The Live Into Your Best Life Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Whether you’re thriving, slogging, or stuck in neutral, this session will show you how to create wins that are yours for the taking.

Kate Wade pulled back the curtain for a live conversation with me, Paulie Skaja, coach, consultant, and author of Live Into Your Best Life: 52 Weeks of Micro-Wins to Transform Your Life. With decades of experience mentoring executives and high performers, Paulie knows how to cut through the noise, dismantle the myths about “success at work,” and show you how to claim joy and momentum in your career.

Here’s what you’ll get:

• The raw truth about why you might feel stuck at work
• Proven tools to snap out of autopilot and re-ignite your energy
• Permission to stop playing by rules that don’t serve you
• A live Q&A where you can ask the questions you’ve been holding back
• One simple shift you can use immediately to start creating wins on your terms

This isn’t motivation fluff. It’s straight talk, real tools, and a bold reminder that you get to decide how you show up.

Today’s guest is Gitta Toussi, a transformational strategist and founder of 1 World In Freedom, where she helps leaders and organizations unlock clarity, trust, and purpose. With a foundation in Computer Science and an Executive MBA, Gitta bridges the technical and the soulful—guiding change not just through systems, but through human connection.

Her work is grounded in emotional intelligence, conscious leadership, and a deep belief that freedom isn’t a destination—it’s the ground we stand on when we choose to lead with soul, brilliance, and integrity.

Whether she’s coaching executive teams, mentoring changemakers, or speaking on the future of work, Gitta brings a rare blend of strategic insight and soulful presence to every space she enters.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/1worldinfreedom

Website: https://1worldinfreedom.com/

In this compelling episode of Living Your Best Life, Paulie Skaja sits down with Britleigh Wechsler, a visionary leader, advocate, and creator dedicated to making a meaningful impact. Britleigh’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of purpose. From shaping industry conversations to pioneering initiatives that uplift communities, her work reflects a deep commitment to authenticity and leadership.

Britleigh shares insights into her professional achievements, the challenges she has overcome, and the lessons that have shaped her into the powerhouse she is today. She discusses her approach to mentorship, leadership, and driving meaningful change, offering advice for those looking to make a difference in their own fields.

Whether building businesses, influencing policy, or fostering social change, Britleigh’s story serves as an inspiration for anyone striving to carve their own path.

Topics Covered:

• Britleigh’s journey to success
• Navigating challenges and personal growth
• Her contributions to leadership and advocacy
• Building initiatives that empower communities
• The importance of mentorship and supporting others
• Overcoming setbacks and staying resilient
• Advice for those looking to step into leadership roles

Resources & Links:

Britleigh Photography

Land of 10,000 Dates (website)

Land of 10,000 Dates (Facebook)

Excelsior Podcast

Connect with Britleigh on LinkedIn

In this inspiring episode of Live Into Your Best Life, Paulie Skaja welcomes Clarissa Schmieg, a powerhouse of resilience, creativity, and leadership. Clarissa’s journey has been anything but ordinary—overcoming early adversity, navigating complex identity challenges, and forging her own path to success. Now a business owner, executive writer, and mentor, she uses her experiences to empower others through storytelling and personal growth.

Clarissa discusses her transition from overcoming personal hardship to founding Executive Author House, where she helps leaders and professionals craft their stories, turn experiences into impactful narratives, and gain credibility through published works. She also shares her insights into education, leadership, and life balance, reflecting on the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Whether overcoming obstacles, shaping new beginnings, or helping others find their voice, Clarissa’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of self-discovery.

Topics Covered:

• Clarissa’s journey from hardship to success
• Navigating identity challenges and personal growth
• The founding of Executive Author House and its mission
• How storytelling can shape leadership and influence
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and stepping into confidence
• Balancing ambition with rest and reflection
• Advice for those looking to share their own stories

Resources & Links:

• Executive Author House Website
• Clarissa’s LinkedIn

In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, Paulie Skaja sits down with life transformation strategist, speaker, entrepreneur, author, actress, and jewelry designer Tanya Newbould. Tanya shares her journey from Hollywood to coaching, her personal battle with postpartum depression, and how she has turned her experience into advocacy and healing for others. She discusses her work as a passionate advocate for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, co-producing the documentary When the Bough Breaks, and her upcoming memoir.

This episode is packed with insights on personal growth, finding purpose, and the importance of community and support in overcoming challenges. Tanya’s message is clear: no one is alone, and transformation is always possible.

Topics Covered:

• Tanya’s background and diverse career journey
• Overcoming postpartum depression and raising awareness
• The impact of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders on families
• The importance of community support
• Courage, mindset, and personal growth
• Tanya’s work in jewelry design and holistic wellness
• Her upcoming memoir and advocacy work

Resources & Links:

• Tanya’s Website
• When the Bough Breaks Documentary (Amazon)
• When the Bough Breaks Documentary (iTunes)
• Sozo Heart Candle & Wellness Line
• Del Pozo Jewelry

Connect with Tanya:

• Instagram: @TanyaNewbould
• LinkedIn: Tanya Newbould

If you or a loved one is affected by postpartum depression or other postpartum disorders and need help, you can call Postpartum Support International‘s hotline at 1-800-944-4773.

