Have you ever felt weighed down—literally and figuratively—by all the “stuff” we carry? Whether it’s an overpacked suitcase, emotional baggage, or the simple overwhelm of daily life, sometimes less really is more. That’s why I couldn’t wait to sit down with today’s guest, Natalie E. Tackett, and talk about how simplifying our travel wardrobes can lead to a more freeing and joyful experience.

Natalie is a powerhouse. She’s an artist, a restoration expert, and a viral YouTuber who is redefining what it means to pack light and travel smart. Her journey started with a trip to Turkey, where she was challenged to pack everything she needed into an 18-pound bag. (Yes, you read that right!) That experience transformed the way she travels, and now she’s sharing her wisdom with the world.

What You’ll Love in This Episode:

• Capsule Packing Made Easy – Build a stylish, functional, and ultra-light wardrobe.
• Less Baggage, More Freedom – How packing light can lighten your mindset, too.
• Smart Travel Hacks – Essentials to stay prepared without overpacking.
• Laundry Anywhere – Natalie’s top tips for easy sink washing.
• Packing Bulky Items – Clever ways to carry hats and big gear.
• A Heartwarming Story – How rescuing kittens became an unexpected adventure.

Stuff We Talked About:

• Scrubba Wash Bag – A game-changer for keeping your clothes fresh while traveling.
• Merino Wool for the Win – Why natural fabrics can stretch your wardrobe further.
• Pacifier Clips for Hats – The mom-hack you didn’t know you needed.

Capsule Dressing resources:

• https://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-capsule-wardrobe
• https://www.cabionline.com

Where to Find Natalie:

• YouTube: BrushedArtist and the Art of Travel
• Instagram: @brushedartist
• Stan Store: https://stan.store/BrushedArtist

If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and let’s keep chasing adventure—without the extra baggage.

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Connect with me in the following ways:
www.theadventureparadox.com
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catcaldwellmyers@gmail.com

In this minisode of The Mom’s Adventure Paradox podcast, I explore the theme of disappointment—how it shows up in life and how I’ve learned to handle it with resilience (and a little bit of humor).

From losing my favorite hat to facing weight loss struggles and business challenges, I share personal stories of setbacks and the mindset shifts that help me keep going. My recent skiing trip to the Dolomites taught me unexpected lessons about patience, self-acceptance, and embracing my body rather than fighting against it.

I also open up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of sharing struggles instead of bottling them up, and the mantra that’s been guiding me lately: "This could be the start of a great story."

I encourage listeners to reframe their disappointments, trust the process, and stay open to unexpected wins. Plus, I tease some exciting content coming in April, including a joke-a-day series and fantastic guest appearances. Through it all, I remind everyone (including myself!) to keep a sense of humor—because sometimes, what feels like a setback is just the beginning of an even better adventure.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Disappointment is inevitable, but how we respond to it matters.
• Mindset shifts help—reframing setbacks as potential great stories makes them easier to navigate.
• Personal struggles are universal—whether it’s weight loss, business hurdles, or losing a favorite hat, we all face challenges.
• Self-acceptance is key—especially when it comes to body image and personal growth.
• Stay open to unexpected wins—what seems like a loss today might lead to something even better.
• Humor helps! Laughing at life’s twists and turns makes them more manageable.

The proverb shared in this minisode is:

“We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.”

Support the show

Connect with me in the following ways:
www.theadventureparadox.com
Facebook
Instagram
catcaldwellmyers@gmail.com

In this episode, I do a deep dive into what paradoxes are—and what they are not—as well as why I chose this word as the title for my book and podcast.

The Mom's Adventure Paradox is more than just a name; it’s a rally cry to do the deeper inner work. I explore how paradoxes show up in life, using my own experiences with skiing injuries, motherhood, and fitness to illustrate their unexpected twists.

One powerful example is the idea that youth is wasted on the young. I moved to Jackson Hole in my 20s to ski before my knees aged—only to suffer injuries that completely changed my journey. Ironically, pregnancy later healed my knee, showing me firsthand how life’s contradictions often shape our paths in ways we never expect.

Growth happens when we lean into life’s contradictions—so pause, reflect, and keep going. Your adventure is unfolding.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to leave a review, reach out, or continue the conversation!

Show Notes:

AI overview of a paradox: a statement or situation that seems to contradict itself, but may still be true. It can also refer to a person or thing with contradictory qualities.

Support the show

Connect with me in the following ways:
www.theadventureparadox.com
Facebook
Instagram
catcaldwellmyers@gmail.com