Episodes

Caren Paskel shares her inspiring journey of transformation and resilience following the profound loss of her husband, David, to brain cancer. Her story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to find purpose and joy amidst life's challenges. Caren emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the courage to reinvent oneself, highlighting how David's unwavering confidence in her inspired her to take bold steps in her life and career. Instead of succumbing to sorrow, she chose to honor David's memory by celebrating life and helping others through her work. Caren's insights serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to lead a fulfilling and impactful life by focusing on personal growth and community support.

Leah Fisher shares her transformative journey of self-discovery, which began after her father's death and culminated in a life-changing solo marriage sabbatical in her 60s. For over 40 years, she held a dream of joining the Peace Corps but let societal expectations steer her away from it.

In this bonus episode of The Life Shift podcast, I share a heartfelt compilation of reflections from my past guests. Each one shares their advice to their pre-Life Shift selves. The main takeaway resonates through their words: no matter how challenging the moment, everything is going to be alright. They encourage us to simply breathe during tough times and trust our instincts while following our gut. These insights highlight the universal truths we often forget in our struggles. My guests open ...

Suzanne Rico’s life was forever altered by the death of her mother, which propelled her into a profound journey of grief and self-discovery. For two years, she struggled to confront her mother’s passing and the unfinished memoir that held the key to understanding her family's complex history in Nazi Germany. Upon finally opening that memoir, Suzanne not only began to process her grief but also embarked on a mission to uncover the truth about her grandfather’s involvement in creating a weapon for Adolf Hitler. This exploration led her to grapple with difficult themes of generational guilt and the legacy of trauma, ultimately transforming her perspective on what it means to remember and honor those who came before us. Join us as Suzanne shares her emotional roller coaster of discovery, revealing how storytelling can illuminate dark histories and foster connections across generations.

Allison Stieger's life took a transformative turn when she embarked on a journey to India, seeking a connection with the goddess Kali. Feeling stuck in the "land of the dead" after significant weight loss surgery, she realized she needed a profound shock to reignite her spirit. Her experiences in India culminated in a powerful moment at Kali's temple, where she felt her ego dissolve and was reborn into a new version of herself. This episode explores how mythology has guided Allison on her path to healing and self-discovery, empowering her to help others navigate their own stories. Join us as we explore the intersection of personal transformation and the timeless wisdom found in ancient myths.

On this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Stephen Wilson shares his powerful journey of overcoming the trauma of sexual assault and the subsequent battles with mental illness, including bipolar disorder and depression. He reflects on how the shame of his experience led him to keep his story hidden for over 30 years, affecting his life in profound ways.

In this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Ashley Gould candidly shares her transformative journey following her father’s cancer diagnosis. In this conversation, we explore the impact of grief, the resilience required to navigate life’s unexpected challenges, and the importance of embracing change. Ashley reflects on her father's enduring influence, the pivotal shift in her life after his diagnosis, and how it shaped her path toward creativity and fulfillment.

Reflecting on my conversation with Betsy Pepine, I really connected with her journey, especially her struggle against societal expectations. Betsy opens up about breaking free from that exhausting success checklist that so many of us feel obligated to follow. She shares those pivotal moments when two major parts of her life unexpectedly disappeared, and it's clear how these events pushed her to rethink her priorities and find joy in the most surprising places. This theme of rediscovering oneself...

Betsy Pepine shares her transformative journey of breaking free from the metaphorical boxes that once confined her, ultimately leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life. After experiencing significant life changes, including a divorce and job loss, she realized that many of her decisions had been driven by societal expectations rather than her true desires. Through her exploration of various therapeutic modalities, Betsy discovered the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability. These insights allowed her to reconnect with her inner self and redefine her version of success.

In this bonus episode, I reflect on a powerful conversation with Barb Higgins, who has faced numerous life challenges, including the tragic loss of her daughter. Barb's journey is a testament to resilience and finding meaning in grief. She emphasizes that while our experiences shape us, they do not solely define us. She shares how she maintains her joyful spirit despite the hardships, even describing herself as a "wrinkly kid" at heart. This is my little episode to convince you to listen to Ba...

Barb Higgins shares a deeply moving and raw story about the loss of her daughter, Molly, an experience that transformed her life in unimaginable ways.

This episode marks the conclusion of my ambitious 30-day challenge of producing daily content for the Life Shift podcast. I've shared my journey of reflecting on my personal growth and the insights I've gained through candid conversations with incredible guests. As I navigated this intense schedule, I realized the importance of balancing my commitment to the podcast with my full-time job and the support I owe the audience and generous Patreon members. I explored new ideas for future episodes, i...

