THE JOURNAL COACHING PODCAST
The Journal Coaching Podcast teaches aspiring writers and journaling practitioners how to use journaling as an intentional self-coaching tool. It aims to help listeners deepen their impact in their lives and creative work. The show is hosted by Nicole Annette, M.Ed. Episodes focus on practical journaling techniques for personal growth and creative development.
Episodes
Ep #62: The Philosophy of Journal Coaching: How & Why it Works
Episode 62: The Philosophy Behind Journal Coaching — How Intentional Writing Creates Real ChangeIn this episode of The Journal Coaching Podcast, we go deeper into the foundation of journal coaching and answer the question: why does this practice actually work?This is not about surface-level journaling or emotional release. This is about intentional writing as a tool for self-awareness, personal gr
Ep #61: Why Your Journaling Isn’t Working (And How to Make It More Effective)
If journaling feels repetitive or unhelpful, the issue may not be the habit—it may be the lack of purpose. Here’s how to bring clarity, intention, and direction to your writing practice.CONNECT: Instagram @thejournalcoachingcoWebsite-www.letswriteforachange.com
Ep #60: The Role of the Journal Coach
Welcome back.Today we’re starting at the very beginning, because before we can teach journal coaching, before we can use it responsibly with clients, we have to be clear about what it actually is… and what it is not.Journal coaching didn’t come into existence because journaling was broken. It emerged because journaling was being asked to carry more weight than it was designed to hold—without the s
Ep #59: The Discipline of Inner Honesty on The Page
The Discipline of Inner Honesty: How Journaling Builds Self-Trust, Emotional Clarity, and Authentic LeadershipIn this episode, Nicole Annette explores The Discipline of Inner Honesty-the quiet, courageous work of telling yourself the truth."Most people don’t lie to others first. They lie to themselves."Through grounded storytelling and the practice of intentional journaling, Nicole unpacks what it
Ep #58: Why Writing More Doesn’t Always Bring Clarity: How to Journal with Intention
Have you ever filled a notebook and still felt foggy in your mind?That’s because writing more doesn’t always mean you’re seeing more.In today's conversation, let's talk about 3 ways you can move from emotional release to actual insight.If you want to go deeper and journal with more clarity so you can make shifts in your life-enroll in the next "SEE YOURSELF CLEARLY" 2-Day Workshop: Click the link
Ep #57: Journaling as a Portal (How I Lost 27lbs)
What if your journal isn’t just a notebook, but a portal? A doorway that helps you see life differently. In today’s episode, I want to share a personal story about how journaling with intention didn’t just give me clarity-it led me into prayer, fasting, and ultimately a 27-pound weight loss.More than that, it gave me spiritual, mental, and emotional strength in one of the hardest seasons of my lif
Ep #56: (WFB P5) How to Feel Better- Regulating Emotions Through Intentional Writing
Listen, Stop trying to fix your feelings.
You’re allowed to feel what you feel.
You’re allowed to write about it without a filter.
You’re allowed to NOT have it all figured out.
In this episode, we're discussing how we can "feel better" without suppressing, ignoring, or numbing what we feel.
YOU WILL LEARN:
1. How journaling actually creates emotional clarity and resilience
2. Specific techniq
Ep #55: (WFB P4)-How to Think Better Thoughts (3 Reframing Techniques)
Today, we’re going to talk about using your journal as a coaching tool to think better—to break free from negative thought patterns, develop healthier mindsets, and shift those recurring narratives that keep you stuck.
..
In this episode, we’ll cover:
The importance of thought awareness: How to become conscious of the recurring narratives in your mind
The power of reframing: Shifting those limi
Ep #54: (WFB P3) The 5-Step Practice for Noticing, Tracking & Shifting Imbalance
In this training, I'm going to walk you through how to use journaling—not just to vent, but to spot patterns, make sense of what’s going on inside you, and start shifting things from reactive to intentional.
