Happiest Hour, Creative Wellness Lauren Lucas Happiest Hour, Creative Wellness Lauren Lucas

Ep. 06: When Walking Away Means Walking Towards Something Bigger with Cyndi Thomson

Today, you see Cyndi Thomson's luxury jewelry dripping off superstars like Lizzo, Lauren Alaina, Natalie Hemby (of the Highwomen) and Kimberly Paisley. Did you know that Cyndi was on the verge of superstardom herself with a hit radio single and gold album, My World?

Cyndi made the difficult decision to walk away from the music business as her star was on the rise. In this episode, we talk about how walking away from one thing means walking towards something else. And what a beautiful, big life she walked into!

Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch the live interview on YouTube!

Ep. 06: When Walking Away Means Walking Towards Something Bigger with Cyndi Thomson


Today, you see Cyndi Thomson's luxury jewelry dripping off superstars like Lizzo, Lauren Alaina, Natalie Hemby (of the Highwomen) and Kimberly Paisley. Did you know that Cyndi was on the verge of superstardom herself with a hit radio single and gold album, My World?

Cyndi made the difficult decision to walk away from the music business as her star was on the rise. In this episode, we talk about how walking away from one thing means walking towards something else. And what a beautiful, big life she walked into!

In this episode, we cover:

  • How the songs from her iconic gold record, My World, continue to make an impact

  • Where music fits in her life now -- and if we can expect more music from her in the future

  • What life has looked like between walking away from a hit music career and starting her hit luxury jewelry business, Haybelle Co.

  • Finding balance as a wife, mom, musician, small business owner

  • Her marriage secrets (married 20 years after only dating a few months!)

  • What she hopes to leave as her legacy

🍹 We paired this episode with a delicious grapefruit vodka cocktail that Cyndi loves and I share a super simple dessert that my grandma used to make. Scroll down for the recipes!

--------------

Join Cyndi on Instagram

Shop her every day jewelry and luxury pieces at Haybelle Co.

Listen to her iconic hit country album, My World.

--------------

The Happiest Hour theme song was written and performed by... me! If you'd like to hear more of my music, click here!

--------------

Keep scrolling to get your recipes! They’re just below. ↓

 

Don’t Forget the Recipes!

 

We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Get them below.

Cheers!

The Sparkling Jewel

Louise’s Baked Apples


More Happiest Hour…

 
 
 
Read More
Happiest Hour, Creative Wellness Lauren Lucas Happiest Hour, Creative Wellness Lauren Lucas

Ep. 05: Choose Your Attitude, Choose Your Life - with Legendary Fitness Instructor, Mary Helen Yarbrough

A teacher of mine once told me, “To the extent you experience darkness, you will have the capacity to experience that same degree of light.”

Have you ever heard something like that?

Well, let me tell ya, Mary Helen Yarbrough is no stranger to darkness. She experienced profound losses in her teen and young adult years that sent her life into a spiral. 

So, maybe that explains why she is one of the most authentically positive and inspirational people in my life (and in many others’ lives, as well). 

In Episode 5 of Happiest Hour, we don’t hold back. Mary Helen tells her story of loss and pain, as well as sharing her life philosophy that makes her life tick, and so much more.

Listen on your favorite podcast app or watch on YouTube!

Ep. 05: Choose Your Attitude, Choose Your Life - with Legendary Fitness Instructor, Mary Helen Yarbrough


A teacher of mine once told me, “To the extent you experience darkness, you will have the capacity to experience that same degree of light.”

Have you ever heard something like that?

Well, let me tell ya, Mary Helen Yarbrough is no stranger to darkness. She experienced profound losses in her teen and young adult years that sent her life into a spiral. 

So, maybe that explains why she is one of the most authentically positive and inspirational people in my life (and in many others’ lives, as well). 

If you have followed me for a while, you know that I am not shy about sharing how much I love taking Jazzercise from Mary Helen. She was recently featured on our largest news station where our star news anchor, Tracy Kornet (who also attends our Jazzercise class) called her a, “legend.” I will second that! 

