Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Rachel McCord appeared to have everything: successful businesses, national media recognition, celebrity connections, and a thriving career. Then at just 32 years old, she received shocking news—she needed open heart surgery with significant risks. Facing her own mortality forced Rachel to reevaluate everything she believed about success, achievement, motherhood, faith, and purpose.
In this powerful conversation, Rachel shares how trauma, striving, and perfectionism quietly shaped her life, the three life-changing questions she asked herself before surgery, and the framework she now uses to make every major decision. This episode is an invitation to stop chasing endless accomplishments and start building a value-driven life rooted in love, stewardship, intentionality, and faith.
Visit today's sponsors:
A few tools that will uplevel your real food kitchen: Soulyrested.com/trueleaf
The only heritage grains I use, from the organic, regenerative farm to your table: SoulyRested.com/heritage
Key Takeaways:
- Success doesn't guarantee fulfillment.
- Major life challenges often reveal misplaced priorities.
- You cannot do everything—and trying to will eventually break you.
- Perfectionism prevents many people from ever getting started.
- Trauma and past wounds can quietly fuel achievement-driven lifestyles.
- Intentional living begins with understanding what truly matters.
- Love, stewardship, and equipping others create a meaningful legacy.
- Your influence doesn't have to be large to make a significant impact.
- Asking the right questions can completely transform your priorities.
- Healing often begins with honesty, forgiveness, and surrender.
- Every heartbeat is an opportunity to live with purpose.
Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: soulyrested.com/pantry
Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: soulyrested.com/podcast
FREE resources:
Learn how to use fresh milled flour: graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
Learn about dehydrating food: graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
Learn about baking with maple syrup: view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
Learn about making your own maple syrup: graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz
Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: soulyrested.com/howto
All my favorite ingredients: soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
👋Find me in all the places:
My book: amzn.to/45Pt8Pu
My website: soulyrested.com
Instagram: instagram.com/souly.rested
Facebook: facebook.com/soulyrested
Pinterest: pinterest.com/soulyrested
youtube: youtube.com/@MichelleVisser
CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com
If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase
Rachel McCord appeared to have everything: successful businesses, national media recognition, celebrity connections, and a thriving career. Then at just 32 years old, she received shocking news—she needed open heart surgery with significant risks. Facing her own mortality forced Rachel to reevaluate everything she believed about success, achievement, motherhood, faith, and purpose.
In this powerful conversation, Rachel shares how trauma, striving, and perfectionism quietly shaped her life, the three life-changing questions she asked herself before surgery, and the framework she now uses to make every major decision. This episode is an invitation to stop chasing endless accomplishments and start building a value-driven life rooted in love, stewardship, intentionality, and faith.
Visit today's sponsors:
A few tools that will uplevel your real food kitchen: Soulyrested.com/trueleaf
The only heritage grains I use, from the organic, regenerative farm to your table: SoulyRested.com/heritage
Key Takeaways:
- Success doesn't guarantee fulfillment.
- Major life challenges often reveal misplaced priorities.
- You cannot do everything—and trying to will eventually break you.
- Perfectionism prevents many people from ever getting started.
- Trauma and past wounds can quietly fuel achievement-driven lifestyles.
- Intentional living begins with understanding what truly matters.
- Love, stewardship, and equipping others create a meaningful legacy.
- Your influence doesn't have to be large to make a significant impact.
- Asking the right questions can completely transform your priorities.
- Healing often begins with honesty, forgiveness, and surrender.
- Every heartbeat is an opportunity to live with purpose.
Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: soulyrested.com/pantry
Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: soulyrested.com/podcast
FREE resources:
Learn how to use fresh milled flour: graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
Learn about dehydrating food: graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
Learn about baking with maple syrup: view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
Learn about making your own maple syrup: graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz
Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: soulyrested.com/howto
All my favorite ingredients: soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
👋Find me in all the places:
My book: amzn.to/45Pt8Pu
My website: soulyrested.com
Instagram: instagram.com/souly.rested
Facebook: facebook.com/soulyrested
Pinterest: pinterest.com/soulyrested
youtube: youtube.com/@MichelleVisser
CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com
If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase
