Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Lafaya Way Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrongfully Accused: The Story That Became a Memoir, a Mission, and a Movement | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:40:01 | |
Some stories sound too unbelievable to be real. Imagine this: you’re a respected immigration lawyer… living the life you worked incredibly hard to build. Then one day, at LAX airport, a dozen armed federal agents arrest you for a crime you didn’t commit. That’s exactly what happened to Kelly Giles. What followed wasn’t just a legal battle—it was a journey through prison, trauma, identity, and ultimately deep healing. Through poetry, storytelling, and raw honesty, Kelly began unraveling a lifetime of buried pain—from adoption and abandonment to betrayal and injustice. And somewhere along the way, something powerful happened. The very experiences that could have broken him became the foundation for helping others heal. In this conversation, we explore how Kelly learned to play the hand life dealt him—even when the cards looked impossible. From federal prison to poetry workshops, foster youth advocacy, and a memoir now being adapted for film, Kelly’s story reminds us that even our darkest chapters can lead to unexpected purpose. Key Takeaways Pain can become purpose. The stories we tell ourselves shape our lives. Sometimes the breaking point becomes the turning point. Healing rarely happens alone. Your story may heal people you’ll never meet. Favourite Quote“Until you learn how to love and forgive yourself, you’re already in hell.” Find Out More & Connect with Kelly GilesKelly Giles is a former U.S. immigration attorney turned author, poet, and advocate. After a life-altering wrongful conviction connected to a colleague’s fraud case, Kelly spent 10 months in federal prison—an experience that became the heart of his powerful memoir Killing Justice. Through writing, poetry, and storytelling, Kelly explores themes of trauma, identity, justice, and healing. Today he volunteers with foster youth, participates in poetry and hip-hop workshops supporting creative expression, and continues to use his voice to raise awareness about mental health and the criminal justice system. His memoir Killing Justice is the first in a planned trilogy and is currently being adapted for film. Website Author & Poetry Website Social Media Books Poetry Collection If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you're dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman's Game. To download your free chapter today, visit: | |||
| The Peace You’re Seeking Is the Peace You Bring with Andrea L. Wehlann | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:30:39 | |
There are some conversations that stay with you long after the microphones are turned off. This was one of them. When Andrea L. Wehlann sat down with me, she didn’t just share her résumé as a bestselling author, award-winning poet, Reiki Master, and yogi. She shared the parts of her story that most people would never dare to say out loud. Sexual assault. Multiple miscarriages. The loss of a child. And yet… what stood out most wasn’t the darkness. It was her unwavering peace. Andrea said something that stopped me in my tracks: “The only peace you’ll find at the top of the mountaintop is the peace you bring there.” And that right there? That’s The Lafaya Way. Because life isn’t about escaping the storm. Andrea’s journey is a masterclass in alchemy — taking unimaginable pain and transmuting it into clarity, love, and purpose. In this episode, we talk about how to stop playing the victim of your story and start rewriting it. And trust me — you’re going to want to lean in for this one. Key Takeways
Favorite Quote “The mindset creates the story of ‘I’m a victim’ — but it’s the same mind that can create a love story out of anything that’s ever happened to you.” Mic. Drop. That’s the mental game right there. About Andrea Andrea L. Wehlann is a bestselling spiritual non-fiction author, award-winning poet, Reiki Master, and yogi based in Ontario, Canada. Through her books and transformational coaching, she helps women turn profound adversity into inner peace and purpose. Her books include:
She also offers a Transformational Coaching Call, a 60-minute deep dive designed to uncover what’s holding you back and create a personalized roadmap for healing. Special Offer for The Lafaya Way listeners: Website: https://ganga-moon-yoga.square.site/ Life isn’t about the hand you’re dealt — it’s about how you play it. ... If you’re interested in learning more about playing the hand you’re dealt in this mental game of life, you’ll love my book Poker: A Woman’s Game. To download your free chapter today, visit https://lafayawaypoker.com | |||
| Diane Woodford - From ICU to Inspiration: The Miracle Man & The Power of Love | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:36:27 | |
Sometimes life hands you a storm so fierce you don’t know how you’ll stand—but Diane Woodford shows us that when you anchor yourself in love, peace can carry you through. In this conversation, Diane shares the incredible story of her husband’s near-death battle during COVID, the 80 long days in ICU, and how she drew on faith, peace, and community support to hold the line for love when everything around her screamed despair. From moving around the globe as “One Love Ambassadors” with her husband Charles, to learning the hard and holy work of forgiveness, Diane opens her heart with stories that remind us: the light never goes out, even in the darkest valley. Key Takeaways
