Public speaking is one of the most common fears, but what if there was a way to make it easier (and even fun)? Improv, the art of spontaneous storytelling, can help you become a more confident speaker by teaching you to think on your feet, embrace the unexpected, and trust yourself in the moment. Whether you’re standing on a big stage, leading a meeting, or introducing yourself at a networking event, learning to roll with the punches can make all the difference. 

In this episode of The Inside Story Podcast, I sit down with Brian McCarthy, a mindset coach with a love for improv, to talk about how improv techniques can help you become a stronger, more confident speaker. Brian shares his personal journey of overcoming shyness, the lessons improv has taught him, and practical exercises you can try to boost your own confidence in speaking.

This was such a fun conversation, and I’d love for you to join me and Brian as we talk about:

• How improv helps you stop...

Running a business is one thing, but running it with your sibling? That’s a whole different level! Sisters Krissy Chin and Claire VanBemmelen have built multiple businesses together, and through trial, error, and plenty of laughs, they’ve mastered the art of balancing family and entrepreneurship. Their secret? Playing to their strengths—Krissy is the big-picture strategist, while Claire is the creative branding expert. And now, they’re on a mission to help other business owners create websites and brands that truly feel like them.

For this episode of The Inside Story Podcast, I sat down with Krissy and Claire from K&C Creative to talk about what it takes to build a strong online presence and a thriving business partnership. From website strategy to branding tips—and a few sisterly debates along the way—this conversation is packed with valuable insights for business owners at any stage.

Krissy and Claire shared more than a few nuggets of...

Winning at parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. It’s about building trust, fostering open conversations, and creating a space where kids feel safe to share their thoughts and emotions. It’s about learning how to listen, how to respond with empathy, and how to navigate the ups and downs of family life together. When families improve their communication, they create an environment where everyone feels heard, supported, and valued.

I had such an incredible conversation with Jenn Brown, a life coach who is passionate about helping families connect in deeper, more meaningful ways. Jenn has faced some major challenges in her own life, and she shares how those experiences shaped her mission to support parents and teens. In this episode, she opens up about the power of communication, trust, and creating a safe space for our kids to be themselves.

Join me and Jenn as we talk about:

• How Jenn turned her family’s struggles into a mission...

Sharing your story can feel uncomfortable—believe me, I know! It’s a vulnerable act that often pushes us far outside our comfort zones. But I’ve learned that stepping into this discomfort is exactly what allows us to create connection, inspire others, and fulfill a bigger purpose. If you’ve ever hesitated to share your story because it feels scary or overwhelming, this episode is for you. 

In this episode of The Inside Story Podcast, I share a story that really made an impact on me during a concert I attended with my daughter. It shifted my perspective on what it truly means to share our stories and step onto bigger platforms.

Listen in as I share with you:

• A powerful story from my daughter’s experience at a concert and how the phrase Altars Over Stages resonated with me
• The inspiration behind Josiah Queen’s song Altars Over Stages and how its message can guide your approach to storytelling
• Why sharing your story is not about seeking...

I'm back to my storytelling roots! After a brief holiday hiatus, I've been reflecting on how to best serve my audience. I realized that while marketing tactics are important, my true passion lies in sharing powerful stories. This episode is all about shifting your mindset from "marketing" to "storytelling" and how this simple shift can transform your business.

In this episode, I explore the idea of "storytelling over marketing." We get into how to reframe common marketing tasks, such as email marketing and building funnels, through a storytelling lens. I also share practical tips on how to connect with your audience on a deeper level by treating them like friends and creating authentic, engaging content.

Join me today as I share with you:

• Why it’s time to stop thinking like a marketer and start thinking like a storyteller again
• Viewing your email list as a group of friends you get to communicate with
• Ditching the term "funnel" and thinking of it as a customer...

After taking a much-needed hiatus, I’m thrilled to be back with The Inside Story Podcast! Stepping away for a little over a month allowed me to reflect, recalibrate, and realign the podcast’s mission with my heart. I realized it was time to take a fresh approach—one that puts storytelling front and center. Now, as we get into 2025, I’m excited to share updates, cast a vision for the future, and reconnect with you in new and meaningful ways.

In this first episode of the year, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned during my break and how it’s shaping the next chapter for the podcast and Lightbeamers. Together, we’ll explore why storytelling—not marketing—will be our guiding principle, my vision for the podcast moving forward, and what the word "MORE" means to me this year. Plus, I’m giving you an inside look at exciting plans for Lightbeamers’ 10th anniversary, my upcoming book, and a free 5-day speaker challenge...

Eating disorders affect millions of people worldwide, yet they are often misunderstood or overlooked. Disordered eating behaviors can range from restrictive dieting to binge eating and are influenced by a variety of factors, including societal pressures, personal experiences, and even generational legacies. Understanding these behaviors and the stories behind them is a crucial step toward healing and creating a healthier relationship with food.

In today’s episode, I welcome an old friend, Jessica Setnick – a dietitian, educator, and advocate with over 26 years of experience in the field of eating disorders. Jessica shares her professional journey, insights from her work in advocacy, and personal reflections on disordered eating. Together, we explore the stories behind our eating habits and discuss practical ways to foster healing and self-awareness.

Listen in as Jessica and I share our thoughts on:

• The difference between eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors...

Personal branding is more than just a logo or a set of colors—it’s about creating a lasting impression that reflects your true essence. Your brand is your story, your message, and the way you connect with others, both online and offline. In today’s world, building an authentic and memorable brand is essential for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone looking to increase their visibility.

In this episode, I sit down with Monique Bryan, a dynamic personal branding coach who specializes in helping individuals build their own “juicy” brands. From overcoming personal challenges to coaching clients on aligning their online presence with their authentic selves, Monique brings her signature energy and expertise to the conversation.

Listen in as Monique and I talk about: 

• The four must-have ingredients for creating a bold, buzzworthy personal brand
• Why sharing your story (even the mundane parts!) can set your brand apart
• How to ditch your fear of being...

Diversity and equality are not just buzzwords—they’re foundations for creating inclusive communities. Embracing diversity means honoring different backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences while fostering a culture of respect and equity. Beyond policies and training, real diversity work involves cultivating understanding and unity that strengthen teams, inspire innovation, and build trust. With the right approach, organizations and individuals can create environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Marlene Godsey, a DEI expert and alumna of the Lightbeamers’ Speak Easy program. She shares her transformative journey in diversity, equity, and inclusion work and reveals actionable steps for creating unity among diversity in our communities and workplaces.

This is such an important (and timely!) conversation, so I invite you to join me and Marlene as we talk about:

• True inclusion starts here:...

"Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live." —Gianni Versace

Fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a reflection of who we are and how we want to express ourselves to the world. But for many women, shopping and getting dressed can feel overwhelming or tied to outdated trends.

What if fashion could be a source of joy, confidence, and self-expression rather than stress? By changing our mindset and rethinking our relationship with our wardrobe, we can reconnect with our personal style in meaningful ways that feel authentic to us.

Today, I’m joined by fashion stylist and creator of the Wear Joy Project, Casey Lum. Together, we look into Casey’s philosophy of finding joy in fashion and how women can reframe their mindset to feel more empowered by their clothes.

Listen in on this eye-opening conversation as Casey and I talk about: 

• Fashion is...