Here For All of It Podcast
Here For All of It is a podcast hosted by leadership expert Tracy Spears and Chef Shannon Smith. Each episode blends candid conversation with cocktail-making and recipes from Shannon's kitchen. Together they explore themes like reinventing yourself after 60, embracing love in unexpected places, and living fully at any age. The tone is funny, vulnerable, and always real.
Episodes
Episode 51: The Questions You've Been Dying to Ask
This week on Here For All Of It, we're answering your questions and getting into everything from our relationship and daily routines to marriage, love, and what we hope life looks like five years from now. We're talking about the hardest parts of transitioning from relationships with men to being together, how our understanding of love has changed with age, and what still gives us butterflies. Plu
Episode 50: Are You a Satisficer or a Maximizer?
Are you a satisficer or a maximizer? This week on Here For All Of It, we're breaking down two very different ways of making decisions. Shannon is a satisficer: make a good choice and move on. Tracy is a maximizer: research, compare, question, and make sure it's the absolute best choice. We dig into where those tendencies come from, including how Tracy's childhood shaped her need to anticipate outc
Episode 49: Whatever You're Not Changing, You're Choosing.
Whatever you're not changing, you're choosing. This week on Here For All Of It, we're talking about what that really means, especially in relationships. From cooking smells and competitive driving to laundry, TV routines, home repairs, and an obsession with water damage, we're sharing the quirks we've learned to adjust to and even appreciate in each other. We also get into how our past experiences
Episode 48: What We'd Tell Our 25-Year-Old Selves
If you could sit down with your 25-year-old self, what would you tell them? This week on Here For All Of It, we're looking back at who we were at 25 and how much has changed now that we're 61. We're talking about what we thought "old" looked like, how we defined success, our biggest insecurities, and why some of our greatest confidence didn't come until our 50s. We get into what we tolerated then
Episode 47: What Does Courage Actually Look Like?
What does it actually mean to be courageous? This week on Here For All Of It, we're talking about courage, inspired by one of our favorite leadership books, Dare to Lead. We're breaking down the difference between bravery and courage, and why courage often looks a lot less dramatic than you think. We get into the moments that have required the most courage in our own lives, from moving in together
Episode 46: What Makes You Feel Loved?
This week on Here For All Of It, we're talking about love languages, and why the way you give love isn't always the way you want to receive it. We break down the five love languages, rank our own, and talk about how they've changed over the years. You'll never believe Tracy & Shannon have the same love language. What do you think it is? Plus, Tracy is deep in preparation for a brand-new Trailer Pa
Episode 45: Opinions We'll Stand By
What do restaurant birthday songs, college sports, fine china, shelter dogs, and political ads have in common? We have some thoughts. This week on Here For All Of It, we're getting into the things we believe, the things we question, and a few opinions we're not afraid to stand behind. We talk about marriage, the pressure to have life figured out when you're young, taking a gap year, studying abroa
Episode 43: Everything We Loved About Back-to-School
This week, we're taking a trip back to school! From crossing guard badges and almost getting into schoolyard fights to brand-new shoes, lunch boxes, and the unmistakable smell of fresh pencils, we're reminiscing about the little things that made heading back to class so memorable. We laugh about layaway shopping, homemade clothes, decorating book covers, frozen bologna sandwiches, and the exciteme
Episode 42: Best Staycation Ever
What happens when you accidentally get a staycation? You make the most of it. This week, we're sharing how coming home from New York a little earlier than planned turned into one of our favorite weekends. We explored Tulsa like tourists, spent quality time with Tracy's dad, tackled projects we've been putting off, and found joy in slowing down without ever leaving home. We also talk about why eve
Episode 41: You Asked. We Answered.