Favourite Quote 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:43 Meet Diane Woodford 01:37 The One Love Ambassadors' Mission 02:39 Spreading Love Around the World 03:56 Recent Projects and Experiences 07:33 Charles' Illness and the Birth of 'Aftercare' 09:50 Navigating the Healthcare System 16:07 The Power of Forgiveness 18:16 Living What You Preach 18:25 The Power of Forgiveness 18:38 Support Systems and Faith 18:57 Receiving and Giving 19:25 Personal Reflections on Forgiveness 22:30 The Miracle Man 23:45 Creating a Healing Space 24:25 The Journey of Writing a Book 26:05 The Role of Anka Herrmann 30:43 Global Healing Work 31:47 Book Release and Meditation Gift 34:50 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Find out more and connect with Diane Website: paths2transformation.com If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you’re dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman's Game. To download your free chapter today, visit https://lafayawaypoker.com | |||
| Sasha Sutton - From Wall Street to Vegas: Sasha’s Late-in-Life Poker Journey | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:42:41 | |
Sometimes life deals you the most unexpected hand. For Sasha, that hand showed up at 55 years old, in the middle of a networking event in New York City. A deck of cards, a casual introduction to poker—and suddenly, her entire world shifted. She went from writing for Wall Street to sneaking into underground cash games, eventually packing up her life and moving to Las Vegas at 63 to pursue poker professionally. Along the way, Sasha faced down self-doubt, age bias, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated game. What struck me most in our conversation wasn’t just her resilience, but her wisdom. Sasha doesn’t just play poker—she studies it like a language, documents it like a memoirist, and teaches it as a mental game coach. Her insights about “pain minimization,” awareness as a superpower, and learning to own her presence at the table are lessons that reach far beyond poker. This episode will remind you that it’s never too late to start something new, claim your seat at the table, and play with swagger—no matter who’s sitting across from you. Key Takeaways
Favorite Quote: “My superpower is my awareness. I take it for granted, but it’s what allows me to stay grounded, minimize pain, and play the long game.” – Sasha Find out more and connect with Sasha A truly magical accident, poker beckoned to Sasha later in life. She cut her teeth on New York's rough-and-tumble underground cash scene, and moved to Vegas in 2020 to pursue a pro path. Her poker book, The Total Poker Manual, published by Weldon Owen, holds the beginner's hand and is visually singular. Today she plays, coaches, and writes about the game. 🌐 Website: www.suttonstories.com 👉 If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you’re dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman's Game. To download your free chapter today, visit https://lafayawaypoker.com | |||
| Chiyedza Nyahuye - African AI Auntie: From 700 Rejections to Global Impact | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:40:26 | |
When life keeps handing you closed doors, do you give up—or do you find a way to make a plan? In this episode, I sit down with the radiant Chiyedza Nyahuye, lovingly known as African AI Auntie. Her story will pull you in: after earning prestigious degrees in the U.S., she returned to Zimbabwe only to be told she was “too educated” and applied for 700 jobs without a single interview. What looked like failure became the foundation for her true calling—helping African students leapfrog traditional career struggles and thrive in the digital economy with AI skills and entrepreneurial courage. You’ll hear how Chiyedza’s resilience, creativity, and deep respect for people shaped her mission. From reviving her mother’s rental business to tripling her sister’s spa income in five months to creating opportunities for young people against all odds—her story is a masterclass in turning setbacks into stepping stones. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, or someone navigating life’s curveballs, this conversation is packed with wisdom, heart, and inspiration. Key Takeaways
Favorite Quote“Even with the cheerleaders we have around us, we need to also find ways to celebrate ourselves and thank ourselves for being who we are.” – Chiyedza Nyahuye Find out more and connect with Chiyedza Chiyedza Nyahuye (African AI Auntie) is on a mission to empower African students by equipping them with AI skills and tools to launch AI-powered businesses—while still in school. A daughter of Zimbabwean entrepreneurs, she blends global experience with a deep commitment to healing, empowerment, and treating every individual like royalty. She is a four-time international best-selling co-author, speaker, mentor, and change catalyst. Check out her new book: Global Degree, African Roots If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you’re dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker A Woman's Game. To download your free chapter today, visit https://lafayawaypoker.com | |||
| Alecia Tolver - Letting Go to Level Up: From Military to Motherhod | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:23:00 | |
When Alecia Tolver hung up her Army uniform after decades of service, she expected to simply swap it for a business suit and keep moving forward. But life had other plans. At the same time she was navigating the uncertainty of civilian life, she was growing her family—welcoming two babies, healing from loss, and redefining her purpose. In this conversation, Alecia shares how she turned what could have been overwhelming chaos into a season of clarity, faith, and intentional living. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes letting go of one chapter is the only way to fully embrace the next. Key takeaways
