Operation Be: The Podcast

Growth Is Lonely — And No One Warns You | Ep 109

This episode is about the part of growth we don’t talk about enough — the loneliness.
Living with intention, clarity, and alignment is powerful…but it can also feel isolating. It’s hard to put new internal experiences into words. It’s draining to constantly update or over-explain who you’re becoming. And sometimes the people closest to you can’t fully meet the version of you that’s emerging.
In this conversation, I share what I’ve learned through physical, emotional, and mental healing — releasing guilt around not staying in constant contact, grieving old versions of myself and relationships built on obligation, and allowing emotions like grief and anger without needing others to relate.
We talk about:
✨Where you shrink to keep others comfortable✨What emotional safety really means✨Letting go of opinions when you’re not harming anyone✨And why growth often requires hard conversations
If you’ve felt alone in your evolution, you’re not crazy. You’re growing.
And emotional safety matters more than we admit.
🎧 Press play. Let’s go there.
 
00:39 Why Growth Matters (and Why It Can Feel Lonely)
02:18 Healing, Surrendering Control, and Protecting Your Energy
04:41 Letting Go of Obligation: Friends, Family, and Space to Grow
05:54 Grief, Hard Conversations, and Outgrowing Old Versions
08:10 Stop Shrinking: Shine, Set Boundaries, and Correct Yourself
10:35 Find Emotional Safety: Safe People, Vulnerability, and Being Seen
11:37 Ignore Opinions When You’re Not Hurting Anyone
14:11 Key Takeaways
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
www.operationbe.com
 
The Operation BE show is proudly brought to you by:
Premium Kitchen and Bath
Located at 1666 Larkin Williams Road in Fenton.
https://premiumkb.com/cabinet-wholesaler/
https://www.facebook.com/premiumkbstl
https://www.instagram.com/premiumkbstl/
 
And
 
Spas & More STL
Located at 12957 Gravois Road in Sunset Hills.
Stop by their showroom to try any of their Master Spas products!
http://www.spasandmorestl.com
https://www.facebook.com/SpasandMore
https://www.instagram.com/spasandmorestl/
 
Supported by Trueline Media Group
Located at 1523 Fenpark Drive in Fenton. We are your one stop for all show needs.
Visit www.truelinemediagroup.com to learn more.

Crisis Didn't Break Me This Time | Ep 108

I’m back — and January was a wild one.
In this episode of Operation Be, I’m sharing what really happened behind the scenes: my mom’s knee replacement, getting Influenza A, both of my parents becoming seriously ill, hospital stays, rehab, endless tests, and navigating the stress of healthcare and family updates — all while running three companies.
But this isn’t just about what happened. It’s about what it revealed.
Years ago, this level of uncertainty would have sent me into panic, overwork, and burnout. This time, I practiced presence. I triaged what mattered. I listened to my body. I allowed emotions without spiraling.
We talk about nervous system regulation in real time, breaking old hypervigilant patterns, and how growth is revealed in chaos — not comfort.
If you’re navigating stress, caregiving, or uncertainty, this conversation will meet you where you are.
🎧 Press play. Let’s walk through it together.
00:30 Unexpected Break + Why January 2026 Felt So Wild
02:05 Twists and Turns
04:32 When Everything Snowballed
07:00 Running 3 Companies While Life Implodes (and Finally Getting Help)
09:02 The Real Lesson: Emotions, Standards, and Not Burning Yourself Out
11:13 Nervous System Regulation Tools
13:10 Hypervigilance, Surrender, and Listening to Your Body
17:27 What Practice Looks Like Now: Boundaries, Cues, and Daily Regulation
20:14 Wrap-Up, How to Reach Me + New Show Sponsors
22:49 Sponsor Spotlight: Spas and More (Master Spas for Wellness)
 
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Why We Practice: A Journey of Self Reflection & Growth | Ep 82: https://youtu.be/DaJkR9MiSmo
Trueline Kitchen Video: https://youtu.be/hUYFYQVl32k?si=If1XFG302NX1n1pU
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
www.operationbe.com
 
The Operation BE show is proudly brought to you by:
Premium Kitchen and Bath
Located at 1666 Larkin WIlliams Road in Fenton.
https://premiumkb.com/cabinet-wholesaler/
https://www.facebook.com/premiumkbstl
https://www.instagram.com/premiumkbstl/
 
And
 
Spas & More STL
Located at 12957 Gravois Road in Sunset Hills.
Stop by their showroom to try any of their Master Spas products!
http://www.spasandmorestl.com
https://www.facebook.com/SpasandMore
https://www.instagram.com/spasandmorestl/
 
Supported by Trueline Media Group
Located at 1523 Fenpark Drive in Fenton. We are your one stop for all show needs.
Visit www.truelinemediagroup.com to learn more.