YOU WILL LEARN:
▪️Why imbalance matters (and what it’s actually costing you)
▪️The common signs to look for in your mind, emotions, and life
▪️How to use a step-by-step journaling practic
Ep #53: Writing for Balance P2: The Mind-Emotion-Choice Connection & Why It Matters
Hi friend. If you want to start feeling more in control of your life instead of just reacting to everything, this episode is for you.
Here’s the deal—your thoughts, emotions, and choices are all connected. But most of us don’t even realize how much one affects the other. We think, Oh, I just feel this way because I had a bad day or I made that choice because I didn’t have any other options. But w
Ep #52: Writing for Balance P1: Why We Live Imbalanced Lives (+ Writing Prompts)
You ever feel like you’re just going through the motions? Like you wake up, do the things, get through the day, but you’re not really present in any of it? Maybe your mind is constantly racing, or your emotions feel all over the place, or you keep making choices that don’t really align with what you actually want.
That’s what we’re diving into today—why we feel so disconnected, how that imbalance
Ep #51: How to Use Your Journal as a Holistic Tool for Wellness
Did you know that your journal isn’t JUST a container for your reflections? It’s also a tool for transformation. It bridges the gap between capturing your experiences and using them to align your mind, body, and spirit. Through journaling, you can cultivate balance, extract insights, and create meaningful shifts in your overall well-being.
How? In this episode, we're learning how to extract insig
Ep #50: The Quiet Crisis: Why We're Disconnected From Our Lives
I don't know if you've noticed, but there’s this phenomenon happening to so many of us, and it’s hard to even put into words. It’s not loud or obvious. It doesn’t feel like a meltdown or some huge dramatic event. It’s quieter than that. It’s this feeling that you’re not fully IN your life, like you’re on autopilot. You’re getting stuff done, going through the motions, but there’s this distance-bet
Ep #49: The Top 3 Elements for a Consistent Writing Practice
Journaling is most effective when it’s built on three essential elements.
Together, these three elements create a framework that transforms journaling from a casual or reactive habit into a powerful tool for growth and change.
If you ever struggled with journaling long-term or if you ever said, "journaling doesn't work for me," this 3-step framework may be the catalyst to you picking up the pen
Ep #48: How I Journal to Transform my Inner Critic
Most of us have an inner critic—a voice that seems to show up at the worst times, pointing out mistakes and magnifying flaws. It can leave us feeling defeated, frustrated, and stuck. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to let that voice run the show.
Writing can help you turn down the volume on your inner critic and replace it with something kinder, more supportive. Listen in to learn how.
Ep #47: 5 Common Thought Patterns to Watch for in Journaling
Have you ever felt like your mind is stuck on repeat, replaying the same worries or frustrations over and over?
Here’s the truth: it’s not just the thoughts themselves holding you back—it’s the patterns behind them. Those thought loops keep you stuck, but they don’t have to.
Journaling can help you break free, but it takes more than just putting your thoughts on paper. It’s about recognizing the
Ep #46: Why Writing is the Key to Shifting Your Thoughts and Stories
Our thoughts are stories. And stories are flexible. They’re meant to be rewritten. But you can’t rewrite a story you’re not even aware of. That’s why writing is so powerful. It takes what’s invisible—what’s buried deep inside—and makes it visible.
In this conversation we're talking about the power of the written word. We'll discuss why writing by hand fosters a deeper reflection practice and how
Ep #45: Living a Life by Design: 5 Ways Journaling Helps You Take Control
You were created to live a life by design-a life that’s aligned with who you are, what you value, and where you want to go.
You don’t have to settle for living by default. You have the power to design a life you love, one choice at a time. And the beauty of it? Journaling can help you do just that.
Let’s talk about how journaling can help you stop floating aimlessly, and become more proactive in
Ep #44: Grief & Writing P7-Choosing Gratitude
How can we find gratitude when our hearts feel broken?
When we’re grieving, it’s easy to feel as if the world has stopped. Things that once felt important fade into the background, and it may be difficult to see anything but the loss.
