Becoming a first-time author is a journey filled with excitement, self-discovery, and unexpected challenges. The process of turning personal stories and life lessons into a published book often brings up feelings of overwhelm and self-doubt, as well as the pressure to let go of perfectionism. Yet, it is also a deeply rewarding experience, allowing authors to leave a lasting legacy, connect with others on a deeper level, and see their hard work materialize into a tangible, impactful work. 

In this episode, we welcome David Watson, a repeat guest who has recently embarked on the journey of becoming a first-time author. David shares the inspiring story behind his book Lessons Learned for My Sons, a meaningful project intended for both his sons and a wider audience.

Listen in as David and I talk about:

• Overcoming the fear of perfection: Learn how David Watson navigated the challenges of letting go of perfectionism while writing his first book.
• The power of storytelling: Discover...

Storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to connect with others, share experiences, and inspire action. Whether you're a business owner, a marketer, or simply someone looking to improve your communication skills, learning the art of storytelling can have a profound impact on your life.

In today’s episode of the Inside Story Podcast, we explore how story prompts can be used as a spark for sharing your stories. By using simple questions and cues, story prompts can help you uncover and articulate your unique experiences, insights, and perspectives.

Join me today as I share with you:

• How story prompts help individuals find relevant stories, connect with their audience, and showcase their personality and message
• A story prompt shared inside the Lightbeamers Community on Facebook, and the story that came up for me when I thought about the question
• How you can use and repurpose your stories on different platforms to reach more people, share your insights, and make an impact...

Saying yes to opportunities, even when they feel big and scary, is a powerful way to invite growth and transformation into your life. Each yes opens a door to new experiences, connections, and possibilities that you might not have encountered otherwise. By being open and willing to embrace these chances, you allow yourself to evolve, learn, and move closer to the life you’re meant to live.

Kacie is a travel content creator and author living in Florence, Italy. After a life-changing solo trip and her own little ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ moment, she made the official move to Italy in January 2021. Since then, she has written a book sharing stories of her adventures and lessons she’s learned on her journey.

Listen in as I Kacie and I talk about:

• Believing in the saying, “If you don’t ask, it’s always a no” – and how that got her on the Kelly Clarkson show
• Grabbing the opportunities that come your way – even those that seem...

The power of storytelling is in its ability to turn pain into purpose, especially when faced with tragedy. By sharing our stories, we not only process our own emotions but also create a space for others to find connection, guidance, and peace. It is through this exchange of experiences that we find strength, resilience, and the ability to uplift one another.

Alexa Bigwarfe is a remarkable author, publisher, and advocate for women in the publishing industry. As the founder of the Women in Publishing Summit, Alexa has dedicated her career to empowering others to share their stories and navigate the world of publishing with confidence and support, and her journey is one of resilience and transformation.

Listen in today as Alexa and I talk about:

• The incredible strength and resilience that can emerge from personal tragedy
• How writing and storytelling can be powerful tools for processing grief and healing
• The importance of finding and connecting with a supportive community during...

In a world where we often find ourselves stuck in the cycle of overplanning and worrying about outcomes, embracing curiosity can lead to unexpected joys and opportunities. In this week's episode of The Inside Story Podcast, I dive into a powerful mindset shift that has transformed my personal and professional life: asking the simple yet profound question, "What might happen if?"

Join me as I explore how this approach has allowed me to break free from the need for control, discover new passions like Pilates, and connect more authentically with my clients. Whether you're looking to spark creativity, reduce anxiety, or simply add a little more spontaneity to your daily routine, this one’s for you!

In this episode, I talk about:

• Embracing curiosity and a mindset of curiosity and openness to possibilities, focusing on positive outcomes without attachment to specific results
• My newfound love for Pilates and how I applied the mindset of “what might happen if” to...

Collaboration is a powerful tool, and it can supercharge your business. By teaming up with like-minded companies, you can expand your reach, strengthen your brand, and achieve more together. Successful partnerships are built on trust and shared goals, leading to long-term growth and success.

In this episode, we are joined by Linda Sidhu, a passionate advocate for entrepreneurs. She helps business owners connect deeply with their audience and build strong relationships by focusing on their strengths. Linda's expertise empowers entrepreneurs to create meaningful partnerships that drive business growth.

Listen in to the full episode and hear Linda and I talk about:

• Why strategic and meaningful collaborations for any business and how you can go about forming these partnerships
• Understanding personality types to enhance your business relationships and communication
• Learning how to prioritize an audience-first mindset in your partnerships
• Trust as an important key in collaborations and...

This is the 4th and last installment in our podcast summer swap series, and I hope you join me today as I bring you my episode on the Thoughtful Planning Podcast, hosted by Honey and Santiago Bueno.

In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, I share recent challenges I encountered in my personal life, including my cousin's emergency brain surgery and my son's surprise surgery, and reflect on how adversity has activated deeper action and thoughtful planning on my part.

Listen in as I talk about:

• The importance of preparedness
• How facing adversities reinforce the value of being proactive in planning to mitigate the impact of unexpected challenges
• Involving the family – yes, including our children – in discussions about financial and medical responsibilities prepares them for adulthood and unforeseen circumstances
• Gaps in the educational system and the need for practical education on financial and medical planning to better prepare young adults
• Adapting plans over time
• Being...

Welcome to the third installment of our Podcast Summer Swap series!! Today, I’m bringing you my episode on Tamara Wamsley’s show, The Ambitious Chick Podcast.

In this episode, I discuss my journey from being a journalist to a storytelling coach, and share the transformative power of storytelling for women. I also share my initial struggles with clarity and the growth of my business, highlighting the importance of taking imperfect action and understanding one’s audience to effectively communicate and inspire others.

I invite you to listen in as Tamara and I talk about:

• How owning and sharing one's story can lead to significant personal and professional growth
• Helping women elevate their voices and make a bigger impact
• The importance of taking action even without complete clarity
• Understanding and speaking directly to your audience, ensuring your story resonates and serves their needs and interests
• The value of creating a community where women feel comfortable...

Join us for a special celebration as we mark the 200th episode of The Inside Story Podcast!

Reflecting on three and a half years of weekly episodes, I share the power of storytelling and the importance of community. 

And today, several members of the Lightbeamers community join me to share their transformative journeys through storytelling. These guests highlight how the podcast and community support have boosted their confidence and ability to share their stories. Their heartfelt testimonies underscore the profound impact of storytelling on personal and professional growth.

Join me today for this one of a kind episode as we share:

• The journey and impact of The Inside Story podcast plus the Lightbeamers Community
• The enduring importance of storytelling as a way to connect, inspire, and transform
• Heartfelt testimonials from Lightbeamers and how the podcast and the community have boosted their confidence and ability to share their stories
• Transformative journeys of...

It’s the second episode in our Podcast Summer Swap series!! And today, I’m featuring my episode on Angie Colee’s podcast, Permission to Kick Ass.

On Angie’s show, I shared my journey and passion for storytelling, highlighting its transformative power in both our personal and professional lives. We talked about how I shifted from my career in journalism to founding LIGHTbeamers, and how my faith has been a significant influence in my mission to shine a positive light through storytelling.

I invite you to tune in as Angie and I discuss:

• My backstory and the final straw that made me walk away from my journalism career for good
• How a Bible verse inspired me to help others shine their light through storytelling
• The importance of recognizing and overcoming negative stories imposed by others to reclaim and empower one's own story
• Being a supportive cheerleader for my clients and encouraging them to pursue their dreams
• My motivation for starting LIGHTbeamers and...