Life On the Brink
Self-Improvement
About
Welcome to Life on the Brink,a lovely little place filled with inspiration and creativity, and is dedicated to enjoying life one day at a time. Together we’re exploring the beautiful things in this world that fascinate us, and often discovering something new. We all have dreams and goals that we aspire to reach, but even on the brink of the next step, let’s learn to embrace and ENJOY today.
Episodes
- Spring Inspo: books, baking, garden plans and travel!
In Episode 135 of Life On the Brink, the host shares springtime inspirations covering gardening, books, travel, and baking. The episode also touches on navigating pregnancy gently while making memories with a daughter, and features a sprin…
- Home Renovation Update: final stretch!
Anna discusses the final stages of a three-year home renovation project, with significant updates expected in the spring. She also shares a "Little Joy" and an audiobook recommendation.
- *MINI:* Valentine's Day thoughts and a VERY special announcement!
In this mini episode, the host shares reflections on Valentine's Day and announces upcoming changes for the show.
- Best Books of 2025!
Episode 132 of Life On the Brink features the host's favorite books from 2025. It also includes a discussion on overcoming SAD and a new playlist for social occasions.
- Holiday Gatherings + a few Christmas favorites
In Episode 131 of Life On the Brink, host Anna discusses strategies for managing holiday social gatherings, focusing on casual and meaningful connections. The episode also features recommendations for holiday teas, recipes, music, and a Ch…
- A Crochet Deep-Dive, early Christmas vibes + adjusting to toddler life
Episode 130 of Life On the Brink covers the host's passion for crochet, holiday preparations, and the experience of adjusting to life with a toddler. It includes a segment on Christmas excitement and a favorite jazz record.
- Fall favorites: cozy hobbies, new recipes, books + enjoying autumn with a toddler
This episode of Life On the Brink focuses on enjoying autumn with a toddler, featuring a Fall TBR book list, recipes, crochet projects, and bucket list activities for the season. It also includes a "Little Joy" segment and a bebop record r…
- Favorite New Cookbooks + a summer recap
In this episode of Life On the Brink, the host recaps her summer bucket list and shares new favorite cookbooks, noting a struggle for kitchen inspiration as cozy season approaches. A musical obsession is also discussed.
- Summer TBR, Bucket List + baby's 1st birthday recap
This episode of Life On the Brink covers summer plans such as book recommendations, garden updates, and vacation ideas. It also includes a recap of a baby's first birthday celebration and a summer playlist.
- Lessons From My First Year of Motherhood
In this episode, the host reflects on her first year of motherhood, discussing personal growth and lessons learned. The conversation also includes opinions from Zoe, recommendations for a summer glow-up, and a music album suggestion.
- Spring gatherings, garden updates + the HOME LIBRARY of my dreams
In this episode, the host discusses the renovation of a home library, spring dinner party ideas featuring herb-heavy recipes, and updates from the garden. The episode also includes reflections on the host's birthday and recommendations for…
- Springtime inspiration: TBR, crafts, garden plans, and baby's first spring!
In this episode of Life On the Brink, the host shares her spring plans, including upcoming reading goals, gardening projects featuring honeysuckle, and seasonal craft ideas. She also reflects on celebrating her daughter's first spring and…
- Taking Care of Yourself PART 2: seasonal depression, postpartum, grief, etc.
In this episode, the host discusses self-care while navigating motherhood, seasonal depression, postpartum, and grief. She shares personal comfort strategies, including a favorite television show and a jazz album recommendation.
- Best Books of 2024!
This episode of Life On the Brink features a discussion of six favorite books from 2024, with some being new releases and others classics. The host also shares insights on reading while caring for a newborn, outlines reading goals for the…
- A Restful Christmas at Home: slowing down, simplifying, and enjoying holiday comforts
In Episode 121 of Life On the Brink, the host discusses creating a more restful Christmas experience as a new mother. She focuses on simplifying holiday activities, enjoying family time at home, and highlights music and crafts that enhance…
- Foodie Movie Night w/ my sister Sarah!
The host and her sister Sarah discuss favorite foodie movies and the connection between movie nights and onscreen meals in Episode 120 of Life On the Brink. Sarah shares a recipe, and the host provides a music playlist.
- *MINI:* A Podcast Update + happy halloween!
In this mini episode, host Anna provides an update on the podcast as she adjusts to motherhood. She shares her plans for maintaining consistency and suggests relevant archive episodes for listeners experiencing times of transition or chall…
- My (positive) Birth Story + fourth trimester challenges
In this episode of Life On the Brink, the host shares her positive birth story and discusses the challenges of the fourth trimester, covering labor, delivery, and early postpartum experiences.
- Autumn Bucket List: books, recipes, and fall firsts with my baby
In Episode 117 of Life On the Brink, the host shares her Autumn Bucket List, including books, crafts, recipes, and family ideas for her first fall with a new baby. The episode also highlights a cooking device that simplifies baking and fea…
- I’m back! Life as a mom and preparing for a new season
In this Season 5 premiere of Life On the Brink, host Anna returns as a new mother to share personal updates and discuss how the podcast will evolve. She also shares a summer music discovery and a 'Little Joy' experience.
- Season Four Finale: Expectations in Parenthood w/ my husband!
In the Season Four finale of Life On the Brink, host Anna, 37 weeks pregnant, is joined by her husband Josh to discuss their expectations, perceptions, and excitements about becoming parents as they await their daughter's arrival. Josh als…
- Pregnancy Q&A- Part 2: third trimester, nesting, birth plan, etc.
In episode 114 of Life On the Brink, the host discusses the third trimester of pregnancy, nesting, birth plans, and postpartum. The episode also features a "Little Joy" segment inspired by Nancy Meyers and a calming album for a labor playl…
- Navigating Facebook Marketplace: how I furnished my whole home on a budget
This episode of Life On the Brink details how to effectively use Facebook Marketplace for budget-friendly home furnishing. It includes a step-by-step buying process, selling tips, how to leverage the algorithm, personal anecdotes about sca…
- Springtime in the Garden: this year's simple gardening plan
This episode of Life On the Brink discusses a simple gardening plan for the current year, covering flowers, herbs, and vegetables, with an emphasis on low maintenance due to an upcoming baby. It also features a "Little Joy" segment about t…
- Spring Inspiration! Books, activities, and everything I'm enjoying this spring
This episode of Life On the Brink focuses on spring inspiration, covering a spring reading list, seasonal recipes, activities for enjoying the weather, and home renovation updates. The host expresses excitement for the season, especially w…
- Creating Your Dream Garden w/ Mattheiu Mehuys
This episode of Life On the Brink features landscape architect Matthieu Mehuys discussing regenerative gardening. Topics include soil care, designing garden spaces, working with nature, and selecting plants.
- First Home Renovation Update: it's been a year!
One year after moving into her first house, the host shares a renovation update, detailing the progress made with Josh in transforming the space. The episode includes resources that were instructional or inspirational during the renovation…
- Embracing Hygge to Enjoy (survive) the Winter
This episode of Life On the Brink discusses ways to enjoy or survive the end of winter, inspired by Meik Wiking's "The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living." The host shares cozy ideas and personal winter enjoyments.
- Pregnancy Q&A + 20 week recap!
In episode 107 of Life On the Brink, the host, at 20 weeks pregnant with her first child, discusses her pregnancy experience and answers listener questions.
- Favorite Books of 2023!
In Episode 106 of Life On the Brink, host Anna discusses her favorite books from 2023, including those that earned 5 stars or were deemed excellent, alongside a cookbook. The episode also highlights listener-selected favorite podcast episo…
- Generations of Holiday Traditions w/ My Grandmother
In Episode 105 of Life On the Brink, host Anna speaks with her paternal grandmother, Ma Anna. They discuss childhood Christmas memories, favorite holiday traditions, family recipes, and thoughts on family. Ma Anna also shares her favorite…
- Spreading generosity and kindness this Christmas
Episode 104 of Life On the Brink focuses on the Christmas spirit of goodwill and charity, offering practical suggestions for giving to others through various means and sharing a personal "Little Joy" moment.