We don’t hold back in this episode. Mary Helen tells her story of loss and pain, as well as sharing her life philosophy that makes her life tick. 

In this conversation, we also cover:

  • Her story of loss that made her who she is today

  • Where she got her work ethic

  • How weekly Happy Hours led her to discover Jazzercise 

  • How she built her legendary (yes, legendary!) Nashville fitness business over 40 years ago as a busy wife and mom

  • Debunking the 80’s stereotype of Jazzercise (no, we don’t wear leg warmers)

  • Why her classes feel fun, inclusive and safe

  • Her secret to success for maintaining relationships and a strong business

  • The choice she makes daily that makes her so impactful to others

Spoiler alert: we get into some heavy conversation, including mental health and mention of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that 24 hour support is available to you by simply dialing 988 from your phone.

Something else you’re going to want to know about Mary Helen: she is a fabulous cook! And her husband is retired from the liquor industry, so this woman knows how to mix a dang good cocktail.

Make sure you check out the 2 recipes Mary Helen brought to pair with this episode!

Get your recipes and show notes right here:

Gimme the recipes!

———————

Want to try a Jazzercise class with Mary Helen and me? If you are local to Nashville, then click here!

If you are not local to Nashville, but would like to try Jazzercise in your area (or On Demand), visit https://www.jazzercise.com/

You can also find Mary Helen on Instagram.

———————

The Happiest Hour theme song was written and performed by... me! If you'd like to hear more of my music, click here!

--------------

Keep scrolling to get your recipes! They’re just below. ↓

 

Don’t Forget the Recipes!

 

We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Get them below.

Cheers!

French 75 Cocktail

Mary Helen’s Shrimp Dip


More Happiest Hour…

 
 
 
Read More
Happiest Hour, Creative Wellness Lauren Lucas Happiest Hour, Creative Wellness Lauren Lucas

Ep. 04: Food is not your problem, Dieting is not Your Answer - with Cindy Landham

Have you ever felt guilty about eating something? I'm talking, really guilty. Maybe it even sent you down a shame spiral. Do you ever sneak food, or avoid food all together because it's just too hard to control? After you over indulge, do you exercise harder than usual to balance the "damage" you've done? Do you vow to "do better" tomorrow (or when Monday rolls around)? Have you lost and re-gained the same pounds over and over again?

Then, listen up! Most American adults have experienced these thoughts and feelings. I know I sure have. If this sounds like you, too, then this episode is for you.

Before you set your New Years Resolutions around your health for this coming year, please listen to this episode of Happiest Hour with my guest, Liberated Eating Coach, Cindy Landham. 

Ep. 04 Food is Not Your Problem, Dieting is Not Your Answer with Cindy Landham


Have you ever felt guilty about eating something? I'm talking, really guilty. Maybe it even sent you down a shame spiral. Do you ever sneak food, or avoid food all together because it's just too hard to control? After you over indulge, do you exercise harder than usual to balance the "damage" you've done? Do you vow to "do better" tomorrow (or when Monday rolls around)? Have you lost and re-gained the same pounds over and over again?

Then, listen up! Most American adults have experienced these thoughts and feelings. I know I sure have. If this sounds like you, too, then this episode is for you.

Here's the good news: there is a path to freedom from obsessive thoughts surrounding food, exercise and body shaming. 

Here's even more good news: this path doesn't involve dieting, shakes, pills, pre-packaged food, counting points and calories, or even joining a gym. 

Before you set your New Years Resolutions around your health for this coming year, please listen to this episode of Happiest Hour with my guest, Liberated Eating Coach, Cindy Landham. 

It could change your life. I know, that's a bold statement, but she sure has changed mine. 

In this episode, we cover:

• Why diet culture is failing us

• Traditional thinking vs. liberated thinking around our health and wellness

• When parents are the food police

• What loving your body really means

☕️ Whoa! All foods fit from Cindy’s perspective, so you better bet we paired this episode with two delicious recipes! Check out Cindy's homemade, made-from-scratch spiced chai latte. This tea will leave you feeling so comfy, warm and nourished.

And I'm sharing the shepherd's pie recipe that has become a tradition for my husband and me during the holidays. 