You asked, we answered! This week, we're diving into your bestie questions. From relationship rules and dream home details to future travel, favorite wines, and why we still don't have a pet, we're covering it all. We also share the advice we'd give the next generation, what has made our relationship stronger, and a few stories that might surprise you. Thanks for always asking such thoughtful (
Episode 40: Our Next Chapter
We're backkkkk, and this week, we're sharing one of the biggest updates in our lives... we're moving in together! From selling our homes to buying our dream home together, this next chapter has been full of excitement, nostalgia, and lots of boxes. We talk about why we never thought we'd leave our previous homes, what it's been like combining two lives under one roof, and our plans to renovate and
Episode 39: All Things Tracy Part 2 RERUN
You've been asking for more of Tracy's story, and this episode picks up where we left off. In this episode, Tracy shares more of the experiences that shaped her, from navigating the corporate world and discovering the power of authentic leadership to finding true allies along the way. She also reflects on some of her most personal chapters, including being disowned by her parents, the unexpected
Episode 38: All Things Shannon RERUN
We're revisiting one of our most personal episodes, and this week, the spotlight is on Shannon. She shares the defining moments that shaped her life, from growing up in a strict religious household and overcoming childhood insecurities to navigating divorce, rebuilding her life, and finding the courage to live authentically. Through heartbreak, resilience, and unexpected new beginnings, Shannon's
Episode 37: Best of Tracy RERUN
We're revisiting one of our favorite conversations, and this week, the spotlight is on Tracy. She takes us back to her beginnings in a Tulsa trailer park, where she discovered softball and the opportunities it opened up for her life. Tracy also shares the heart behind Trailer Park University, a book, keynote, and online academy built on the belief that the lessons we learn in childhood continue to
Episode 36: The Moments That Changed Us
What are the moments that changed your life? In this episode, we explore the defining moments that have shaped who we are, inspired by the book The Power of Moments. We reflect on the experiences that didn't seem life-changing at the time but ultimately changed the course of our lives. We share stories of courage, loss, risk, and resilience, from career changes and divorce to family relationships,
Episode 35: The Things We Care Too Much About
What are you a snob about? And what are you a geek about? In this episode, we're exploring the things we care deeply about, from travel and luggage to glassware, hotel rooms, technology, and everyday routines. We talk about the difference between being a "snob"—having a strong preference for one thing above all else—and being a "geek"—having a genuine passion for something. Along the way, we share
Episode 34: Our Love Letter to New York City
In this episode, we're taking you to one of our favorite places in the world: New York City. From our very first trips decades ago to the memories we've made with family and friends along the way, we're sharing the moments that have kept us coming back year after year. We talk about Broadway shows, food tours, shopping, the subway, and some of our favorite spots throughout the city. We also reflec
Episode 33: How People Experience You
What do people say about you when you're not in the room? In this episode, we explore the idea of personal brand, not as a logo or social media presence, but as the way people experience you and what they say about you when you're not in the room. We talk about why personal brand is a choice and how intentionality shapes the way we show up as friends, partners, grandparents, leaders, and business
Episode 32: Why We Struggle to Slow Down
Have you ever sat down to rest and immediately felt guilty? In this episode, we unpack our complicated relationship with busyness and why slowing down can feel so uncomfortable. We explore how childhood experiences, praise for being a hard worker, and the pressure to always be productive can shape the way we view our worth. We share our own experiences with overcommitment, burnout, and the challen
Episode 31: Stories of Resilience
Tracy and Shannon open up about the moments that tested them most and the resilience it took to keep going. From being disowned by family to overcoming bullying, divorce, and personal insecurities, this conversation is about what resilience really means. The episode dives into: • Why resilience is more about flexibility than toughness • How rest can actually be a superpower • The importance of bou
Episode 30: Setting Boundaries Without Guilt
This week, we're talking about boundaries. The kind that protect your peace, your relationships, and your energy. We dive into why saying "yes" when you really want to say "no" eventually leads to resentment, and why so many of us struggle to set clear boundaries at work, at home, and with the people we love most. We share practical ways to say no without guilt, how to communicate boundaries witho
Episode 29: How to Host a Dinner Party Without the Stress
If you've ever felt intimidated by the idea of hosting a dinner party or avoided it altogether, this episode is for you. We're breaking down how to make hosting feel less stressful and much more enjoyable. From planning your menu and creating a simple timeline to the small details that set the tone, we walk through what actually makes a gathering feel special. We share our favorite hosting tips,
Episode 28: Life Lately and Lessons Along the Way
This week, we're catching up on life lately and it's been a full one. From cooking for celebrities to a road trip to Tennessee and a few unexpected moments along the way, we're sharing what's been happening behind the scenes. We also revisit one of our favorite topics: temperaments. Tracy breaks down the four "colors," how they show up in real life, how they communicate, what stresses them out, an
Episode 27: Conversations That Build Connection
Tracy and Shannon are revisiting a practice they used early in their relationship: a stack of conversation starter cards that helped them learn more about each other in a few hours than most people do in months. From childhood memories and fears to habits and preferences, they walk through the kinds of questions that actually build connection and make you feel known. It's honest, a little unexpect
Episode 26: Our Travel Advice
Tracy Spears and Shannon Smith are recording from the beautiful beaches of Turks and Caicos celebrating Tracy's birthday, soaking up the sun, and talking all things travel. They cover everything from resort vs. rental stays to why reviews matter, along with practical tips to make your trips smoother. They share why travel shouldn't be something you put off for "someday." It's about creating memori
Episode 25: Curate Your Personal Ecosystem
Who you surround yourself with matters more than you think. Tracy and Shannon discuss what it really means to curate your personal ecosystem and why it's your responsibility as an adult to choose it intentionally. From truth tellers and cheerleaders to coaches and big thinkers, they walk through the people every strong ecosystem needs (and what happens when the wrong ones take up too much space).