Gratitude, shifts our perspective. It helps us remember that while something precious is gone, not EVERYTHING is gone. There are still things and people in our liv
Ep #43: Grief & Writing P6-Intentional Rebuilding
How do you rebuild your life when it feels like the foundation has shifted beneath you?
This is the question we're exploring together in this conversation.
Rebuilding your life after loss is a journey, one that requires patience, courage, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. By setting intentions, taking small steps, and imagining a future where grief is a companion rather than a burden, yo
Ep #42: Grief & Writing P5-Growing Through Pain
Finding purpose within grief is a journey, one that requires patience, openness, and a willingness to see things differently. It’s not about minimizing the pain or pretending that everything happens for a reason. It’s about recognizing that even in the midst of loss, there’s a part of you that longs to grow, to create meaning from what you’ve been through
In this conversation, let's discuss how w
Ep #41: Grief & Writing P4-Grief Emotions
Understanding the emotions that show up with grief is one of the most confusing yet essential parts of the healing process. But how do you make sense of something that feels so unpredictable?
That's what today's conversation is all about. In this episode I want to discuss:
-How to Define the Spectrum of Grief Emotions
-ThoughtWork Practice: How to Label Emotions Without Judgment
-Writing Exercis
Ep #40: Grief & Writing P3-Acceptance
As we navigate the grief journey, how do we move from the shock of what’s missing to fully acknowledging what has changed?
In today's conversation let's unpack this question and discuss how writing can help us not only recognize, but begin to accept the reality of loss.
I hope this resonates with you in some way. Take what you need, and take good care.
Support The Journal Coaching Podcast:
Rat
Ep #39: Grief & Writing P2-The Intersection of Grief, Self-Reflection, and Journaling
When grief feels like an endless, overwhelming ocean, journaling creates a place where you can put down your anchor. It’s a way to carve out space for yourself in the storm, even if that space is just the few inches of a page.
You don’t need to be a writer to make this work for you—what matters is showing up with your thoughts, no matter how tangled they feel.
In this conversation, let’s talk a
Ep #38: Grief & Writing P1-Thinking Through Tragedy-Hurrican Helene Reflections
How do you make sense of life when everything you know is turned upside down?
Living through the devastation of Hurricane Helene while navigating the loss of my Father-in-law has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. In an instant, everything changed—not just for me, but for my neighbors, my friends, and my community...and so we have two choices-to give in to hopelessness and des
Ep #37: Dig Deeper-7 Ways to Avoid Surface-Level Writing
Have you ever felt like your writing is stuck on the surface, like you're not really digging into the stuff that matters most?
In this episode, I'm sharing 7 ways you can avoid surface-level writing and get to the heart of what’s really going on in your thoughts and emotions. I’ll walk you through a few simple but powerful techniques that will help you move beyond just scratching the surfa
Ep #36: What is Journal Coaching?
Journaling is something many people turn to when they need to clear their heads, reflect on life, or just capture their thoughts and feelings on paper. It's a familiar practice, one that's been around for ages, and it serves as a personal outlet for self-expression and growth.
But while traditional journaling is a great way to get in touch with yourself, there's another approach that takes things
Ep #35: Knowing Ourselves More Fully
Imagine what it would be like to let go of the pressure to be perfect, to stop trying to control everything, and to release the need for external validation. Imagine living in a way that is fully aligned with your values, where you choose calm over chaos, purpose over pressure, and authenticity over approval. This is the freedom that comes from knowing yourself more fully...
In this conversation,
Ep #34: Reflections on Life, Grief and Heart & Soul Living
How would you show up differently if you only had 3 months to live? That's the question I've been exploring in my own life and that's the conversation I want to have with you today...thanks for listening.
Ep #33: A Journal Coaching Strategy for Navigating Obstacles with Clarity & Perspective (A Workshop)
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a rut, facing the same old problems and obstacles with no end in sight? It's a common experience, but what if I told you there's a simple yet powerful way to break free from this cycle? Enter journaling as a coaching tool—a practice that can help us unveil new angles in obstacles and navigate challenges in our lives with renewed clarity and perspective. Join m
Ep #32: Journaling to Navigate Social Acceptance & Personal Authenticity
How do we strike the balance between being accepted socially as we live in community, while also staying true to ourselves as authentic individuals?