Favourite quote Find out more and connect with Alecia Tolver Connect with Alecia: If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you're dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman's Game. To download your free chapter today, visit https://lafayawaypoker.com | |||
| Lisa Zarcone - Breaking the Silence, Breaking the Cycle: A Story of Survival and Advocacy | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:29:45 | |
When the Silence Breaks: Turning Trauma into Purpose with Lisa Zarcone
Favorite quote:
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| Daniel Hall - The Healing Hand: From Foster Child to Foster Dad | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:37:21 | |
What if the very things you feared would break you… ended up healing you? That’s the story of Daniel Hall—software genius, foster care survivor, adoptive dad of six, and someone who plays a hand many would’ve folded. When Daniel said yes to fostering children with trauma similar to his own, he didn’t just become a parent—he began rewriting his own story. In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Daniel opens up about the raw realities and unexpected joys of parenting through trauma, the healing power of honest reflection, and how forgiveness and communication became the lifelines that saved not only his kids but himself. This one will move you, stretch your heart, and remind you what it means to show up for life, no matter the hand you’re dealt. You'll hear
A favorite quote “Chaos is such an unforgiving paradox. But if you can wield it and learn from it, you have the opportunity to help others—and in doing so, you forgive yourself.” 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome Daniel is a 5X bestselling nonfiction social media author, audio engineer, video editor, and proud #1 LinkedIn Platform Data Guru. He’s also a world-class AI song producer—and most importantly, a loving husband and adoptive dad of 7 who puts the HUMAN back in humanity. Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: Daniel B. Hall He’s generous with his wisdom, so feel free to reach out to pick his brain on video, audio production, book creation—or how to raise 6 kids and still smile about it. If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you're dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman's Game. To download your free chapter today, visit https://lafayawaypoker.com | |||
| Christine Dziedzic - When Grief Meets Innovation: Reimagining Deathcare | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:30:30 | |
When Christine Dziedzic was just 8 years old, quietly sitting in a cemetery office as her family fought over funeral arrangements, something life-changing happened: a stranger noticed her pain. He gave her crayons. He gave her dignity. He gave her a vision for her future. That moment shaped her into the powerhouse she is today. In this episode, Christine shares her unbelievable story: from a childhood spent in grief, to becoming a 36-year deathcare expert, to being literally run down by a client, and then rising up to build Bereavement AI, a revolutionary grief support tool changing how we experience death, comfort, and legacy. This conversation is raw, heartfelt, and radically hopeful. 🎧 Key Takeaways:
💬 Favorite Quote: ✨ Find out more and connect with Christine Dziedzic: Christine Dziedzic is the founder of Miss You Much, a grief-tech platform that combines Web3, virtual reality, and AI to support the bereavement journey. She is the creator of Bereavement AI, a support tool trained specifically in grief, and has served the funeral industry for over three decades. 🔗 Website: missumuch.com And ... If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you’re dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman’s Game. | |||
| Sabrina Schottenhamel - Introverted, Anxious, and Winning Anyway | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:24:25 | |
It started with being held back in first grade. No one said she was stupid. No one had to. Sabrina told herself that - and carried that belief into adulthood. And yet today, she’s a professional speaker, a co-author of an international bestseller, and the proud creator of a powerful networking group for introverts. How? Through faith, fierce self-awareness, and a relentless commitment to practicing courage. In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow Speechless co-author Sabrina Schottenhamel to talk about what it really takes to overcome fear and find your voice, even when your nervous system is screaming “No!” Whether you’re introverted, anxious, or simply tired of playing small, Sabrina’s story will remind you that the hand you’re dealt doesn’t define you but how you play it absolutely does. Key Takeaways:
Favorite Quote: “There is no saber-tooth tiger here. It just feels like it.” Find out more and connect with Sabrina: Bio: Sabrina Schottenhamel is an Introverted Leader and Professional Speaker dedicated to helping others build humble confidence while prioritizing health. Her journey began in 2013 with Woodridge Toastmasters, where she overcame her fear of public speaking and won the 2015 Best Speaker of the Year Award. Since then, Sabrina has delivered keynotes and workshops at colleges, universities, libraries, and professional organizations. She is a member of Engaging Speakers, a professional speaker network, and a co-author of Speechless: Giving the #Voiceless a Voice. Her writing has been featured in Skin Inc., DaySpa, Fender Bender, OfficePRO, and Sparkle & Rise eMagazine. 🖥️ Website & Links: 👥 Networking for Introverts Monthly Call (Free to Join): 📱 Connect on Social: And ... If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand your dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman's Game. To download your free chapter today, visit https://lafayawaypoker.com | |||
