Mindfulness with Courtney Schulnick

If you're overwhelmed, burned out or just trying to make it through the day without falling apart, this episode is for you.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/courtney-schulnick

In this episode, I sat down with Courtney Schulnick to talk all about mindfulness and how it actually fits into messy, busy, real life! Courtney spent almost 20 years as a high-pressure litigator at a major law firm in Philly. The work was demanding and stressful. When she had her first child, she managed. When her family grew and life threw her fertility struggles and long sleepless nights, she kept pushing through. But she was burning out. Badly. That’s when her therapist suggested mindfulness.

At first, Courtney was skeptical. The idea of committing to a two-and-a-half-hour class every week, plus daily home practice, felt impossible. But eventually, she realized something had to give. She signed up for an MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) course and it completely shifted how she moved through the world. The stress didn’t go away, but her relationship to it did. She started feeling more present, more grounded, more in control. She not only learned to function better at work, she learned to show up for her life.

We talked about how mindfulness helped her navigate the pressures of law while raising three boys, and how it ultimately bought her another ten years in a career she had nearly burned out of. She now teaches MBSR herself and helps high-performing professionals find balance without sacrificing their ambition.

Courtney broke down what mindfulness actually is: moment-to-moment awareness, without judgment. It’s not about clearing your mind or sitting in silence for hours. It can be as simple as noticing your feet on the floor or being fully present while brushing your teeth. And it works. There's a growing body of scientific evidence showing that mindfulness reduces anxiety, depression and even boosts immune function.

She also tackled the idea that mindfulness is just another luxury or self-care chore. It’s not. It’s a way of being, not a task to check off a list. And yes, even busy people can do it. You don’t need to dedicate hours to see the benefits. A few minutes a day can make a difference.

We also talked about how mindfulness intersects with trauma. Courtney was clear: mindfulness is powerful, but it’s not for everyone at every moment. If someone is navigating trauma or deep depression, it's important to be mindful about mindfulness (pun intended) and to have professional support in place.

Throughout the conversation, Courtney’s warmth and honesty stood out. She shared personal stories, like stealing Snickers bars as a kid, and how her kids now remind her to slow down. We laughed about egg cups, Instagram reels and the ongoing challenge of being present as a parent in a world that never stops pinging.

If you've been curious about mindfulness, or if you're overwhelmed and looking for a way to show up more fully in your own life, this episode is a great place to start.