Episode 24: Introverts, Extroverts, and Everything In Between
Are you someone who needs alone time to recharge or do you come alive in a room full of people? This week on Here For All Of It, Tracy and Shannon break down the real differences between introverts and extroverts and why it's not as simple as you think. They talk about how each type processes information, what actually drains or fuels your energy, and why so many of us fall somewhere in the middle
Episode 23: Tracy's Perfect Burger
Tracy and Shannon keep things light and delicious this week as they dive into all things burgers. From childhood memories of backyard grilling and fast-food favorites to a few questionable airport meals, this episode is full of nostalgia, laughs, and a little bit of side-eye. Chef Shannon shares her philosophy on building the perfect burger, from the right meat ratio to simple seasoning and getti
Episode 22: The Stories We Were Told
Where did your self-limiting beliefs come from? In this episode, Tracy and Shannon continue their conversation about confidence by looking back at the messages many of us learned growing up. From "be seen and not heard" to "don't rock the boat" and "what will people think," they unpack the phrases that shape how we show up in the world and why those beliefs often follow us into adulthood. Tracy an
Episode 21: Showing Up With Confidence
Tracy and Shannon dive into what it really takes to grow confidence at any stage of life. Fresh off Tracy's keynote at a women's conference, they talk about why so many of us struggle with self-doubt, the difference between taking responsibility and blaming yourself, and how the people around you can either build your confidence or quietly chip away at it. They share practical advice on speaking
Episode 20: Answering Your Questions
Tracy and Shannon dive into a stack of questions submitted by some of our besties at the recent live show in Tulsa and nothing was off limits. From past relationships and the realities of Tracy's speaking career to the biggest misconceptions about their relationship and the hardest adjustments they've faced, this episode gets honest. Shannon shares what stretched her most. Tracy reveals a surpris
Episode 19: The 50s Hit Different
In our 50s, we both were dealing with the loss of our mothers. We both had major surgeries. We both went to therapy. And we both made life-altering decisions. Tracy was fired after 29 years, went through a divorce, and had to decide who she wanted to be next. Shannon quietly started therapy, asked for a divorce, traveled alone, and began building a completely new life. We talk about grief, reinven
Episode 18: Temperaments & Squabbles: How To Fight Without Burning the House Down
In this episode, Tracy and Shannon talk about temperaments—how they're wired differently, how that wiring shows up when tension hits, and why they've stopped calling it "fighting" and started calling it what it really is: squabbling. They unpack how past experiences, insecurities, and nervous systems collide, what actually causes conflict, and how learning each other's temperament has helped them
Episode 17: Later in Life Love
In this Valentine's Day episode, Tracy and Shannon reflect on how love has evolved over time and why it feels different now. From childhood Valentine's boxes, Love's Baby Soft perfume, and school carnations to Valentine's brunch at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, they revisit the memories that once shaped their view of love. They share what Valentine's Day looks like today: quiet dinners at hom
Episode 16: Our 40s: The Decade That Surprised Us
Tracy and Shannon reflect on their 40s: a decade marked by freedom, reinvention, and finally feeling at home in themselves. For Tracy, her 40s brought independence, slowing down, skydiving at 41, buying a cabin, learning to say no, and ending the decade feeling secure for the first time. Shannon shares how her 40s reshaped her through marriage, parenthood, becoming an athlete, solo international t
Episode 15: Figuring Out How to Be an Adult in Our 30s
Tracy and Shannon reflect on a decade that shaped them in very different ways. Tracy opens up about identity, instability, and the life-altering discovery that shattered her sense of family, while finding grounding through her career. Shannon shares what it meant to "adult hard" as a pregnant 30-year-old, breadwinner, and eventual single mom navigating burnout, shame, and a stress-induced breakdow
Episode 14: Surviving Our 20s
Tracy and Shannon move into their 20s, reflecting on the years right after college as a season of survival, uncertainty, and hard-earned lessons. Tracy shares what it was like navigating loneliness, money, and identity while redefining success on her own terms. Shannon opens up about her toughest decade, from studying abroad to marriage, financial strain, and carrying it all quietly. In the kitche
Episode 13: The College Years
Tracy and Shannon continue their walk through life, moving from high school into college in the 1980s. They share stories about growing up fast, navigating strict college rules, playing sports on scholarship, working multiple jobs, and learning independence the hard way. The conversation also gets real about body image and body shaming in college, from daily weigh-ins for athletes to harsh comment