We understand that humans are inherently social beings. We're wired to seek connection and belonging within community. Whether through family, friends, or larger social groups, our need for meaningful relationships is deeply ingrained in our nature.
Ep #31: Journaling: The Art of Personal Dialogue
Journaling is more than jotting down thoughts; it's an art form, a dynamic dialogue that unlocks insights, fosters clarity, and transforms the way we perceive ourselves and the world. In this conversation, let's explore the essence of journaling as a dynamic tool for self-awareness and personal dialogue. Grab your pen and journal. I invite you to join me in this journey of personal introspection a
Ep #30: Being Vulnerable & Leaning In
It's so easy to hide those parts of us that seem uncomfortable or uncomely, but so often the chains that bind us to our narratives become broken through the acts of self-awareness, acknowledgement and self-acceptance. So, I'm here to break the chains, to be honest with myself and perhaps my words will help you give yourself permission to do the same…In this conversation, I'm sharing my journey wit
Ep #29: Mastering Consistency & Purpose in Our Journaling Practice
Hey friend! In this episode, we're debunking the myth that "consistency" means writing everyday. Let's talk about the real definition of consistency, why finding a purpose for your practice is important and 5 ways to integrate a consistent & intentional journaling practice into your daily life. Want to continue the conversation? Reach out and share your thoughts with me on Instagram @thejournalcoa
Ep #28: Finishing Strong (or nah?)
Hey, my friend. I'm glad you're here. We often can feel the pressure of finishing the year out "strong," but what if there's ANOTHER option? Let's chat about it. If you're listening from Spotify, share your thoughts in the comments. Here's Food for Thought. Take what you need & take good care...
Ep #27: I'm Over It: Finding the "right" words and all
Sometimes, you just have to lean into what your soul is calling for and release everything else-I'm so here for this...
Ep #26: 3 Ways to Maintain Your New Perspectives
This is the 3rd and final episode of the Changing Your Perspective Series. In this conversation, we're discussing three ways you can maintain your shifts in perspective. Enjoy!
Ep #25: 5 Simple Ways To Change Your Perspective
Changing your perspective isn’t easy, and for many of us, it isn’t something that comes naturally. The good news is that it’s not terribly difficult once you start to recognize that the way you look at the world may not be to your best advantage. Here are a few ways you can start to change your perspective, and make a difference in your life and in the lives of those you love, care for and serve.
Ep. #24: Change Your Perspective Series P1
Is there something you’ve been struggling with in your life or business? Perhaps you need a simple shift in your perspective for everything to fall into place.
In this short three-part "Change your Perspective" podcast series, I want to walk you through the powerful impact your perspective can have on your life. I hope this will help you find the clarity, energy and peace YOU desire in your life
Ep #23: 6 Ways to Feel Better When You're Feeling Overwhelmed
If you've been feeling very overwhelmed with your life and responsibilities, it can take a toll on your mental health and wellbeing. This feeling often gets worse, even leading
to more anxiety and worsening depression symptoms. Before you let the overwhelm take control of your life, try some of these tips for relaxing and reducing stress.
Ep #22: Workshop-How I Use Journaling to Lay the Groundwork for Change in my Life & Biz
This is the season for cultivating seeds and laying the groundwork for your dreams. Are you longing to create a life that's more meaningful, authentic and just feels better?
As coaches, entrepreneurs, helpers, and therapists, we're constantly in the business of helping people change their lives for the better. But before we can help others effect real change in their lives, we need to first lay th
Ep #21: The Journaling Relationship: 5 Steps: Create an Effective & Sustainable Journaling Practice
Have you ever thought of your journaling practice as a business relationship?
Establishing a new journaling practice may seem like a daunting endeavor, and it CAN be at first. But if you begin slowly with interest and curiosity instead of with pressure and expectation, like any new business relationship, your new journaling practice can yield so many benefits, including deeper connections, greate
Ep #20: Journaling for Self-Love: 7 Benefits of Self-Love
Self-love is one of the most important things we can ever learn to give ourselves. It is essential for our wellbeing and allows us to flourish both mentally and emotionally. In this episode, we will explore 7 benefits of self-love, as well as what self-love actually is. We will also look at some tips for how you can start to cultivate self-love in your own life and finish up with a few inspiring q
Ep #19: Journaling What’s Possible: Before you give up on your dream, listen to this...
The words we speak are powerful. Our words begin in our thoughts and become real through our choices. Becoming aware of our thoughts and our words puts us in control of our lives. Journaling helps us to pause and notice our limiting beliefs and the words that hold us back from our dreams. If you've let your words hold you back from your dreams, this episode's for you. In this episode, you will lea
Ep #18: Journaling Meditation - Writing Through Pain
Journaling Meditations are created to welcome you into an intentional space for writing. You are invited to gather your journal and writing utensils and be here, right now, in this moment.
Included in this journaling meditation, you will hear positive affirmations and reflective prompts regarding pain. Take a moment to grab your journal and your pen, you may want to pause this recording and refl
Ep #17: Watering The Dry Places (Unscripted Thoughts)
Dear beautiful. In this episode, I'm sharing my thoughts about growth. We all love the idea of growth but I'm not sure we truly understand the requirement and cost of that growth. We entered our gardens, we've planted seeds, and now those seeds will begin to grow, but did you know that in order for a seed to produce growth, it first becomes broken? Once we've broken ground, and planted our seed, t
Ep #16: Writing Through Anxiety
Hello my friend. In this episode, I'm sharing my journaling practice for anxiety. Writing down my needs, and my thoughts and feelings are so cathartic for me. The act of writing helps me focus, relax, and create something other than my fear. Emotions are real and normal. I hope you use this journaling practice to move you through your moments of anxiety. Take your time and move through the cycle w
Ep #15: Writing Through COVID-19 Part 1: A Crisis or an Opportunity?
Hey my friend. In this episode I share a little of my story and how I'm processing this season of uncertainty. I'm quietly asking myself all of the important questions to check in with my feelings and emotions. I'm sharing these questions with you and together we can dig deep to find the answers we need to FLOURISH in this season. Let's continue the conversation at www.letswriteforachange.com.
Ep #14: Breaking Ground: Journaling for Transformation
Welcome back my friend.
This is one of my favorite journaling prompts:
What do you want less of in your life? What brings you feelings of stress and overwhelm? What makes you feel frustrated? What's in your life that no longer serves you?
How do you know when something no longer serves you? It creates stress, anxiety, guilt, overwhelm, frustration when you use it, see it, listen to it, watch it, m
Ep #13: FLOURISH Pep Talk-Commune with Yourself
"It’s hard to listen to what our hearts and souls are trying to tell us when there’s no space to let in the things we need to hear.”(Corey Wheeland)
.
Journaling is the space to let in the things we need to hear.
Journaling requires us to be still and to step into the rare moments of quiet we find in our lives.
Have you ever wondered why we're SO "connected" to each other, but yet we CRAVE comm
Ep #12: Facing The Page-What Do I Write?
Have you ever stared blankly at the open page of your journal and asked yourself, "What do I write?" If so, this episode is for you. If you are an avid writer, this may be a refresher for you. If you haven't written for a while, or if your writing practice is inconsistent, this discussion will inspire you to start a conversation with yourself today. Tune in and share with others. Reach out with qu
Ep #11: 6 Ways to Practice Self-Care in the Holiday Season + My Secret Introvert Strategy & Toolbox
Hey my friend! Have you noticed that you change with the seasons? Your winter self isn't the same as your summer self. Your spring self isn't the same as your fall self! For years I assumed that I was the same person all year round but then I discovered that this wasn't true! Your daily experiences, relationships and choices mold you and make you and create you into a new version of yourself eve
Ep #10: Imagine The Possibilities-Breaking the Cycle of Negative Beliefs (Part 2)
Welcome to The Journal Coaching Podcast Ep #10. In this episode we define "Limiting Beliefs" and discover how to break the cycle of a negative mindset. Limiting beliefs are the disempowering thoughts you have about your personal
narrative and how you identify yourself. They are a set of restrictive thoughts that
impose boundaries on your experiences and coerce you into believing that you
are inc
Ep #09: Imagine The Possibilities: Belief (Part 1)
Hello my friend! I’m so glad you’re here with me today. As I’m winding down the
year and planning for 2020, I’m giving myself more space to think and reflect, and
I’m daring to believe and dream.
When was the last time you dared to dream of what was possible for YOUR life?
Not for your spouse’s life. Not for your children’s life. Not for the lives of those
you serve. Not even for your business.
Ep #08: RELEASE-Making Room + Creating Space (Part II)
Scarcity is holding on to what no longer serves you. Abundance is, letting go of, and creating space for the things that bring fulfillment into your life. In this episode, we are having a conversation about the process of LETTING GO. Join me as I share tips, and stories of how I was able to release my expired narratives and transform my life. You will leave this episode with five transformative wr
Ep # 07: The Loss of Clarity-My Story
Hey my friend. Have you ever lost the vision and clarity in your life and/or business? In this episode, I go off script to share my journey to recover lost clarity. Join the conversation as I share a personal journal entry, my story, and tips on how I restored my vision, clarity, and purpose. There are also three journal prompts at the end of the episode which will inspire YOU to increase the clar
Ep #06: What Do You See? Journaling for Vision
Hey my friend! Welcome back. 2020 is six weeks away and now is the time to decide how you will create your life in the next year! In this episode let's start a conversation about VISION. You will learn 1.) How your vision can become impaired. 2.) Three components of VISION. #LETSWRITEFORACHANGE Prompts: Where are you going? If you lived without inhibitions, what would you do? Who do you want to be
Ep #05: Letting Go + Writing To Release
Do you feel like you need to release some things or people in your life? Are you in a season of transition? Are you ready to move forward into the next stage of your life? If you answered YES to these questions, then this episode is just for you! In today's conversation, I will walk you through Five Reasons WHY It's So Hard to Let Go, and Five Major Signs That It's Time to Release What's No Longe
Ep #04: Understanding + Re-Writing Your Personal Narrative
Your personal narrative is the story you tell yourself and others about your life. In this episode you will learn the three stories that shape your narrative, and the four steps to changing, re-writing, or releasing the stories that no longer serve you. #letswriteforachange: apply what you've learned as you dive deeper and explore YOUR story with four journaling prompts. (This episode is a worksho
Ep #03: The Number One Reason Why You Can't Find Your Purpose
Purpose is one of those words we hope to one day experience, but in our hearts we're doubtful that it even exists for us. Does this sound like you? In today's conversation we define the true meaning of PURPOSE, how to cultivate purpose in our lives, how to use journaling to unlock our purpose, and four writing prompts to inspire your journey to a purposeful life. Discover FREE resources, and enrol
Ep #02: How to Journal for Self-Awareness: Benefits + Strategies
In today's conversation we will define self-awareness, discuss seven benefits of self-awareness, explore how I use journaling for self-awareness in MY life, discover four ways YOU can practice self-awareness in YOUR life, and THEN I'll give you four journaling prompts that will inspire you to apply what you learn in this episode to YOUR life.
Thanks for listening!
Ep #01: A Warm Welcome + What is Purpose Journaling?
Hello my friend. Welcome to the first episode of The Journal Coaching Podcast! In this episode, I will share how I started journaling with purpose and transformed my life. We will also define journaling, discover the benefits of journaling, and discuss The Purpose Journaling Method. I hope you enjoy and please leave feedback where you are listening to this episode.