- Books recommendations for winter and Christmas
In this episode of Life On the Brink, the host shares cozy reading recommendations for the winter and Christmas season, featuring both fiction and nonfiction titles. The episode also includes a "Little Joy" segment with a favorite holiday…
- Gifting a Unique Experience this Holiday Season
This episode of Life On the Brink discusses experience-based gift ideas for the holiday season, focusing on creating memories with loved ones, romantic outings, and thoughtful care packages. It also features a personal baby announcement an…
- Inviting Gratitude and Joy (and a BIG announcement!)
In Episode 101 of Life On the Brink, the host discusses the practice of thanksgiving, exploring the relationship between gratitude and joy. The episode also features a significant announcement and mentions 'Little Joys' and a Christmas pla…
- Hundredth Episode Celebration!
Episode 100 of Life On the Brink is a celebration featuring host reflections on the past 100 episodes, listener questions and feedback, a seasonal drink recipe, and a playlist for anxious moments.
- Tips and Hacks for Organization + helping out your future self
In Episode 99 of Life On the Brink, the host shares organizational tips to manage a busy schedule and reduce overwhelm. Topics include keeping the home in order, scheduling techniques, a gift-gathering system, and prioritizing downtime.
- Cooking Quick and Delicious Meals (when you're low on time and on a budget)
This episode of Life On the Brink focuses on making cooking quick, delicious, and budget-friendly. It shares simple strategies for easier meals, grocery shopping tips, meal prepping ideas, and customizable recipes. The episode also include…
- Autumn Favorites: all the books, teas, recipes, and projects I'm loving this season
This episode of Life On the Brink discusses autumn favorites such as books, teas, recipes, and craft projects. It also includes a "Little Joy" segment and a cozy playlist for the fall season.
- *MINI:* On the Importance of Family
This mini episode from the podcast Life On the Brink provides a personal update from the host and discusses the importance of family. The host shares thoughts on the comforting nature of tea.
- Home Sweet Maison: Embracing French style and ritual in the home
This episode of Life On the Brink discusses the French approach to home design and living, drawing from Danielle Postel-Vinay's book "Home Sweet Maison." It covers highlighting living spaces, mealtime rituals, balancing thrift and luxury,…
- Date Night: ideas for fun, excitement and closeness (on a budget)
This episode of Life On the Brink focuses on creating meaningful and fun date nights without a large expense. It covers the elements of a good date, scientific insights into relationship growth, at-home date recipes, local activity suggest…
- Summer Favorites: frozen drinks, crochet accents, garden harvesting and more!
Episode 93 of Life On the Brink discusses summer favorites such as homemade frozen drinks, crochet projects, garden harvesting, and enjoying outdoor spaces. The episode also includes a "Little Joy" segment about the 4th of July and a music…
- My First-Time Home Buying Experience + what I would do differently
In this episode of Life On the Brink, the host details her first-time home buying experience over the past year. She discusses navigating real estate, early renovation timelines, and shares three things she wishes she had known as a new ho…
- A Tin of Sardines: summer storytime + being open to new things
In Episode 91 of Life On the Brink, the host reflects on a week of road-based music performance. The experience highlighted the value of embracing new and unusual moments, refreshing the host's summer outlook. The episode also features a "…
- You Have Permission To Enjoy Your Life! (thoughts on productivity and guilt)
This episode of Life On the Brink discusses the guilt associated with having an "easy day" or not being productive enough. It encourages listeners to embrace enjoyment and ease, particularly during less structured seasons like summer, and…
- Summer Bucket List + this year's reading challenge!
In this episode of Life On the Brink, host Anna discusses her summer bucket list, reading list, and the Summer Reading Challenge. She also provides updates on her house and shares music recommendations.
- On the importance of hobbies + finding the right one for you!
In this episode of Life On the Brink, the host discusses the importance of hobbies, defining what they are, suggesting everyday and seasonal options, and offering advice on how to start a new hobby.
- How To Throw a Great Party w/ my sister Sarah!
In this episode of Life On the Brink, Anna is joined by her sister Sarah to discuss the art of throwing a great party. They cover the planning process, gathering supplies, setup, time management, and incorporating themes. The discussion al…
- It's SPRING: seasonal reads and new garden plans!
This episode of Life On the Brink discusses the arrival of spring, sharing recommendations for seasonal books and gardening tips. It also touches on optimizing outdoor areas, recent house updates, a recipe for a simplified dish, and a clas…