Podchaser Logo Rate on Podchaser

Episode 267

full
Published on:

23rd Oct 2025

The Power of Mattering in Work, Life, and Education with Angela Maiers (Part 2)

In this episode of Life Equals Choices, Choices Equal Life, host Kim Olver continues her inspiring conversation with Angela Maiers, founder of the Choose to Matter movement. Picking up where Part 1 left off, Kim and Angela explore the deep connection between mattering and mental freedom—how both help us reclaim our worth and resilience when identity feels tied to roles, titles, or external validation.

Angela shares her personal story of losing her sense of purpose during COVID when her work came to a halt, and Kim reveals how that same period led to the creation of her Mental Freedom® framework. Together they unpack how the human mind can either trap or liberate us, why knowing we are needed is essential to thriving, and how simple daily actions—seeing, listening, and caring—can restore dignity and connection in schools, workplaces, and communities.

Angela also introduces her newest book, M Is for Mattering: A Pathway to Meaning, Purpose and Joy, a heartfelt guide that reminds us all: You matter. Period.

Learn more about Angela Maiers and the Choose to Matter movement at https://angelamaiers.com/. You can also get her book there. View the YouTube clip Angela mentioned from Akila and the Bee and find Part 1 of this conversation here.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Life = Choices; Choices = Life

About the Podcast

Life = Choices; Choices = Life
Practical Conversations About Leadership, Relationships, and Personal Responsibility Through Mental Freedom
Hosted by author, speaker, and coach Kim Olver, Life = Choices; Choices = Life explores how personal responsibility, emotional awareness, and intentional decision-making shape our relationships, leadership, and everyday lives.

Drawing on the principles of Choice Theory® and the framework of Mental Freedom®, Kim has thoughtful conversations with experts, educators, coaches, and leaders about how people can respond to life with greater clarity, connection, and purpose.

Kim Olver is the author of several books on relationships and personal growth, including Mental Freedom®: You Hold the Key, Choosing Me Now, and Secrets of Happy Couples.

Each episode offers practical insights on topics such as:

• Relationships and couples
• Parenting and family dynamics
• Leadership and workplace culture
• coaching and personal development
• Education and human behavior
• Emotional resilience and mental health
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Through interviews and occasional solo reflections, Kim helps listeners understand how our thinking shapes our actions—and how choosing responsibility over blame can lead to healthier relationships, stronger leadership, and a greater sense of freedom.

If you're interested in personal growth, meaningful conversations, and learning how to respond to life with intention rather than reaction, this podcast offers ideas, tools, and perspectives you can apply right away.

Because ultimately,

Life equals choices… and choices equal life.

About your host

Profile picture for Kim Olver

Kim Olver

Kim Olver's mission is to help people make better choices for a better life. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor, a nationally certified counselor and a board certified coach. She is a world renowned expert in Choice Theory™ , a highly sought after international speaker and an award-winning author. Her books include: Leveraging Diversity at Work with Sylvester Baugh (2006), Secrets of Happy Couples (2010), Choosing Me Now (2019) and A Choice Theory Guide to Relationships (2019). Kim is currently working on the forthcoming books, The Definitive Guide to Coaching and Radical Responsibility and Appreciation. Kim is the author of The Relationship Center blog; creator of Empowerment Parenting, a 25-hour parenting curriculum for court-mandated parents; and owner of Academy of Choice, a BCC (Board Certified Coach) Coaching Program. Kim worked five years as a counselor for schizophrenics in a community-based residential program, 17 years holding various positions with a specialized foster care agency, was Executive Director of Glasser Institute for Choice Theory for nine years and the Executive Director for William Glasser International for eight; and began her own company, Coaching for Excellence, in 2005. She is a model of what she teaches about taking responsibility for the things she can influence and control and finding appreciation for those things she can't. Kim believes radical responsibility and appreciation are the keys to a happy, peaceful, satisfying life.