255 - The Comparison Episode We Were Scared to Record

Comparison is the one emotion everybody feels and nobody admits to — and Barb Schmidt and Michelle Maros of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle were scared to record this episode for a reason. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, they unpack the jealousy, resentment, and quiet self-destruction that comparison leaves behind — and make a case that might surprise you by the end.

From Michelle comparing her book sales to her friends' mid-tour, to Barb owning up to something she projected onto Michelle for years, this episode goes places most podcast conversations never do. If you've ever felt something ugly creep in while watching someone else win — and then felt ashamed of it — this one is for you.

What you'll take away:

• Why 85% of your daily thoughts are negative — and how comparison supercharges the loop
• How jealousy and envy are signals, not character flaws — and what they're actually pointing to
• The self-talk method for catching comparison before it turns into resentment
• Why "be better than yesterday" might be quietly doing more damage than good
• How to let comparison fuel action instead of shame

Don't risk letting comparison keep stealing your joy without ever asking what it was trying to tell you. Learn how to read it instead.

Episode Breakdown ⬇️

0:00 Introduction

0:36 Where Does Comparison Come From?

0:52 The Science of Negative Thinking

7:07 Barb's Personal Story: Childhood & Comparison

9:19 Comparing Yourself to Yourself

11:23 Comparison, Jealousy & Envy

25:09 Michelle's Story: Visiting a Friend's Family

28:22 Self-Talk as the Key Tool

39:17 Can Comparison Actually Be Helpful?

40:50 Takeaways & Closing

💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one.

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📘 Go Deeper with Dear Friend

If this episode resonated with you, you may also love Michelle’s USA TODAY bestselling book, Dear Friend, a daily reflection companion designed to help you reconnect with your inner voice, honor your needs, and find clarity and strength one day at a time.

Because resilience doesn’t begin with changing your circumstances.

It begins with strengthening your relationship with yourself.

And that may be the most important relationship you’ll ever build.

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