| Betsy Wurzel - When Life Deals You Alzheimer’s: Turning Grief into Purpose | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:35:23 | |
When Alzheimer's Hits the Table: Betsy Wurzel on Love, Loss & Learning to Fight Back There’s a moment in life when everything flips—when the hand you’ve been dealt feels impossibly hard. For Betsy Wurzel, that moment came when her husband, Matt, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at just 55. But instead of folding, Betsy chose to fight. In this deeply moving conversation, we talk about what it means to truly be a caregiver—not just the logistics and the exhaustion, but the emotional war zone of love, loss, and resilience. Betsy shares how she went from almost breaking down in a preschool classroom to creating a national movement and top-rated podcast that supports caregivers all over the world. You’ll laugh, cry, and feel deeply seen as we explore the power of acceptance, the necessity of self-care, and the unshakable strength that comes when you decide—no matter what—to kick Alzheimer’s ass. Key Takeaways:
Favorite Quote: Find out more and connect with Betsy:
I worked as anLPN for many years,did retail work, and was a teacher 's aide in a preschool daycare. I am mom to my adult son, Joshua who has a cognitive disability so I am still a caregiver!I became an advocate for Josh to make sure his educational needs were met! I took care of my mom- in- law who had Alzheimer's Disease.My husband, Matt was diagnosed in May 2010 with Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease and died on Jan01,2020. Matt's journey changed my life in so many ways!I became an advocate, I found my voice and my gifts which I am grateful and blessed to be using to help others! I use to do videos in my car about caregiving, and videos of Matt to dispell the myths of Alzheimer's being an " old person 's disease! I was discovered by Jeanne White, who is Station Manager of PWTRN. Jeanne interviewed me on her show and asked me to speak weekly on her show! I was given my show after a year! I created # Kick Alzheimer's Ass Movement Group so caregivers wouldn't travel this difficult journey alone. In 2021,I was nominated and received the Caregiver Visionary Advocate Award by Caregiving. Com. I recently was listed at #17 on FeedSpot 's top 70 Caregiver Podcast List! I am proof that you can survive and thrive during caregiving! I have learned to integrate my grieving with my living!I am grateful and blessed to be alive and healthy! I give GOD the glory and honor for giving me the strength and grace to make it through caregiving and to be called to serve others! Matt was my catalyst and will always be my inspiration for all that I do!"
If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you're dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman's Game. To download your free chapter today, visit https://lafayawaypoker.com. | |||
| Jill Brown - How She Took Her Power Back (and Proved the Doctors Wrong) | 28 May 2025 | 00:25:53 | |
What do you do when life knocks you flat .. and then kicks you again for good measure? In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Jill Brown, who shares the story of how she went from burnout and heartbreak to full-on transformation. After 22 years running her own driving school, Jill hit what she thought was rock bottom: loss after loss, a diabetes diagnosis, and the shocking news that she’d need two knee replacements. But instead of giving up, Jill paused, tuned in, and made a bold choice to rewrite her story. Together, we talk about:
Jill is living proof that you don’t have to accept the cards you’re given - you can reshuffle the deck and change the game. Favorite quote: Find out more and connect with Jill: After over 22yrs owning my driving school and retiring I was told I needed two knee replacements and diagnosed diabetic. This was a dark time until taking control and research I found a personal trainer who understood, after getting stronger no longer needed knee replacements and reversed my diabetes. I then trained as a life coach, conversational intelligence advanced practitioner, clutter cleaning coach using the Linn method. We are powerful beyond belief. Join her beautiful community of possibility seekers here: Advance Life Coaching Facebook Group If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you're dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman's Game. | |||
| Still Priceless - Loving People with Dementia When Words Fade with Rev Ben Boland | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:36:34 | |
There are conversations that gently rearrange how you see the world. I sat down with Rev Ben Boland—chaplain, pastor, and author—and within minutes, we were naming something many of us feel but rarely say out loud: older people don’t stop being priceless just because the world starts treating them as invisible. Ben has spent over 15 years walking alongside older people and those living with dementia. And this isn’t theory for him—it’s deeply personal. From visiting his great-grandmother as a child… to later accompanying his own father through dementia… Ben brings wisdom that’s tender, practical, and quietly confronting. If you’ve ever wondered:
This episode will meet you right there. 💡 Key takeaways from this episode
