The Sunne Podcast

Gratitude Series: Part 4- Wrapping Up Gratitude- Stories, Lessons, and Everyday Joy

In this final episode of our Gratitude Series, Mer and I take a moment to reflect on how gratitude has shown up in our lives recently. We dive into the ways we’ve found gratitude in unexpected places—from personal routines to bursts of creative inspiration—and share how these moments have shaped us. This casual, heartfelt conversation is full of personal stories, life lessons, and insights into maintaining a gratitude mindset.
We also explore how gratitude helps us uncover the hidden blessings in our lives, revealing the gifts we might otherwise overlook. Whether it’s appreciating the beauty of a morning ritual or finding resilience in life’s challenges, gratitude has a way of helping us see the small yet powerful moments that make all the difference.
This episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and embrace gratitude in your own journey. Together, let’s discover how gratitude can guide us toward joy, resilience, and deeper connections.

Gratitude Series: Part 3- Cultivating Deeper Connections Through Appreciation

Welcome back to Find Your Sunne, where we guide you to find the light within. In this episode, we’re diving into the incredible benefits of gratitude and how it can transform our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. We’ve explored gratitude myths, barriers, and what it means to truly feel grateful in previous episodes—if you missed those, definitely catch up! Today, we unpack the science behind gratitude and why it’s more than just a feel-good practice. Studies show that gratitude can reduce stress, improve our resilience, and even boost our physical health. It also strengthens our relationships, becoming the “emotional putty” that fills in life’s cracks and deepens our connections with others. We also touch on “gratitude fatigue” and share tips on keeping gratitude fresh and meaningful. Tune in for practical exercises, inspiring research from Dr. Robert Emmons, and our favorite gratitude stories. Embrace the ripple effect of gratitude and see how it can bring more joy, patience, and strength to your life and those around you. Thank you for joining us on this journey to find your Sunne!

Gratitude Series: Part 2- Why Gratitude can Feel Hard & How to Overcome

In this second part of our Gratitude Series, we dive into the real reasons why practicing gratitude can feel so hard and share actionable ways to overcome those challenges. When Mer first mentioned we'd be doing a podcast on gratitude, I thought I had it all figured out—turns out, there’s a lot more to it than just feeling good! We explore how our brains are wired for negativity, how society and social media reinforce the cycle of comparison, and the myths that hold us back from embracing gratitude in a deeper way.
Join us as we break down why practicing gratitude takes effort and share tips to help rewire our brains, avoid the comparison trap, and cultivate a grateful mindset that can actually change our lives.
00:14 - 01:10 – Why Gratitude Can Be HardWe reflect on how most of us have practiced gratitude before, but dive into the reality that gratitude is more than just a feel-good idea—there’s so much more beneath the surface.
01:10 - 02:32 – Negativity BiasOur brains naturally hold onto negative experiences, which helped our ancestors survive, but today, it makes gratitude feel like an uphill battle.
02:32 - 04:03 – Societal and Cultural InfluencesWe talk about how modern-day influences—like advertisements and societal pressures—make us feel like we're not enough, feeding into a habit of wanting and comparison.
04:03 - 10:00 – Social Media and Comparison TrapSocial media amplifies our comparisons with others, but we explore how to take control of our feeds by curating content that uplifts and empowers us. We also discuss how to protect our children from the same traps.
10:00 - 12:28 – Downward ComparisonWe introduce the idea of "downward comparison"—looking at how far we’ve come compared to our ancestors and appreciating the modern comforts we have, like electricity, medicine, and more.
12:28 - 15:06 – Gratitude and Childlike WonderGratitude sharpens our senses and helps us regain a childlike wonder for the world around us. We discuss how gratitude opens our eyes to the magic in everyday life.
15:06 - 18:02 – Rewiring Our Brains for GratitudeWe explain how neuroplasticity allows us to rewire our brains by consistently practicing gratitude, making it easier to bounce back from hardships.
18:02 - 19:50 – Interdependence Thought ExerciseWe guide you through an exercise that highlights how interconnected we all are and how much of our daily comfort is owed to the work of others.
19:50 - 22:28 – Myths About GratitudeWe debunk common myths, such as the idea that gratitude makes us complacent or that it’s just naive positive thinking. Studies actually show that gratitude helps us reach our goals and build resilience.
22:28 - 24:31 – Using Gratitude to Build ResilienceCassie shares how shifting her mindset toward gratitude has helped her deal with the daily grind, and we discuss how gratitude can turn even mundane tasks into moments of joy.
24:31 - 26:31 – Gratitude ChallengeWe leave you with a challenge: take a moment to appreciate the things and people in your life that you might be taking for granted. Plus, we offer practical tips on how to cultivate gratitude every day.

Gratitude Series: Part 1-- Feeling Gratitude and Expressing Appreciation

Welcome to part one of our gratitude series on Find Your Sunne! In this episode, we (Cass and Mer) reflect on how life’s storms—both literal and metaphorical—can turn into powerful opportunities for gratitude. After experiencing the recent hurricane Milton, we found ourselves taking a step back and recognizing how fortunate we were, which inspired us to dive deeper into the practice of gratitude.
We start by discussing the difference between gratitude and appreciation—gratitude is an internal feeling, while appreciation is how we express it through action. Throughout this episode, we share personal stories of expressing appreciation for one another and even get into how gratitude has strengthened our friendship.
You’ll hear us talk about how expressing gratitude can physically improve our well-being, including boosting our immune system, improving sleep, and even rewiring our brains to shift away from negativity. We also explore the impact gratitude can have on our relationships, explaining how appreciation can build stronger emotional foundations and how positive emotions can broaden our perspectives.
We’re so grateful for our listeners, and we appreciate you being a part of this journey. Stick around until the end, where we share a simple gratitude practice you can try with your loved ones to bring a little more light into your day.
Let’s keep finding our Sunne together!

Finding Light in the Aftermath of Destruction

Hi everyone! It’s Cass here. In today’s episode of "Find Your Sunne," Meredith and I dive deep into the heart of resilience and recovery, reflecting on the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, NC, Elizabethton, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas. This episode is incredibly special as we explore how adversity can illuminate the strength of community and the unexpected light that often follows moments of darkness.
Join us as we share personal stories and experiences from those directly affected, discuss the power of community support, and consider how each of us can contribute to recovery efforts. We also reflect on how natural disasters reshape our understanding of home and hope. It’s a heartfelt journey into finding light in the aftermath of destruction, and we invite you to discover your own Sunne along with us.
Stay tuned as we navigate these emotional waters together, and remember, even in the darkest times, there's always a spark of light waiting to be found. Let’s find it together.Relief for Asheville here.Relief for Tennessee here.

Discovering Clarity in Stillness

Ep. #5 In this episode, we explore the deep and beautiful paradox of finding stillness within movement. We dive into how maintaining a balance of activity and calm not only enhances our physical health but grounds us mentally and emotionally. We share personal anecdotes and strategies on integrating mindful practices into daily routines, helping you find that serene space where you can stand still in a moving world. Join us as we discuss ways to embrace both the still and the dynamic moments of life, ensuring that wherever you are is a place of growth and comfort.
Leave us a message here!
Find us on Instagram here!
 

Flexibility in a World of Uncertainty

Hey Sunseekers! 🌞 In this week's episode, "Flexibility in a World of Uncertainty," we’re diving deep into a topic that's been on our hearts for a while—how do we stay adaptable when the world feels so unpredictable? From personal challenges to bigger fears like school safety, we explore how to navigate these moments with resilience and grace. 
In this episode, we share a personal story about how fear crept in when a school threat reached one of our kids, and the rush of emotions that followed. It's a raw and candid look at how we handle the heaviness of modern parenting while also trying to remain flexible and grounded. We don't have all the answers, but we do know that life will always throw curveballs, and it’s up to us to learn how to bend without breaking.
We also talk about using play to help ease the stress of parenting, like turning a potential meltdown at a restaurant into a fun, playful moment. It's a reminder that even in tough times, play can be a powerful tool for connection and calming those chaotic moments.
So, how do we build flexibility? It’s like a muscle—we need to practice it regularly, whether it’s dealing with our biggest fears or the daily grind. Join us as we explore these ideas and hopefully help you find your own flow in a world of uncertainty.
Tune in now, and let’s keep finding our sun together! 🌞
 

Choose to Play

Hey Sunseekers! In this episode, we’re diving into something super close to our hearts—the power of play and why it’s so much more than just a luxury. After celebrating my 30th birthday with an unforgettable girls' trip, Mer and I are reflecting on how play keeps us joyful, connected, and feeling alive.
We’ll share some of our personal stories from the weekend—think hiking up mountains, dancing at concerts, and finding magic in unexpected moments. Plus, we’re giving you some fun and practical ways to bring more play into your everyday life, even in the middle of doing laundry or cleaning the house!
Play is a choice we can make every day, and it’s a total game-changer for our mental health, confidence, and just staying young at heart. So, if you’re ready to add more joy and fun into your routine, join us for this episode and let’s find our Sunne together!

Play is ESSENTIAL for EVERYONE

Welcome to "Find Your Sunne," where we dive deep into the joy of play and its crucial role in adult life. In this episode, we explore how integrating play into our daily routines can significantly enhance our mental and physical well-being. We share personal anecdotes and practical tips for weaving playfulness into the hustle and bustle of adult responsibilities. From birthday parties to beach outings, and even turning chores into playful moments, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that play isn't just for kids—it's essential for everyone. Join us as we discuss how to reclaim and integrate play into your everyday life, making each moment more joyful and vibrant. Don't miss this uplifting journey into rediscovering your playful spirit and how it can transform your approach to daily challenges.

Sunne Beginnings- Our Take on Holistic Wellbeing & Journey into Swimwear

Join hosts Cass and Mer on "Find Your Sunne," where they share their transformation from wellness advocates to swimwear entrepreneurs, blending joy, community, and play. Dive into their first episode as they introduce their new venture designed for active women who cherish functionality and style. Discover more and engage with their journey here.