The Life You're Made For with Dr. Heather Penny

If you’ve ever felt your friendships shift as life changes—like when your kids leave the nest, your schedule empties (or overflows), or you crave connection beyond surface-level chats—this episode will speak to you deeply. For this podcast conversation, we turn the tables with Kelley Gray interviewing Heather. It is a warm, honest conversation about adult friendships: the longing for deeper bonds, the awkwardness of reaching out, a...

In part 2 of It’s All About Relationships, Heather and Darren explore what makes a relationship truly sacred—not because it’s perfect or forever, but because it meets us at just the right moment in our lives. When a connection endures through changing seasons, it becomes something rare and deeply meaningful.

We ask a question that keeps guiding us back to the heart of connection: Does the person across from me feel cared for, seen, ...

In this first episode of It’s All About Relationships, we explore the powerful role relationships play in our lives—from work and friendships to family and romantic partnerships. Learn how to build trust, communicate clearly, and navigate challenges with intention and grace. Whether you’re seeking more authentic connections or looking to strengthen existing bonds, this episode offers practical tools and heartfelt wisdom to help you...

Who do you turn to when you're walking through pivotal life moments?

In my latest podcast episode, I sit down with Sharol Josephson, a relationship coach, mentor, and trusted guide known for her deep wisdom and heart-centered approach. Sharol has spent years walking with people through pivotal life moments—from career crossroads to relationship struggles—and brings a wealth of insight into what it means to truly support others.

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Who is one of your favorite people to talk with? I had a fun conversation about good guides with one of my all-time favorite people, my husband, Darren Penny. You’ll hear us discuss the role of guides in our lives—how to seek them, how to be one, and how to navigate life with humility, courage, connection and vulnerability. Through personal stories, like Darren’s search for guidance in the absence of a father, we explore the deep n...

Do you have a friendship that spans many seasons and plot twists of your life? Marriage, children, parenting, launching kids, career intersections, faith. You know, all the biggies. Someone you've had the privilege of being up close and personal with through the highs and lows. Alyssa Gluck is that person in my life. Alyssa is a credentialed teacher, holds a graduate degree in leadership, and works as an educational specialist...

Do you have a person in your life that you can say anything to with zero filter, and you know you will be understood? Kelley Gray is this type of person. She listens compassionately and leaves her judgment at the door. All while offering valuable insight and discernment, guided by wisdom. That’s why I loved including her in my podcast series, Good Guides.

I have appreciated my friendship with Kelley over the years. We met when I nee...

Do you have a friend that you may not speak to for months or even years, but when you do talk, it’s like you pick up right where you left off? That’s how it is with my good friend Michelle Riddell. She knows the power of presence, and she has been a welcome presence in my life. Michelle also has a reputation as a leader for inspiring and empowering people working on executive teams in global marketing organizations. What I admire m...

When I announced that I'd be sharing my word for the year 2025, I asked you all to share what words you have chosen. Thank you for sharing them with me! I am so inspired by your intentional growth. I have heard words like...

• Freedom
• Love
• Wisdom
• Courage
• Focus
• Presence
• Power
• Faith
• Amplify
• Results
• Mission
• Grow
• Live
• Be

…and even one who wants to keep it private because they are too sacred and personal to share their word out loud. 

What ...

When was the last time you got some great guidance? Maybe you were starting a new business or sorting out a relationship. But the counsel you received shifted it all in a positive direction and helped you see things dramatically different. This is what Good Guides can do for us. They are people who are further along the journey than you, but have something to offer that you don’t have at the moment— to see things differently or exp...

How do you feel about your creative abilities? Are you someone who sees yourself as creative, not creative at all, or have you never really thought about it? What does creativity have to do with being part of the story of humanity? I wanted to speak to my friend Jason Squires about all of this.

Jason is a coach who works with leaders who create. Starting in the music industry, Jason has been teaching, singing, and traveli...

Have you ever known a person that has the ability to be totally honest with themselves and doesn’t flinch at the uncomfortable truths surfacing? This is who I know Dawn Neldon to be. Which is why I asked her to join me in my Beliefs series to talk about going from scarcity to hope.

I have watched Dawn over the years face some hard truths– no matter how unsettling– and most importantly, do something about it. Her transform...

It is always so great to sit down and chat with Bob Goff! In this episode we are talking about hope and whimsy. And let me tell you, the wisdom just pours out. Bob has such a gift for taking high ideals and turning them into practical realities. My favorite phrase in the whole conversation is "Hope without a plan is just a wish". Bob is also the biggest cheerleader I have ever met. I'm privileged to call Bob a friend...

Do you need to be reminded that you are not alone? This week I’m pleased to introduce you to my dear friend, Lauren Swenson. Lauren and I have been friends for decades and walked through the many seasons of jobs, children, crises, and celebrations that make up the fabric of our lives. What I’ve always appreciated about her is her loyalty, wisdom, faithfulness and authenticity. So, I thought she would be great to join my series on B...

This week I talk with my good friends, Cody Vermillion and Ryan Ross. Two faith leaders and entrepreneurs from San Diego CA. We talk about our beliefs around work, family, creativity, our passion for serving humanity, and how we are all made for more. You’ll see why I chose them to be a part of this series on Beliefs. And I can reassure you that after knowing them for years, they are the real deal. They “live out” what they believe...

Everyone believes in something. Like your diet affects your body, your beliefs affect in your mind and heart. You are what you believe. The hope is that as we evolve and mature, we learn to evaluate what we believe and how we got there. More importantly, are there any beliefs we have outgrown or perhaps are no longer serving us? In fact, in the work I do, I see how many beliefs are limiting us. This is why I want to talk about our ...

How do your beliefs drive change? How can they keep you stuck? This week I speak with my friend and former coaching client, Jen Vermillion of Made To Create. In this conversation, she shares insights from her coaching journey. Including how her beliefs shifted during our time as well as the way she helps her clients latch onto true beliefs instead of false beliefs. We also discuss the myth of "balance", especially for wom...

Are you spotting the signs of burnout at the crossroads? During times of transition, there’s a lot that can come at us. It’s a vulnerable time, often with new challenges, new decisions, a new direction, and new risks that can make us feel uncomfortable or nervous. In this conversation, Leigh Burgess and I will discuss what is needed to face change. We talk about recognizing the signs of burnout, the beliefs that can creep in as wel...

I have met so many people who are camped at the crossroads of life during a transition. In those moments of life, it is hard to know what to do next. So I wanted to share the secret sauce that I use to help people take their next move at the crossroad: The Four Tires. Listen in as I break down how to identify which tires are low and get you on the road to the Life You're Made For!

You can also check out this post on m...