❤️ Favourite quote from the conversation“If we visit babies who don’t know our names, why would we stop visiting people with dementia?” Let that one sink in. 📘 Find out more & connect with Rev Ben Boland Rev Ben Boland MDiv, Grad Dip (Ageing and Pastoral), has served as an older persons chaplain for over 15 years. He is deeply passionate about equipping Christians—and communities more broadly—to share love, dignity, and presence with older people and those living with dementia. His latest book, Priceless People (published by Christian Focus Publications), weaves theological depth with practical pastoral guidance for anyone navigating the often-scary terrain of ageing, care, and cognitive decline. 🔗 Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: And if you want to go further, you can download a free chapter of my book Poker: A Woman’s Game and keep learning how to play your hand with courage and clarity: | |||
| Our Real-Life Poker Game: How We're Playing an Unexpected Hand and Found Our Rhythm with James Mitchell | 21 May 2025 | 00:20:50 | |
This one’s personal and oh so real. In this episode, I sit down with my favorite human on the planet: my husband, James. We open up about what it really looks like to “play the hand you’re dealt” when life throws you into full-on parenting mode with three little ones (who aren’t biologically his), a professional poker career, and two very different morning personalities. Spoiler alert: one of us is a major morning grump. 🙃 James shares what it’s been like to step into this unexpected father role, how we found our groove as a poker couple raising young children, and why letting go of the “ideal” family dynamic was the best thing we ever did. You’ll hear:
This is an honest, funny, and surprisingly tender conversation about love, family, and learning to win even when the cards look terrible. 🎧 Come hang out with us ... and maybe you’ll walk away with your own tilt tip or two. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:28 Meet My Husband: Our Unique Family Story 01:34 Daily Routine: Managing Mornings with Kids 02:06 Playing the Hand You're Dealt: Insights and Strategies 09:32 Tilt Tips: Managing Stress and Emotions 11:49 Breathing Techniques: Staying Calm Under Pressure 19:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 20:20 Outro and Additional Resources If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you're dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman’s Game. To download your free chapter today, visit https://lafayawaypoker.com | |||
| Playing the Hand You’re Dealt: The Lafaya Way Podcast Begins | 16 May 2025 | 00:16:07 | |
Hey there and welcome to the very first episode of The Lafaya Way Podcast! Here’s what we chat about: This show is for the competitors, the dreamers, the leaders, and anyone who refuses to let life’s curveballs take them down. Whether you’re running a business, raising a family, navigating relationships, or sitting at the poker table, you’ll find something here to help you stay grounded and play to win. [00:00:00] Welcome to The Lafaya Way PodcastLafaya shares why she flipped the script and let Anke interview her for this first episode. [00:01:15] The surprising connection between poker and lifeLafaya explains how learning when to “hold ‘em” or “fold ‘em” applies far beyond the poker table. [00:04:24] Introducing “playing the hand you’re dealt”Lafaya shares her own journey of overcoming life’s toughest cards and how this mindset became central to her work. [00:06:36] The origins of The Lafaya WayHow Lafaya went from being called “the kid whisperer” to developing a method for calming chaos—first in therapy, now in poker and life. [00:08:48] Not just for poker players!The show is for anyone wanting to perform at their best: athletes, parents, entrepreneurs, business owners, and more. [00:11:00] Understanding “Tilt” in poker and lifeLafaya explains what it means to “go on tilt” and introduces her acronym: Temporary Interruption in Logical Thinking. [00:13:12] Taming the Tilt: The Lafaya Way philosophyLearn how to stop poor decision spirals whether you’re at the poker table or navigating daily life. [00:15:24] Who this podcast is for & what’s nextLafaya shares her vision for the show: relatable guests, real talk, and lots of laughs (and yes, her tribe knows her sailor mouth!). 🎧 Listen now and be sure to hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next! 💡 Want to go deeper? | |||
| Balancing Ambition & Motherhood with Rebecca Olson | 16 May 2025 | 00:29:11 | |
Is it really possible to “have it all” as a working mom? Yes - and today’s guest Rebecca Olson is here to show you how. In this episode, we talk about 'motherhood penalty,' overcoming overwhelm, navigating high-pressure “tilt” moments, and Rebecca’s powerful Pivot Protocol for taking back control of your time and energy. In this empowering conversation, I sit down with Rebecca Olson - international life coach, podcast host, and creator of Ambitious and Balanced Working Moms - to dive deep into the challenges (and solutions!) of balancing career goals and family life. Rebecca shares her insights on how working moms can reduce overwhelm, manage anxiety, and confidently navigate the pressure of splitting time between their goals and their loved ones. You’ll hear us compare notes on “tilt” moments (as we call them in poker) and “crucial moments” (as Rebecca describes them)—those high-stress situations where things can spiral if we’re not prepared. You’ll love Rebecca’s Pivot Protocol, a practical six-step method designed to help you regulate your emotions quickly and get back to making intentional, empowered decisions no matter what life throws your way. This episode is packed with mindset shifts, calming strategies, and practical tools for any ambitious person who wants to show up fully