Bullying can leave lasting scars, and in today’s episode, I reflect on my own experiences with it throughout my childhood and adolescence. I share personal anecdotes, from being pushed into the mud by a bully in third grade to facing threats from a baseball team in high school. These moments shaped my reactions to conflict and how I navigated friendships, often leading me to prioritize others' approval over my own feelings. Takeaways: Bullying can leave lasting emotional scars that affect us t...

Today, I take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible journey of the Life Shift podcast. As I reflect on recording 166 episodes since launching in March 2022, I'm deeply honored by the trust so many guests have placed in me by sharing their personal stories. This Thanksgiving, I want to highlight not only my appreciation for the guests but also for the loyal listeners who tune in regularly and help spread the word. Whether you’ve shared an episode with a friend or reached o...

Today, I share my uncomfortable truth about money and how I manage it as I navigate life. Should I be saving for the future or enjoying the present? Growing up with a father who worked multiple jobs instilled a strong awareness of financial stability. However, as I hit my 40s, I wonder if I'm living life to the fullest while still being safe with my finances. I share my internal struggle about spending versus saving, especially considering what it means to truly enjoy my life now rather than def...

Therapy is a powerful tool that can help us navigate our emotional struggles, yet many people feel intimidated by the idea of seeking help. In today's episode, I share my personal journey with therapy, highlighting the fears and misconceptions that often hold people back from reaching out. I discuss my own experiences, including the challenges I faced in finding the right therapist and the breakthroughs that eventually led to healing. It's essential to acknowledge the feelings of apprehension th...

Shani Rigsbee shares her powerful journey of resilience and self-discovery following a life-altering diagnosis of ovarian cancer at the age of 26.

Today, I share a little about my dream job(s) and reflect on how pivotal moments have shaped my career aspirations. Growing up, I was inspired by MTV and envisioned myself as a VJ like Carson Daly on Total Request Live, immersed in music, celebrities, and engaging conversations. However, my journey took a different turn after struggling with a mass communication law class, which led me to shift my major to business. I still dream of being a part of The View, where I could participate in meanin...

Today, I unexpectedly share the importance of authenticity and how it shapes how we show up in the world. Reflecting on a recent conversation on another podcast, I consider the idea of being perceived as kind and how that aligns with my values. While we all have mean thoughts occasionally, striving for kindness and authenticity in our interactions is crucial. Ultimately, I hope to inspire you to embrace your authenticity and recognize the beauty of sharing your true self with the world. Takeaw...

Today, I dive into a fun and spontaneous format by using random question generators to spark some interesting responses (or not). It’s a lighthearted exploration that reveals a bit about my personality, including my aversion to board games and my thoughts on potential witness protection names. I also reflect on my recent experience as a guest on another podcast, which inspired this episode's playful approach.

Today, I discuss the much-anticipated movie adaptation of Wicked, which has finally arrived after years of development. As a long-time fan of the Broadway show, I am excited about the performances, particularly those of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who truly brought their characters to life.

Today, I dive into the topic of holidays and the various traditions that shape our experiences. As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, I reflect on how my relationship with these celebrations has evolved over the years, especially in light of personal losses and changes. I share memories of cherished moments spent with my grandmother and the unique traditions we created together, from late-night gift unwrapping to family dinners at Olive Garden. However, I also acknowledge how the absence of loved ones can alter the feeling of these festive times. Ultimately, I encourage everyone to embrace what brings them joy during the holidays, whether that's continuing old traditions or creating new ones, and to remember that it's okay to feel a mix of emotions during this season.

I’m dreaming big today as I share my thoughts on potential dream guests for The Life Shift podcast. With 30 days and 30 episodes in progress, I reflect on the inspiring individuals I would love to connect with and learn from about their pivotal moments in life. Among those on my wish list are Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles, Sara Haines, Brian Teta, Randy Rainbow, and Tyler Whitman. Just like us all, I'm positive that each of these remarkable people has a unique story to tell.

On Day 19, I share the importance of acknowledging and sharing our feelings, especially during difficult times. I open up about my struggles with sleep and the emotional burden of recent grief, illustrating how these feelings can affect daily life. I highlight that it's okay to not feel great all the time and share the value of having a support system to share these feelings with. I believe verbalizing our struggles can help normalize them, making them feel more manageable. By being honest ab...