. Get Karen’s Love notes at www.myhappyasslife.com Presented by ADF Media
    Be sweet, y’all!
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    23 min