in every area of their life. 00:00 Introduction to the Lafaya Way Podcast 00:25 Meet Rebecca Olson: Empowering Working Moms 01:47 The Motherhood Penalty and Career Challenges 03:15 Rebecca's Podcast: Ambitious and Balanced Working Moms 04:58 Handling Overwhelm and Emotional Management 10:11 The Pivot Protocol: Managing Crucial Moments 15:11 Understanding Emotional Regulation 15:27 Physical Means of Regulation 16:09 Faster Resets and Toolkit 16:44 Using Music and Screaming for Regulation 17:08 Avoiding Ignoring Tools 17:51 Step Five: Intentional Thinking 19:28 Emotional Cresting and Moving On 22:15 Step Six: Taking Action 23:48 Recap of the Six Steps 25:12 Rebecca's Coaching and Resources 28:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🎁 Rebecca’s free gift for listeners: Get the Working Moms Daily Kickstart - Rebecca’s simple daily practice to reduce the number of “tilt” moments you face each day and feel more in control of your time and energy. Find out more and connect with Rebecca Olson: Rebecca is an international life coach and podcast host who helps career-focused parents stop feeling overwhelmed and "not enough" so they can be present with their kids while crushing their career goals. Through her coaching programs and podcast, Ambitious and Balanced Working Moms, Rebecca has helped thousands of parents learn to feel confident in who they are, what they want and the value they bring to their company and family. She teaches an inside-out approach to creating work-life balance that gives individuals 100% control over their time, energy and success. Rebecca is known for straight-talking and big earrings. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two kiddos. When not coaching or speaking, she loves playing ultimate frisbee and drinks lots of tea.
💡 Want to go deeper? | |||
| Jenny Leigh Hodgins - The Art of Setting Boundaries: A Journey from Burnout to Balance | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:30:52 | |
There are conversations that inform… This episode was one of those. Jenny came into the studio carrying decades of creative wisdom, lived experience, and deep compassion — not just as an artist and coach, but as a caregiver, a boundary-setter-in-progress, and a woman who has learned (the hard way) that burnout isn’t a failure… it’s a message. If you’ve ever felt guilty for resting, torn between caring for others and caring for yourself, or quietly exhausted from always being the strong one — this conversation will feel like someone finally put words to what you’ve been living. This episode isn’t about fixing yourself. Key takeaways from this episode
Favorite quote from the episode “If you’re free of obstacles, you’re probably not alive. The work isn’t avoiding challenges — it’s creating value from the hand you’ve been dealt.” Find out more and connect with our guest Jenny Leigh Hodgins is a musician, composer, author, poet, podcaster ( Your Creative Chord), and creative empowerment coach with 39 years of SGI Buddhist practice. She supports creatives and caregivers who are navigating burnout, creative blocks, overwhelm, and boundary challenges — helping them reconnect to sustainable energy, creative flow, and inspired living. Jenny brings a rare blend of artistic depth, spiritual grounding, and real-life caregiving wisdom to her work — and this conversation is a beautiful reflection of that. Connect with Jenny:
Free resources from Jenny:
Life isn’t about the hand you’re dealt — it’s about how you play it. If this episode spoke to you, take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need permission to slow down today. And if you want to go deeper into mastering the mental game of life, you’re invited to download a free chapter of my book Poker: A Woman’s Game and explore how strategy, boundaries, and intuition intersect. Let’s play to win — your way. | |||
| Dr. Ava Eagle Brown - Free-Falling into Faith: What Happens When You Stop Worrying and Start Trusting | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:22:51 | |
Some conversations stay with you long after the recording stops. This was one of those. When I sat down with Dr. Ava Eagle Brown, I knew we’d talk about resilience. What I didn’t expect was how deeply her story would mirror something so many of us quietly carry: the tension between worry and trust… fear and faith… pressure and praise. Dr. Ava doesn’t share a polished, picture-perfect success story. She shares the real one. The kind shaped by loss, single motherhood, uncertainty, and moments where the only option left was to keep going — even without answers. What unfolded was a powerful “pain-to-power” conversation about trusting the process, catching ourselves before we spill our stress onto others, and learning how to play the hand we’re dealt with courage, compassion, and grace. This episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out — you just have to stay in the game. Key Takeaways from This Episode
Favourite Quote from the Episode“Sometimes we’re so busy worrying about how things will work out that we forget God already went ahead and made provision.” Find Out More & Connect with Dr. Ava Eagle BrownDr. Ava Eagle Brown is a multi-award-winning author, international speaker, and cultural changemaker. A proud Jamaican, she has transformed personal adversity into global impact through storytelling, publishing, and film. She is the author of the bestselling memoir The Mango Girl, founder of Book2Biz Publishing, and creator of the Black River Film Festival, elevating rural Jamaican voices onto international stages. Her work bridges faith, resilience, creativity, and community development — empowering others to rise, rebuild, and live out loud.