Keep scrolling to get your recipes! They’re just below. ↓

--------------

Get to know Cindy by visiting her at her website and on Facebook.

If you can’t wait for the results of the book drawing and want a copy of Cindy’s book now, you can snag a copy here!

 

Get Cindy’s Book!

Get a copy of Cindy’s book and get started on your liberating journey!

 

Don’t Forget the Recipes!

 

We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Get them below.

Cheers!

Homemade Spiced Chai

The Very Best Shepherd’s Pie

 

More Happiest Hour…

 

Don’t Miss a Thing!

By joining my world, you're just moments away from gaining access to bonus content from Happiest Hour, plus a playlist of tracks from my hidden album.

How much happier can it get?!

Where should I send your invitation? Click the button below and let me know!

 
 
Read More
Happiest Hour, Creative Wellness Lauren Lucas Happiest Hour, Creative Wellness Lauren Lucas

Ep. 03: Jumping in the Driver's Seat with The Wildcards

In Ep. 03 of Happiest Hour, my guests are Ashley Gearing and Andrea Young -- collectively known as the critically acclaimed duo, The Wildcards. You've heard about this electric duo through American Songwriter, CMT and on stages opening for superstars like Joe Nichols and Chris Lane. We chat about how they are taking control of the creative process, why they jumped into the producer seat for their latest music releases and so much more!

Ep. 03 Jumping in the Driver’s Seat with The Wildcards


Welcome to Episode 03 of Happiest Hour! My guests are Ashley Gearing and Andrea Young -- collectively known as the critically acclaimed duo, The Wildcards. 

You've heard about this electric duo through American Songwriter, CMT and on stages opening for superstars like Joe Nichols and Chris Lane. In today's episode, we chat about how they are taking control of the creative process and why they jumped into the producer seat for their latest music releases.

We also cover:

• Creating the ✨ "Friday Night Feeling" ✨ for their fans

• What it's like being a part of Fox's new hit drama, Monarch

• Why it's so important to be a good hang on the road

🍹 We paired this episode with a Merry Margarita -- the traditional tequila classic you love with a little extra “jingle jangle.”

Don't forget to check out our easy weekend side dish: Cowboy Caviar! It's the perfect companion to that margarita. My college roommates and I used to make this all the time, so when Ashley suggested it, I was excited! We put our own spin on this super simple dip.

Get your recipes below!

--------------

Catch The Wildcards' good vibes by following them on Instagram and listening to their music on Spotify.

--------------

The Happiest Hour theme song was written and performed by... me! If you'd like to hear more of my music, click here!

 

Don’t Forget the Recipes!

 

We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Get them below.

Cheers!

Merry Margarita

Cowboy Caviar Dip

 

More Happiest Hour…

Read More
Happiest Hour, Creative Wellness Lauren Lucas Happiest Hour, Creative Wellness Lauren Lucas

Ep. 02: The Importance of Keeping it Super Real - Jenny Gill

In episode 2 of Happiest Hour, my guest is film director, recording artist, and daughter of country music royalty, Jenny Gill. Jenny is one of the most hilarious and authentic people I know. Listen in as she talks about forging her own path in TV and film, finding work/life/mom balance and why she thinks it so important to keep her social media super real.

Ep. 02 The Importance of Keeping it Super Real


In Episode 2, my guest is film director, recording artist, wife and mother of two, Jenny Gill. She might as well add “comedian” to her bio because she is one of the most hilarious people you’ll ever meet. In this world of highlight reels and social media, she is determined to keep her humor and authenticity front and center.

Jenny and I chat about why it’s so important to her to keep her social media, and her life, super real. We also cover:

• What being the daughter of country music royalty has taught her

• Finding her own path in life

• How to balance career, friendship and motherhood… or not.

Follow along Jenny’s hilarious Instagram feed and enjoy her music on Spotify.

 

Don’t Forget the Recipes!

 

We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Get them below.

Cheers!

Bourbon Cowboy Twist

Bourbon Vanilla Apple Cider Donuts

 
 
 

More Happiest Hour…











Read More