Fatherhood, Divorce & Growth: The Truth Men Don’t Talk About | Ep 107 with Pat Doyle

In this episode of Operation Be, I sit down with Pat Doyle for an honest, grounded conversation about growth, fatherhood, and what it really means to show up as a man today. Pat’s journey—from professional baseball to mortgage lending, podcasting, and parenting—has been shaped by real-life experiences that forced him to slow down, reflect, and evolve.
We talk openly about mental health, emotional intelligence, and the responsibility that comes with being a present father and a self-aware leader. Pat shares how navigating divorce changed the way he approaches parenting, personal accountability, and his own inner work—and why choosing growth over ego has mattered more than anything.
This episode is about aligning purpose with practice, learning from life instead of running from it, and understanding that clarity doesn’t come from having all the answers—it comes from being willing to look inward.
Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or someone committed to doing the work to live with more intention, this conversation offers perspective, honesty, and a reminder that growth is always available when you choose it.
🎧Check it out today!
 
01:53 The Zach and Pat Show
03:21 Fatherhood and Personal Growth
06:00 Navigating Divorce and Co-Parenting
08:58 Relationships and Emotional Intelligence
20:44 The Importance of Vulnerability
28:22 Using Social Media for Business and Personal Growth
31:30 The Identity Crisis for Men
32:06 Comfort in Solitude
32:50 Promoting Positive Masculinity
34:11 The Impact of Toxic Labels
35:32 The Importance of Listening
37:02 Building Community and Values
44:20 Rapid Fire Questions
 
Connect with Pat:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheZachandPatShow
https://www.instagram.com/stl_mortgagenerd/
https://www.instagram.com/thezachandpatshow/
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
https://operationbe.com

How This Founder Built a Purpose-Driven Beauty Brand | Ep 106 with Jessica McTaggart

In this episode of Operation Be, I welcome the magnetic and mission-driven Jessica McTaggart, owner of The Curl Sanctuary in St. Louis. What begins as a conversation, becomes a full-bodied journey through Jessica’s evolution from a makeup counter employee to a leader reshaping the curly hair industry from the inside out.
We wander through the origin story of The Curl Sanctuary, the philosophy that fuels it, and the intention-packed choices that turned it into a safe haven for natural curls and the people who wear them. 
We dig into what it takes to build a purpose-driven business: the quiet bravery of saying no, the courage to create a culture that feels like home, and the discipline required to grow without losing yourself in the process.
Jessica also opens up about training new stylists, honoring boundaries, and protecting the harmony between work, artistry, and real life. Expect heartfelt stories, grounded wisdom, and a look behind the curtain at what authenticity in leadership truly looks like.
If you’re building something that matters, or simply craving a reminder that intention is a superpower, this episode delivers. 
🎧Tune in. Fill up. And be inspired to build your world with purpose. 💫
 
00:21 Meet Jessica McTaggart: Visionary Behind The Curl Sanctuary
02:25 The Journey to The Curl Sanctuary
07:42 Transformations and Client Stories
12:38 Building a Business with Integrity and Intention
28:47 The Importance of Mentorship and Community
37:05 The Importance of Community and Support
38:04 Intentional Living and Personal Growth
40:23 Building a Business with Faith
55:50 Navigating Personal and Professional Boundaries
01:01:57 Reflecting on Success and Future Goals
01:04:57 Final Thoughts and Farewell
 
Connect with Jessica:
https://curlsanctuary.com/
https://www.facebook.com/curlsanctuary
https://www.instagram.com/thecurlsanctuary/
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
https://operationbe.com

Your Life Isn’t Stuck…You Just Need a New Perspective | Ep 105

In this episode of Operation Be, we’re going all-in on one of the most underrated tools for growth: perspective shifts. We’re unpacking how seeing things differently—intentionally, clearly, and without burning yourself out—can radically reshape your life.
We’ll get into: ✨ Why unlearning society’s “rules” is the first step to freedom ✨ How challenging your mindset creates space for real alignment ✨ The truth about clarity (and why most people skip this part) ✨ Real stories from my clients who transformed once they changed how they saw things ✨ Practical, doable steps you can start today to shift your perspective and reconnect with your core values
This episode is your reminder that you don’t need a massive life overhaul—sometimes you just need a new lens.
🎧Hit play, take a breath, and let’s shift your perspective together.
Reflection Prompt: Try ONE perspective shift this week.
Identify something that doesn't feel great, or doesn't flow well in your life. Approach that thing with an open mind, and consider what YOU really think or feel about it, and how it is impacting your life. Do you really still need it?
 
