160 | Why Do We Stay in Toxic Relationships? Stephanie Quayle’s Story of Love, Loss & Freedom
When country artist Stephanie Quayle lost her boyfriend in a tragic plane crash, she thought the grief would be the hardest part. But nothing prepared her for the heartbreak of learning at his funeral that she wasn’t the only woman in his life. That revelation shattered her world, and forced her to reckon with the truth: the relationship had been toxic from the very beginning. In this powerful episode, Stephanie asks the question, "When I was in these two toxic relationships, how did I feel about myself?" "Why didn't I ever question myself?" "Why did I allow this for myself?" She opens up about her personal story of love, betrayal, and resilience and the importance of who you spend your time with. Drawing from her book: Why Do We Stay?, she shares the emotional and psychological journey of recognizing abuse, escaping manipulation, and reclaiming her freedom. She’s joined by psychologist and narcissism expert Dr. W. Keith Campbell, who helps unpack the red flags of toxic relationships, including narcissism and gaslighting. Whether you’re questioning your current relationship or healing from the past, this episode will offer insight, hope, and a way forward. Follow Stephanie Quayle on Instagram @stephaniequayle Follow along with Lindsey on Instagram @livingeasywithlindsey
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159 | Stop Performing Your Life: Unbecoming the Perfect Wife and Mom with Dr. Merry Lin, PhD
So many women know what it feels like to live for other people’s approval. Whether it’s in our marriages, motherhood, friendships, or even our faith communities. We project the “perfect” version of ourselves: kind, put-together, selfless, always smiling… but most of us are just freaking exhausted. In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Merry Lin, clinical psychologist, speaker, and author of The Fully Lived Life and The Great Unbecoming. Dr. Lin shares her personal story of growing up as the only Asian family in her community, and how she tried to become the “whitest, kindest, most Christian” version of herself just to be accepted. She opens up about what it means to live out of our shadow self—the insecure, performative part of us that craves belonging—and how that can keep us stuck in unhealthy cycles of performance and people-pleasing. Together, we also wrestle with a powerful tension many women feel: believing that living in their flesh is living in their essential, selfish self, and therefore sinful. But our essential self is not selfish. The Bible says we are created in the image of God, and the word for “image” means essence. That means who we really are—our true, God-breathed self—is a reflection of His glory. Every woman reflects a different aspect of that glory. In today's episode, we talk about: Why so many women feel like they must project a polished version of themselves (and how it’s draining their souls). The difference between living out of the shadow self vs. the essential, God-breathed self. How compassion and grace for ourselves unlocks healing. Why unbecoming the false self is actually the only way to truly become who God made us to be. If you’ve ever felt like you’re performing your life instead of actually living it, this conversation will remind you that freedom begins with unbecoming who you thought you had to be and resting in the truth of who God already says you are. Follow along with Lindsey on IG: @livingeasywithlindsey Follow along with Dr. Merry Lin on IG: @drmerrylin Order REBECOMING today!
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Ep. 158 | From “Fat Camp” to Losing 100 Pounds: Ilana Muhlstein on the Best Healthy Eating Habits For Yourself and Your Kids
In today’s episode, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein shares her story of growing up in a home where fast food was the norm. As her dependence on food grew, her parents sent her to what she calls “fat camp.” That’s where she had the life-changing realization: “You only get one body.” From that moment, Ilana began making small, consistent changes that led to losing over 100 pounds, and keeping it off. Now she leads a community of over 300,000 people who are learning to have a healthier, more joyful relationship with food. In our conversation, we talk about the impact of giving kids a sugar-loaded diet on physical and mental health - how it affects their mood, focus, and energy for the rest of the day. Ilana shares the two parenting patterns she sees most often when it comes to food—letting kids eat whatever they want or reacting out of frustration instead of planning ahead—and how to instead learn how to . She offers practical, realistic tips for raising balanced eaters, teaching kids about carbs, protein, and energy in ways that make sense to them. We also explore how nutrition affects not just physical health, but mental health, confidence, and the parent-child relationship. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your kids make better food choices without turning every meal into a battle, this episode is full of encouragement and easy, actionable ideas. Get Ilana's book, Love The Food That Loves You Back. Find Ilana on IG: @raisingbalancedeaters and Ilanamuhlstein.com Follow along with me on Instagram: @livingeasywithlindsey
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157 | I Was Recently Diagnosed with ADHD: What It Revealed About Chaos, Rejection, Laziness, and Impulsivity
In this honest and eye-opening episode, Lindsey Maestas dives deep into the impact of ADHD on relationships and friendships. With vulnerability, faith, and research-backed insight, she explores why many people with ADHD subconsciously seek out chaos, conflict, toxic relationships, or emotionally unavailable partners. It isn't out of desire, but as a way of seeking out neurological stimulation. Lindsey discusses how ADHD can intensely heighten feelings of rejection, create a cycle of emotional highs and lows in relationships, often leading to toxic dynamics, chronic arguing, and feelings of inadequacy or isolation. She unpacks the difference between laziness and ADHD Paralysis, explaining the brain science behind task initiation struggles and why shame is often misdirected. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, have a partner or friend who struggles with it, or simply relate to the patterns of emotional burnout, impulsive decisions, or feeling like you're “too much” in relationships, this episode is a lifeline. Lindsey encourages self-compassion and offers tangible insight to help you understand your brain, regulate your emotions, and build healthier, more stable connections without sacrificing your joy. Don't forget to give a quick rating and review on Spotify or the Podcasts app (pretty please!) SUBSCRIBE for more conversations like this. Follow along with me on IG: @livingeasywithlindsey
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156 | Patience as a Parent Isn't Natural, It's Practiced: How I'm Learning to Step Back
Do you ever find yourself losing your temper over small things, like shoes left out, bedtime battles, or your child’s refusal to shower, and wondering why patience feels so out of reach? Are you constantly torn between wanting to give your kids more freedom and feeling the need to control every little detail? In this episode of the The Living Easy Podcast, Lindsey Maestas shares her own journey of learning how to create autonomy in her children while practicing real, grace-filled patience with them and with herself. Lindsey shares her own struggle with control, the urge to create rules where they may not be necessary, and how a desire for peace in her home led her to pursue emotional regulation, realistic expectations, and a rhythm over-reaction. She unpacks the idea that patience isn’t something we simply “have”, it’s something we build, moment by moment, with intentional choices and Christ-centered perspective. If you’ve ever felt guilty for being a reactive parent or overwhelmed by your own high expectations, this episode will meet you with honesty and hope. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes every week! Follow along with me on IG @livingeasywithlindsey.
Marriage, adult friendships, relationships, personal growth - all with a biblical foundation. Lindsey Maestas talks about the raw and hard topics with a focus on growth and encouragement. She discusses her own personal marriage and motherhood struggles, learning how to forgive, heal and grow, how to study the Bible and thrive in your faith and how to continue growing as a person every day in all areas of life. Her motto is, 'Nothing changes if nothing changes' and calls her listeners up to make active changes after listening to each episode.
Lindsey believes in doing things together to make life a little bit easier, and that means sharing life with honesty and authenticity. You likely won't find conversations like this anywhere else.
On The Living Easy podcast, we will laugh together, struggle together and create a thriving life together. You will hear in-depth about theology, gospel truth, travel, friendship, biblical marriage, strengthening your faith, growing as a godly parent and much more.
Come and join the tens of thousands of people in Lindsey's community who crave authenticity and desire to think & live big - just like you.
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