Stress Smarts with Colonel Deb
Mentally Tough Women aren’t born—they’re built. Together, let's Rise Stronger, Shine Bright, and Lead with Heart— in the moments that matter most!
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Welcome to Stress Smarts with Colonel Deb, where mental toughness meets heart. Each week we’ll explore powerful tools, fresh perspectives, and quick resets to help you rise stronger, shine brighter, and lead with heart—especially in the moments that matter most.
These episodes are adapted from my live Facebook series, Let’s Talk About…, where I share real tools for bouncing back stronger. You can also find the video versions on my Stress Intelligence YouTube channel (YouTube.com/@StressIntelligence).
As a West Point graduate, combat commander, and founder of Mentally Tough Women, I’ve spent decades leading through the toughest situations life can throw at us. But what makes this podcast different isn’t just my experience—it’s the depth, care, and realness that others have felt from me for years. Soldiers I once led still tell me they remember my tears of relief after welcoming them back from a mission where their safety was at risk, and the way I never asked them to do what I wouldn’t do myself.
That’s why people tune in. Because here, you won’t just get strategies—you’ll get them from someone who’s lived them, led with heart under fire, and knows how to help you turn stress into your strongest ally.
Stress Smarts with Colonel Deb
Let’s Talk About JOY – Finding Light When Life Feels Heavy
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When was the last time you stopped long enough to feel pure joy?
In this heartfelt episode of Stress Smarts with Colonel Deb, I open up about a surprising moment when I couldn’t name five things that brought me joy—and how that realization changed everything. Life can be overwhelming, and joy can seem like a luxury. But the truth is, joy isn’t optional—it’s essential fuel.
You’ll learn my J.O.Y. acronym—a simple guide to reconnect with the energy that makes life meaningful:
Key Takeaways
- J – Jumpstart with Gratitude – Start each day noticing something small that lights you up.
- O – Open Up to Possibilities – Joy grows when we stay open to wonder, beauty, and surprise.
- Y – You Deserve This – Joy isn’t selfish. It’s your birthright—let it in and share it freely.
Along the way, I’ll share my own joy list—from dancing with my husband Doug to the laughter of my mom, the calm of sea turtles, and the lessons I’ve learned about energy, gratitude, and choosing light even when life feels heavy.
Joy doesn’t ignore reality—it fuels us to face it better. Choose joy today, not as a mood, but as a practice.
These episodes are adapted from my live Facebook series, Let’s Talk About…, where I share real tools for rising stronger. You can also watch the video versions on my Stress Intelligence YouTube channel (YouTube.com/@StressIntelligence).
✅ Subscribe to the Stress Smarts Podcast for weekly tools that help you:
- Handle stress without breaking down
- Reset quickly after overwhelm
- Lead yourself and others with clarity, confidence, and care
🌐 Explore more at MentallyToughWomen.com
For Stress Intelligence™ tools, courses, and coaching for purpose-driven women ready to lead and thrive.
📺 Watch video versions on my Stress Intelligence YouTube channel (www.YouTube.com/@StressIntelligence)
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