In this episode, Paulie Skaja interviews Kris Jennings, an inspiring author and change leader. Kris shares her journey of overcoming fear and embracing courage, discussing her book "Inspired by Fear: Becoming a Courageous Change Leader." They delve into Kris' personal experiences, including her recent swimming challenges with her son, and how these adventures have shaped her perspective on life and leadership.

Kris Jennings is a remarkable individual who has made significant strides in the field of change leadership. She is the author of "Inspired by Fear: Becoming a Courageous Change Leader," a book dedicated to those who face fear head-on. Kris' journey is a testament to her resilience and determination to help others navigate through fear and uncertainty.

Kris' background as a competitive swimmer has played a crucial role in her life. She shares her experiences of swimming in open waters, including her recent trips to Croatia and Nevis, where she faced the challenge of swimming with sharks. These adventures have not only tested her physical limits but also reinforced her belief in the power of courage and resilience.

A pivotal moment in Kris' life was her transition from a corporate job to becoming a consultant. After being laid off from what she considered her dream job, Kris found herself in a consulting role, which ultimately suited her much better. This transition allowed her to leverage her skills and passion for helping organizations navigate large-scale transformational changes.

Kris' journey with PTSD has also been a significant part of her story. Diagnosed during the early months of the pandemic, she has since dedicated herself to understanding and managing her fear and anxiety. Kris employs techniques such as noticing, naming, and nudging emotions to help herself and others cope with fear.

Throughout the episode, Kris emphasizes the importance of curiosity and adaptability in leadership. She believes that being open to change and willing to experiment are key to overcoming challenges. Her optimistic and hopeful outlook is infectious, inspiring others to embrace their unique qualities and face their fears with courage.

Kris also discusses the impact of the pandemic on her approach to fear and change. She highlights the role of social media in modern connections and shares her strategies for engaging with it in a positive way. Building authentic connections is crucial to Kris, and she stresses the importance of being true to oneself and finding meaningful relationships.

Quotes:

• "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
• "I have arrived. I am home." - Kris Jennings

Call to Action:

Buy Kris’ book [https://www.krisjennings.com/KJbookstore]

Join The Friday Upside email list...a message of everyday courage every week [https://www.krisjennings.com/blog]

Connect with Kris: linkedin.com/in/kris-jennings

In this episode, Paulie Skaja interviews Howard Freedman, a financial aid consultant with over 20 years of experience. Howard shares his journey from working in customer service and business management to founding his own financial aid consulting firm. He discusses the importance of continuous education, the challenges students face in pursuing higher education, and the strategies for making college affordable. Howard also talks about his role in the Access program at Boston Public Schools, where he provided financial aid services and scholarships to over 2700 high school students. He emphasizes the need for students to market themselves effectively to colleges and the importance of finding a college that fits their skills and financial situation.

Key Points:

• Howard's background in financial management, customer service, and software consulting.
• His passion for helping students navigate the complexities of college financial aid.
• The significance of continuous education and reinventing oneself.
• Strategies for making college affordable and finding the right fit.
• Howard's achievements and recognition in the field of financial aid consulting.

Book: Making College Happen: An insightful guide to making savvy financial decisions and cutting college costs https://amzn.to/410qG9D

Website: https://www.financialaidconsulting.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-freedman-3b2581123/

In this deeply personal and insightful episode, our guest shares a transformative journey from a 20-year career in high-stakes corporate tech to becoming a conscious living and wellness strategist. Tune in as we uncover how a personal loss and the pandemic cracked open the door to self-discovery, igniting a mission to help others reclaim their health, energy, and relationship with food.

This conversation dives into the root causes of modern health challenges—from chronic stress and burnout to sugar addiction and emotional eating—and explores how we can break free from a system designed to keep us unhealthy.

• The Evolution Gap: Why our ancient bodies are misaligned with today’s hyper-processed, convenience-driven food environment.
• The Power of Self-Awareness: Understanding how asking why is the first step to transformation.
• Food Freedom Defined: Moving from emotional eating to intentional nourishment.
• Optimizing Systems—Inside and Out: Lessons from a former IT pro on how neglecting your personal health system can have long-term consequences.
• Healing Beyond Diets: True wellness comes from realigning the mind, body, and spirit—not just what’s on your plate.
• Conscious Communication: The subtle language shifts that reinforce your choices around food and boundaries.

Tools & Tips Mentioned

• The power of switching from “I shouldn’t” to “I don’t” when setting food boundaries.
• How to navigate social pressures without guilt.
• Ways to reset your habits and mindset after burnout.
• The importance of emotional nourishment alongside physical health.
• The role of food industry manipulation—and how to protect yourself.