If you have a story inside you — or a book you want to turn into impact — this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. And if you want to go even deeper into mastering the mental game of life, you’ll love my book Poker: A Woman’s Game. Until next time —
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| Dori Staehle - A Christian Drum Chick & The Rhythm of Stress Relief - (Not Just) For Neurodivergent Kids And Adults | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:30:25 | |
Every now and then, someone walks into the room with a story so unexpected, so wildly improbable, that it stops you mid-breath. That’s what happened when I sat down with Dori Staehle. Imagine this: you survive a freak accident that nearly ends your life… doctors can't figure out what’s wrong… pain becomes your constant companion… and everything you’ve built suddenly slips out from under you. Most would fold their hand right there. But Dori? “Use your drums.” Two weeks later—yes, two weeks—she was healed. And the path she took from that moment forward is nothing short of astonishing. From auditioning for a church band at 47 with no lessons and no drums at home, to teaching herself drum set at 59, to running her fourth business, to becoming the only certified drum therapist in North Carolina… Dori embodies the truth she now shares with the world: You’re never too old. This conversation will make you rethink healing, rethink purpose, and maybe even rethink the sound of your own heartbeat. Key Takeaways
Favourite Quote “When you get knocked down, you have a choice. You can give up… or you can reach up, rise up, and rock the next stage of your life.” — Dori Staehle Find Out More & Connect with Dori Staehle Bio Within two weeks, she was healed. Now in her 50s and onto her fourth business, Dori runs Next Stage Drumming, where she blends drum therapy, mentoring, and mindset work to help people break through stress, anxiety, ADHD symptoms, trauma, and more. She’s a certified drum therapist, author of two uplifting books, and the founder of a powerful drum ministry. She’s living proof that purpose can hit you like a lightning bolt… or a drumbeat. Website: https://www.nextstagedrumming.com Free Resource: 10 Easy Ways to Beat Stress — sign up on her website. As always ... If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you’re dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman's Game. | |||
| Cindy Ojczyk - Parenting, ADHD, and the Unexpected Power of Pets | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:37:50 | |
Some conversations stay with you long after the mic turns off. When Cindy sat down with me, she didn’t come with a polished, tied-up-with-a-bow story. She came with the kind that life hands you when you’re least prepared: And then—dogs. What began as an innocent idea to soothe the pain turned into a journey of unlearning, rebuilding, and advocating—for her kids, for herself, and for the animals who showed up carrying their own stories. In this episode, Cindy invites us into that journey with honesty, humor, humility, and a kind of raw hope that feels like a hand on your back saying, “You can get through this too.” If you’ve ever lived through a season where everything fell apart faster than you could fix it—or if you’ve ever had an animal walk into your life at the exact right moment—you’ll feel deeply seen in this conversation. Key Takeaways • Healing rarely happens in straight lines • Grief is not something to “patch”—it’s something to move through • Parenting sometimes requires a complete rewrite • Advocacy is an act of love • Connection is the endgame My Favorite Quote “Learning and trying creates challenges, but we did this together.” A simple sentence… and an entire roadmap for how families survive hard things. About Cindy Cindy Ojczyk is an award-winning memoirist, blogger, and advocate for emotional resilience in both people and pets. Her work lives at the intersection where compassion rebuilds what life breaks. Her upcoming memoir, Mom Loves the Dogs More, explores her family’s journey through grief, ADHD diagnoses, and the healing power of fostering rescue animals. You can follow Cindy, read her beautifully honest writing, and preorder her book here: 🌐 Website / Substack: https://cindyojczyk.substack.com/ Full bio included for listeners: Cindy O. is an award-winning memoirist, blogger, and advocate for emotional resilience in people and pets. Her journey began not with a plan, but with a family in crisis—two daughters facing mental health challenges, and a home filled with slammed doors, silence, and sorrow. Fostering rescue dogs began as a lifeline and became a classroom for transformation. Through her memoir Mom Loves the Dogs More and her Substack Like People, Like Pets, Cindy shares the raw, redemptive stories that emerged from those years. Her work lives in the space where compassion rebuilds what life breaks. ____ If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you're dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman's Game. | |||
| Audrey Gerber - When Your Body Speaks - Listen, And Reclaim Your Cycle | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:23:37 | |
When Audrey Gerber got her first period, it was chaos—painful, unpredictable, and isolating. Like so many young girls, she was handed a prescription for the pill and told it would “fix” things. It didn’t. Years later, struggling with depression, weight gain, and confusion about what was happening in her body, Audrey began to ask the question most of us are never encouraged to ask: That question led her on a journey that would change everything—not just for herself, but for countless women she now helps as an integrative health coach and herbalist. In this powerful conversation, Audrey and I talk about what happens when we stop silencing our symptoms and start listening to the wisdom of our hormones. This episode isn’t just for women—it’s for anyone who loves, supports, or raises them.