00:21 Shifting Your Mindset
00:58 The Power of Perspective
08:04 Real-Life Examples of Perspective Shifts
11:58 Staying Present and Making Decisions
17:04 Action Steps and Conclusion
 
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Says F*cking Who Gear:
https://homesweetdefiance.com/products/says-who-womens-short-sleeve-t-shirt?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=d3a92bbd8&pr_rec_pid=7203248046142&pr_ref_pid=7203257778238&pr_seq=uniform
 
 
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
www.operationbe.com

The Power of Showing Up—Even When It’s Hard | Ep 104

In this short solo episode, I wanted to build on my recent conversation with former NHL enforcer Kelly Chase—reflecting on the powerful lessons hidden inside resilience, mindset, and purpose. From facing life-changing challenges to showing up with grit and grace every single day, this episode was all about what it really takes to live with intention.
I want to share how mindset shifts can help you find clarity, create freedom, and stay in alignment without burning out. There is so much to explore…the value of storytelling, the power of learning through experience, and the daily practice of showing up—especially when it’s hard.
If you’ve ever needed a reminder that strength isn’t just about pushing harder—but about staying grounded in who you are—this one’s for you.
🎧 Tune in now and learn how to build a mindset that won’t quit.
 
00:30 Recap of Last Episode with Kelly Chase
01:35 The Power of Personal Stories
03:19 Mindset and Determination
 
Mentioned in this episode:
The Fight After the Fight: A Story of Grit & Growth | Ep 103 with Kelly Chase
https://youtu.be/DpwCK8m8wuQ
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
www.operationbe.com

The Fight After the Fight: A Story of Grit & Growth | Ep 103 with Kelly Chase

In this powerful episode of Operation Be, I sit down with the legendary Kelly Chase — former NHL enforcer, proud St. Louis Blues alum, and a man whose story goes far beyond the rink.
Kelly opens up about his incredible journey through life after hockey — from battling cancer to building businesses — and how grit, gratitude, and community have shaped every step of his path. We talk about what it really means to live with intention, to lead with heart, and to keep showing up even when life knocks you down.
He shares stories from his farm upbringing, the deep importance of relationships, and how his work with cancer fundraising and the Carbon Club is helping others find strength and purpose through connection.
This conversation is a reminder that resilience isn’t about toughness — it’s about heart. 💙
🎧 Tune in for an episode full of truth, perspective, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from a life fully lived.
 
00:21 Meet Kelly Chase: Beyond the Ice
02:15 Kelly's Battle with Leukemia
03:34 The Business Side of Kelly Chase
06:29 Maintaining Lifelong Friendships
09:55 Lessons from the Farm
13:01 The Importance of Team and Leadership
22:46 Transitioning from Hockey to Business
25:50 The Success of Puck Cancer and Other Ventures
30:43 Inside the Exclusive Carbon Club
34:47 Maintaining Mental and Physical Health
39:23 Family Support and Resilience
44:27 Challenges and Determination
48:54 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections
 
 
Connect with Kelly:
https://www.instagram.com/chasenpucks39/
 
Ice Guardians Pod: 
https://www.youtube.com/@IceGuardiansPod
 
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
https://operationbe.com
 

Unlearn the Rules: The Truth About Living Life on Your Own Terms | Ep 102

In this episode of Operation Be, I’m diving into something that might ruffle a few feathers — unlearning the rules. This conversation was sparked by a moment that stopped me in my tracks and made me ask, “Wait…who decided this was how it’s supposed to be?”
From money to relationships to the invisible “shoulds” we’ve all been handed, I’m sharing my personal journey of realizing that most of the rules we live by weren’t even written by us. Somewhere along the way, we absorbed them — from family, society, or fear — and called it normal. But here’s the truth: you get to write your own rulebook.
In this episode, I’ll challenge you to look at what beliefs you’ve been carrying that don’t actually serve the life you want. We’ll talk about how to recognize them, release them, and replace them with new standards that feel like you.
💭 Reflection prompt: Identify one inherited belief or “rule” in your life that no longer feels right—and decide what it would look like if you rewrote it on your own terms?
It’s time to stop living by someone else’s blueprint. Let’s unlearn, realign, and build a life that fits.
🎧 Tune in now — your freedom might start right here.
 
00:46 Unlearning the Rules
03:25 Diversity and Perspective Shifts
06:52 Money Mindset Transformation
10:54 Questioning Assumptions and Self-Growth
17:06 Personal Life and Relationships
22:58 Conclusion and Prompt
 
 
Mentioned in this episode:
You're Allowed to Want More - and Here's Why | Ep 101
https://youtu.be/JcbHdC2O3gY
 
Says F*cking Who Gear:
https://homesweetdefiance.com/products/says-who-womens-short-sleeve-t-shirt?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=d3a92bbd8&pr_rec_pid=7203248046142&pr_ref_pid=7203257778238&pr_seq=uniform
 
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
www.operationbe.com
#operationbe #bethechange #intentionalliving #invisibleillness #polyvagaltheory #partswork #operationdo #getshitdone #healingjourney #unbusy #slowdown #awareness #youfirst #selfawareness #chronicillness #hyperproductive #breaktherules

You’re Allowed to Want More — Here’s Why | Ep 101

Welcome back to Operation Be! Today, we’re talking about something that’s been a massive theme in my own journey — believing in more. ✨
In this episode, I open up about the pivotal moments that taught me how powerful it is to see beyond your current reality and choose a possibility mindset. We’ll talk about breaking free from limits, valuing purpose over money, and how to design a life that actually feels like yours — not just one that looks good on paper.
Here’s the thing: real change doesn’t start with action — it starts with clarity. When you know what you crave and why you crave it, your choices become aligned, intentional, and magnetic.
As you listen, I want you to reflect on these two questions: 1️⃣ Identify one area in your life where you crave more. 2️⃣ Get really, really clear on why you crave more.
That’s where your next chapter begins. 💭
🎧 Tune in now — this episode will inspire you to believe bigger, think deeper, and move closer to the life you’re meant to live.
 
00:27 A Rejuvenating Realization
02:21 The Possibility Mindset
04:57 Journey Through Career Transitions
17:13 The Importance of Clarity
19:13 Action Steps for a Fulfilling Life
22:07 Conclusion and Next Steps
 
Mentioned in this episode:
“Wild One”  by Faith Hill 🎵
https://music.apple.com/us/album/wild-one/264602889?i=264604056
 
Dan Young
https://www.instagram.com/dansmillionairecode/
 
Email me!
me@jamiethurber.com
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
www.operationbe.com
 

Growth, Healing, & Returning to Self | Ep 100 with Kathryn Tague

100 episodes. Wow. I can hardly believe it. In this very special milestone episode of Operation Be, I sit down with my best friend, Kathryn, to reflect on the evolution — both personally and professionally — that’s brought us here.
We dive into what it really means to live with intention and authenticity, the lessons that come from falling and getting back up again, and how growth often looks nothing like we imagined (but ends up being exactly what we needed).
Kathryn also shares the inspiration behind her new women’s group, Connection to Soul: A Return to Self — a space dedicated to helping women reconnect with who they truly are beneath the noise.
This one’s raw, honest, and full of heart. It’s a celebration of how far we’ve come and a reminder that we’re always evolving. 💫
Tune in and grow with us — it’s only up from here. 🎧
 
00:25 Celebrating 100 Episodes
02:14 Navigating Multiple Roles and Businesses
04:42 The Struggle with Niching Down
08:23 Embracing Authenticity in Business
12:05 Challenging Conventional Wisdom
14:12 The Importance of Support and Adaptability
16:45 The Evolution of Content and Authenticity
21:18 Overcoming Self-Abandonment and Finding Freedom
28:25 Integrity and Personal Growth
33:18 The Birth of 'Connection to Soul'
40:36 Rediscovering Self and Simplifying Life
43:06 The Transition from Operation Do to Operation BE
48:56 Reflections and Future Conversations
 
 
Connect with Kathryn:
https://go.connectiontosoul.com/optin
https://www.influencedigitalmedia.com/
https://www.facebook.com/kat.tague
https://www.instagram.com/kat_tague/
 
 
Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode and tag us with @jamie.thurber on Instagram or Jamie Thurber on Facebook. #OperationBe
 
Want to connect with me on social media?
www.instagram.com/jamie.thurber
www.facebook.com/jamiethurber.biz
www.jamiethurber.com 
https://www.youtube.com/@JamieThurber
 
If you’re interested in getting the exclusive content I put out on the newsletter, sign up here:
https://jamiethurber.com/newsletter
 
Join my community and let’s take this conversation even deeper! Operation Be: The Podcast is where I teach personalized lessons on intentional living & creating a lifestyle by design.
https://operationbe.com
 
#operationbe #bethechange #intentionalliving #invisibleillness #polyvagaltheory #partswork #operationdo #getshitdone #healingjourney #unbusy #slowdown #awareness #youfirst #selfawareness #chronicillness #healfromwithin #wellnessjourney