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...

Trauma and healing are powerful forces that shape our lives in ways we may not fully realize. While trauma can leave deep scars, it also offers an opportunity for growth and transformation. And then healing is the journey through which we reclaim our stories and use them as tools for empowerment. This journey not only impacts personal well-being but also has the potential to create positive change in relationships and professional environments.

In this episode of The Inside Story Podcast, I sit down with Beth Jones, a long-time friend, Lightbeamers client, and author of the upcoming book Becoming an Empowered Survivor. Beth shares her powerful journey of healing from trauma and abuse, offering insights into how storytelling has been a transformative tool in her life.

Beth is such an inspiration, and I invite you to listen in as we talk about: 

• Turning trauma into a source of strength and empowerment after going through healing
• How storytelling played a vital role in...

How do you get to seven figures in your business?

It isn’t just about putting in the hours; it’s also about adopting a new mindset. It’s about recognizing that there’s enough abundance for everyone, including YOU. Believe in your worth, and you’ll unlock the potential to create a life where you have the freedom to pursue your passions.

In today’s episode of the Inside Story Podcast, I have with me Holly Hillyer, founder of SevenStrongCo, who focuses on helping women grow seven-figure businesses. Holly shares her own entrepreneurial journey, starting from a corporate engineering job to becoming a successful business mentor.

My conversation with Holly is filled with valuable insights as well as practical tips for growing a business, so I invite you to listen in as we talk about:

• How the abundance mindset started early in Holly, and how this shaped her approach to success and financial independence
• Mindset shifts being essential for growth, just...

Astrology has been around for centuries, giving us a look into personality, behavior, and the cosmic energies that shape our lives. While many people turn to astrology for personal guidance, there’s growing interest in how it can be used in improving the workplace environment. By understanding the traits and tendencies of individuals, astrology has the potential to enhance team dynamics, strengthen leadership, and foster better communication at work.

In this episode of The Inside Story Podcast, I sit down with Kelly Irene, a human resource professional and speaker who has integrated astrology into her life and career. Kelly shares her unique journey and how astrology became a powerful tool for both personal growth and professional development.

Listen in as Kelly and I discuss:

• The way astrology can provide valuable insights into how individuals operate, making it a useful tool for improving workplace dynamics
• How understanding her moon and sun signs helped her rebuild her...

Selling can be tough for a lot of people, especially if it doesn’t come naturally. Whether it’s the fear of being rejected, feeling awkward about promoting yourself, or worrying about coming off as too "salesy," it’s easy to see why so many struggle with it. But the truth is, selling doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable. When you approach it with confidence and authenticity, it can actually be a natural extension of the work you love to do.

In this episode, I’m excited to sit down with Sara Torpey, a former educator turned business coach who’s helping people rethink how they approach sales. Through her program Selling for Weirdos, she helps service-oriented entrepreneurs embrace their unique approach to sales without feeling pushy or fake. If selling has ever felt awkward or overwhelming for you, this conversation is a must-listen!

Join me and Sara as we talk about:

• The challenges in selling, especially for service-based entrepreneurss
• How Sara...