Once a passionate tech strategist designing complex systems for Fortune 500 companies, today's guest now channels that same systems-oriented thinking into helping people reset their lives. As a wellness coach, speaker, and conscious living guide, Najib Khan specializes in helping overwhelmed professionals and families build sustainable, sacred lifestyles.

"Before any transformation can happen, the very first step is self-awareness. Our bodies were designed for a world that no longer exists—and it's time we stop living on autopilot."

Connect with Najib and learn more about how you can reclaim wellness: 

Website:  www.namayou.com

Email: najib@namayou.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/najibfkhan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namayou.official

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/namayou.official

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@najibfkhan

Book a Call to Chat: https://calendly.com/namayou/dc30meet

Oxford Talks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smgas1Hm5Ns

In today’s inspiring episode, we sit down with Erik Seversen — author, anthropologist, entrepreneur, and global adventurer — to dive into the mindset behind living a life without limits. Erik has visited 99 countries, lived with indigenous tribes, climbed mountains on four continents, and built multiple successful businesses, all while helping over 450 people (including our host!) become bestselling authors.

Erik shares how fear and discomfort can be powerful allies on the journey to growth, how childhood conditioning shapes our beliefs, and why balancing work, family, and self is essential to sustained success. He opens up about his TEDx talk on overcoming fear through community and how the wisdom of an Amazonian tribe reshaped his understanding of courage.

We also explore:

• Why comfort is the enemy of progress
• The power of taking action (not just dreaming or vision boarding)
• How to reclaim childhood dreams and overcome limiting beliefs
• Tips for staying productive and focused as a creative entrepreneur
• The surprising mindset shift that changed his financial success

Whether you’re a writer, entrepreneur, or simply someone craving a more purposeful life, this episode is filled with real talk, powerful stories, and practical tips. Erik’s journey reminds us that living an extraordinary life is a choice — and one that’s available to all of us.

Learn more about Erik and connect:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikseversen/

https://www.selfpublishingcenter.com/

Over the past year, 54 episodes of Live Into Your Best Life have been released. Here they are so you can listen to / re-listen to the topics that resonate most…you will get nuggets of inspiration from each show. 

Ep 1: Welcome podcast

Ep 2: Embarking on your journey

Ep 3: Manifesting your true intentions

Ep 4: Love & Respect yourself

Ep 5: Navigating your journey to professional happiness

Ep 6: Unlocking your potential - Taylor Bell

Ep 7: Discovering career joy - Claudia Skaja

Ep 8: Transform your life

Ep 9: Unlocking career fulfillment - Chris Christianson

Ep 10: Unlock your potential

Ep 11: Unlocking leadership potential

Ep 12: Mastering personal growth

Ep 13: Aligning inner guidance - Monica Kenton

Ep 14: Mastering energy

Ep 15: Empowering careers - Lauren Neal

Ep 16: Unveiling your iterative journey

Ep 17: Transform your life - Joshua Peters

Ep 18: Mastering your journey

Ep 19: Unlocking career success - Tom Auld

Ep 20: Mastering the art of saying “no”

Ep 21: Unlocking the power of podcasting - Karen Roberts

Ep 22: Stop “shoulding” on yourself

Ep 23: Transformative journeys

Ep 24: Mastering Decisions: the 10-10-10 method

Ep 25: Embracing the journey

Ep 26: Mirror Mirror

Ep 27: What if

Ep 28: Embrace change

Ep 29: Magic, Sales & Resilience - MagicBrad

Ep 30: Words matter

Ep 31: Embracing change: the digital nomad - Diane Gombart

Ep 32: Embracing change: how small choices lead to big transformations

Ep 33: Empowering career growth - Kate Wade

Ep 34: Leaps of faith - Natascha Speets

Ep 35: Gratitude every day

Ep 35: Heart-centered leadership - Sarah Davidson

Ep 36: Embracing life’s transitions: astrology coaching - Patricia Herlevi

Ep 37: Thriving through peri-menopause - Stephanie Crassweller

Ep 38: Seasons of miracles

Ep 39: Take action: the keys to creating the life you deserve

Ep 40: Empowering teams - Alyssa Sharp

Ep 41: Reignite your spark

Ep 42: From rejection to redirection - Kristine Schwartz

Ep 43: Healing through movement & mindfulness - Amy Quarberg

Ep 44: Ageless growth

Ep 45: Buy Yourself - Adele Kamel Whitley

Ep 46: Navigating your journey to professional happiness

Ep 47: Building resilience & redefining success - Lucy Davis

Ep 48: Mastering success - Cliff Skaja

Ep 49: Unlocking intuition, astrology & empowerment - Rev. Joanne Angel BarryColon

Ep 50: Finding focus, fulfillment & the power of serendipity - Steven Puri

Ep 51: Trusting intuition, embracing authenticity & breaking free from the past - Elizabeth Peak

Ep 52: The power of resilience, family & finding purpose - Crystal Skaja