“I suffered for years for a resolution that took two months—just because I finally understood what my body needed.” — Audrey Gerber Audrey Gerber is an integrative health coach and herbalist for women struggling with their menstrual cycle. She helps them understand their hormones and use holistic tools to regulate and reclaim their best period ever. Website: spotlessgirl.com As always, if you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you’re dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman's Game. Key TakeawaysFavourite QuoteFind out more and connect with Audrey Gerber | |||
| It All Makes Sense Now: Making ADHD Work for You - Meredith Carder | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:29:50 | |
Sometimes the most confusing parts of life start to make sense when you finally get the right lens. When her daughter was diagnosed with ADHD, Meredith began to realize that the very challenges she’d struggled with her entire life — the “why can’t I just…” moments, the guilt, the overwhelm — weren’t character flaws. They were clues. In this heartfelt and deeply relatable conversation, we talk about the power of self-understanding, how to move from shame to self-trust, and why learning to work with your brain instead of against it might be the most freeing thing you ever do. Whether you’ve been diagnosed, suspect you might have ADHD, or simply want to better understand someone you love, this episode will help you see that what feels like a limitation can become your greatest source of creativity and compassion.
“You really can’t accommodate what you don’t understand. Once you know how your brain works, you can finally stop fighting it and start working with it.” — Meredith Carder About Meredith: Links: | |||
| Katelyn Mabry - Name It, Claim It, Tame It, Reframe It: Seeing the Beauty And Brilliance in ADHD Brains | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:32:27 | |
When Katelyn Mabry was ten years old, she sat in the car trying to make sense of three little letters that would shape her life: ADHD. She didn’t understand what it meant—and neither did her parents. For years, she wrestled with feelings of confusion, rejection, and the sense that something must be “wrong” with her. Fast forward to today, and Katelyn has turned that pain into purpose. As a mom of four (all diagnosed with ADHD), a life coach, special educator, author, and podcast host, she’s helping children and families everywhere see the beauty and brilliance in their ADHD brains. In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, we talk about what it really feels like to grow up misunderstood, how to replace shame with understanding, and the incredible power of reframing the way we see ourselves and our challenges. Key Takeaways
Favorite Quote “When we’re transparent about things, that’s when transformation happens.” — Katelyn Mabry 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:52 Meet Katelyn Mabry: ADHD Life Coach 03:32 Katelyn's Personal ADHD Journey 06:12 Challenges and Misunderstandings in School 12:21 Supportive Teachers and Strategies 17:20 Parenting Children with ADHD 18:26 Embracing Diagnoses and Understanding Our Brains 19:34 Building Strengths While Battling Struggles 21:03 Rejection Sensitivity and Emotional Awareness 24:59 Transforming Pain into Power 27:12 Final Thoughts and Resources Find out more and connect with Katelyn: Katelyn Mabry is an ADHD Life Coach and special educator with a master’s in Reading. She’s the author of Hi It’s Me! I Have ADHD and host of the children’s podcast Journey With Me Through ADHD: A Podcast for Kids. Based in Wisconsin, Katelyn is a mom of four, passionate about helping families understand and celebrate their unique brains. 🌐 Website: www.katelynmabry.com If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand you're dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker: A Woman’s Game. | |||