Episode 12: Let's Talk Goals
Tracy and Shannon sit down to talk about goal setting, New Year's resolutions, and how to approach the next year with more intention and less pressure. Tracy shares why she's an avid goal setter and why reframing goals around what you want to start doing, instead of what you want to stop, can change everything. They dig into how the brain actually works when it comes to goals, why focusing on what
Episode 11: Christmas at the Cabin
Tracy and Shannon are settled in at the cabin for a Christmas-themed episode full of stories and laughs. They reminisce about growing up, including Tracy's unforgettable anchors-for-Christmas story, their favorite gifts from childhood, and the family traditions that still stick today. In the kitchen, Chef Shannon is elevating a classic: pigs in a blanket, perfect for any festive gathering, while T
Episode 10: Revisiting the High School Days
If you know Tracy, you know one episode wasn't enough to cover her childhood stories. This week, we're picking up where we left off and heading into the high school years. Tracy and Shannon reminisce about dragging Main, hangouts at the mall, and the days when Tracy was all about sports while Shannon found her groove in home economics. Chef Shannon shares a longtime family favorite called Mystery
Episode 9: Back to Elementary School
Tracy and Shannon are heading back to their elementary school and junior high days. They're sharing the stories that stuck with them, like banging chalkboard erasers together, the chaos of picture day, perms, and the early traits that still show up in who they are today. Let us know if you relate! In the kitchen, Chef Shannon makes Tracy a pot roast (if you know, you know) and Tracy mixes up Black
Episode 8: Thanksgiving, Then & Now
Happy Thanksgiving! Tracy and Shannon are in the kitchen this week talking about holiday traditions and that awkward Thanksgiving last year when Shannon was quietly trying to figure out if she liked Tracy as more than a friend. Spoiler: she did. Now, a year later, they're looking back on how much they've grown as a couple. Tracy mixes up a Chocolate Negroni, Shannon bakes Ina Garten's Bourbon Choc
Episode 7: All Things Tracy Part 2
We heard you loud and clear! We're back with Part 2 of All Things Tracy and we're filling in the rest of the story. Tracy opens up about some of the most defining chapters of her life: being disowned by her parents and how that relationship eventually found its way back, navigating the corporate world, discovering true allies, her previous marriage, and the experiences that built the leader (and h
Episode 6: Coming to You From Singapore
This one comes to you all the way from Singapore. Tracy and Shannon dive into their completely different approaches to travel: Shannon thrives on adventure and doesn't think twice about checking a bag, while Tracy prefers to play it safe and live the carry-on life. Along the way, Shannon shares unforgettable stories from food tours around the world and explains why she believes they're one of the
Episode 5: All Things Tracy
This week, the spotlight is on Tracy. She takes us back to her beginnings in a Tulsa trailer park, where she discovered softball and the opportunities it would open up for her life. Tracy also shares an inside look at her latest project, Trailer Park University, a book, keynote, and online academy built on the belief that the lessons we learn in childhood stay with us and shape the people we becom
Episode 4: All Things Shannon
Today the spotlight is on Shannon. Tracy turns the tables and interviews her on the fly, diving into Shannon's unique story. From her strict religious upbringing and experiences with bullying, to her past marriages to men, and her family's reaction to her relationship with Tracy, Shannon shares pieces of her journey with honesty and humor. You'll also learn some fun facts about Shannon you may not
Episode 3: The Confession
Shannon shares the story of confessing her love to Tracy and the struggles she faced coming from a deeply religious home with plenty of concerns from family and friends. Meanwhile, Tracy was busy convincing herself they'd stay "just friends." Plus, they reveal the story behind the name of this podcast. It's honest, vulnerable, and full of the twists that make their love story unforgettable. Chef S
Episode 2: Let's Go Back to the Beginning
Shannon gets candid about stepping into her first relationship with a woman, from her naïve expectations (including what she thought a "lesbian house" would look like) to the cringe-worthy details of their first kiss. She also opens up about the weight of her decision to love boldly and authentically. And of course, there's food and cocktails! Chef Shannon is making coffee-crusted salmon while Tra
Introducing: Here For All Of It
Welcome to the very first episode of Here For All Of It! Tracy Spears and Chef Shannon Smith kick things off by going back to where it all began—the story of how they met. They share the real details, the emotions they felt in the moment, along with a few never-before-heard details. And because no episode with Chef Shannon is complete without food, she whips up her famous Dukkah salad (with a ste
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