In this episode of Stop Wasting Your Life, Ava sits down with her producer, Kate Kruse, to talk about how volunteering can help you find purpose, community, and connection. Kate shares how moving to Kansas City with almost no friends led her to volunteering, and also tells the unforgettable story of Halo (https://kcpetproject.org/animal-details/?aid=51654990&cid=11&tid=Dog), an eight-year-old rescue dog she once found on the side of the highway and who is now looking for her forever home. Together, Ava and Kate break down simple ways anyone can start volunteering—even if you’re short on time or money—and how giving back can change your life  in the best possible way. Follow us on social! Ava's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ava.heinbach/) | STYL Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourlifepodcast/followers/) Stop Wasting Your Life is produced by KK Media Co. (https://kkmediaco.com/) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this solo episode, Ava opens up about her favorite grounding exercises — the simple, practical tools she’s used since childhood to calm anxiety, soften overwhelming emotions, and reconnect with the present moment. She breaks down what grounding really means, the different types (physical, sensory, mental, and emotional), and shares her personal go-to techniques for each one. Whether you’re looking for quick ways to soothe yourself or want to start building your own grounding toolkit, this episode is a comforting, honest guide to slowing down and coming back to yourself. Follow us on social! Ava's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ava.heinbach/) | STYL Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourlifepodcast/followers/) Stop Wasting Your Life is produced by KK Media Co. (https://kkmediaco.com/) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Stop Wasting Your Life, host Ava Heinbach talks with Brooklynn Sumonja — a single mother, military member, and woman of faith — about finding strength, purpose, and grace through motherhood. Brooklynn opens up about facing an unexpected pregnancy, walking through shame and fear, and learning to rely fully on God. She shares how becoming a mom transformed her faith, healed her heart, and gave her life new meaning. If you’ve ever struggled with guilt, identity, or trusting God through hard seasons, this conversation will remind you that you’re never alone — and that even the hardest moments can lead to redemption. Follow us on social! Ava's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ava.heinbach/) | STYL Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourlifepodcast/followers/) Brooklynns Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/brooklynn_sumonjaaa) Stop Wasting Your Life is produced by KK Media Co. (https://kkmediaco.com/) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this heartwarming and entertaining episode, Ava sits down with Mimi — her lifelong friend, honorary grandmother, and former TWA flight attendant — to talk about what it was really like to work the skies during the golden age of flying. From meeting celebrities like Maria von Trapp and Jimmy Dean (yes, the sausage man) to navigating beauty standards, cigarette-filled cabins, and unexpected turbulence, Mimi shares hilarious and heartfelt stories from her five years in the air. Beyond the glamour and chaos, she reflects on what flying taught her about people, confidence, and living fully. So fasten your seatbelts, grab a coffee, and get ready to laugh, reflect, and fall in love with Mimi’s timeless wisdom from 30,000 feet above. Follow us on social! Ava's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ava.heinbach/) | STYL Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourlifepodcast/followers/) Stop Wasting Your Life is produced by KK Media Co. (https://kkmediaco.com/) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this powerful episode, Ava talks with Danny Crawford, who shares his journey from addiction and rock bottom to redemption through faith. After years of partying, drug abuse, and a near-fatal psychosis, Danny found healing in recovery and a renewed purpose through Jesus. Now sober and helping at-risk youth in Kauai, his story is a powerful reminder of hope, surrender, and the freedom that comes from trusting God. Follow us on social! Ava's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ava.heinbach/) | STYL Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourlifepodcast/followers/) Stop Wasting Your Life is produced by KK Media Co. (https://kkmediaco.com/) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this heartfelt episode of Stop Wasting Your Life, Ava welcomes back her close friend and roommate Hannah Jarrah for an open conversation about big emotions — how they show up, how they feel in her body, and how she moves through them with more compassion. Hannah shares her personal journey with anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation, emphasizing that emotions aren’t problems to be “fixed” but messengers that offer insight into our needs. The episode blends emotional honesty, practical tools, and genuine friendship, offering listeners comfort in knowing that big emotions are part of being human — and we can learn to ride their waves with grace. Follow us on social! Ava's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ava.heinbach/) | STYL Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourlifepodcast/followers/) Stop Wasting Your Life is produced by KK Media Co. (https://kkmediaco.com/) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this heartfelt solo episode, host Ava Heinbach returns after a short break to open up about where she’s been, what she’s been going through, and how she’s been learning to navigate her big emotions. Ava vulnerably shares that she stepped away from the podcast to prioritize her mental health after a difficult personal situation that resurfaced emotions from a past relationship. She describes how grief, heartbreak, and anxiety resurfaced—and how she found healing by leaning into, rather than running from, her emotions. Throughout the episode, Ava walks listeners through four key ways she learned to process and move through heavy feelings: naming her emotions, caring for her body and nervous system, giving herself space and time to heal, and accepting that emotions come and go.  Ava reminds everyone that big emotions are a beautiful part of being human, and that there’s no shame in taking time to process, grow, and find balance again. Follow us on social! Ava's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ava.heinbach/) | STYL Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourlifepodcast/followers/) Stop Wasting Your Life is produced by KK Media Co. (https://kkmediaco.com/) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Stop Wasting Your Life, Ava sits down with her longtime friend, Kanak Michael Masten. Kanak opens up about being adopted from India at age five, growing up in the U.S. with white parents, and the incredible experience of reconnecting with his birth family years later. Along the way, Ava and Kanak share hilarious memories from their friendship — from sneaking around strict college dorms, to nearly losing a passport in a Paris nightclub. It’s a conversation full of laughter, heart, and a powerful reminder that even when life feels uncertain, connection, spontaneity, and finding joy in the moment can help us discover our true purpose. Follow us on social! Ava's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ava.heinbach/) | STYL Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourlifepodcast/followers/) Stop Wasting Your Life is produced by KK Media Co. (https://kkmediaco.com/) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What would make someone walk away from a six-figure career to start over from scratch? In this episode of Stop Wasting Your Life, host Ava Heinbach sits down with entrepreneur and father of three, Mitch Case, to unpack the bold decision he made to leave behind his stable engineering and sales career in pursuit of a more meaningful life. Mitch opens up about the turning points that shifted his priorities—from becoming a dad, to weathering the sacrifices of failed ventures, to finally creating a business that blends his passions for sports, connection, and entrepreneurship. Together, they explore what success really means, why failure can be the best teacher, and how to design a life where family and fulfillment come first. Follow us on social! Ava's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ava.heinbach/) | STYL Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourlifepodcast/followers/) Stop Wasting Your Life is produced by KK Media Co. (https://kkmediaco.com/) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, host Ava Heinbach and her mentor and “second mom,” LeeAnn Shaw, continue their conversation on cultivating a growth mindset. Building on last week’s discussion, they introduce 10 practical strategies—“the 10 Ps”—that help shift from a fixed mindset to a growth-oriented one. The 10 Ps they unpack are: Pain – facing it head-on and using it as purpose. Perspective – shifting your filter and outlook. Preparation – building tools before challenges hit. Patience – active waiting and self-compassion. Purpose – knowing your “why.” Perseverance – pushing through discomfort. Pursuit – valuing the process over perfection. People – surrounding yourself with the right community. Pressure – reframing it as a privilege. Praise – practicing gratitude before the breakthrough. Follow us on social! Ava's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ava.heinbach/) | STYL Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourlifepodcast/followers/) Stop Wasting Your Life is produced by KK Media Co. (https://kkmediaco.com/) Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.