Beyond the Bestseller

Transforming Trauma Into Freedom with Susan Gold

What does it take to turn a painful past into a life of purpose and freedom? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Susan Gold, author of Toxic Family: Transforming Childhood Trauma into Adult Freedom, to discuss her journey from a tumultuous upbringing to building a thriving career and finding personal healing.

We explore:

• The story behind Susan’s book and how it became a tool for helping others heal from trauma.
• Her remarkable career journey, including working with icons like Barbara Walters and Andy Warhol.
• The power of manifesting, intuition, and tapping into inner strength to overcome adversity.
• Practical advice for those looking to share their stories, push past self-doubt, and embrace vulnerability in their writing.
• The role of empathy, heart-centered living, and self-awareness in creating a fulfilling life.

Susan’s insights and candid storytelling will inspire you to explore your own path to healing and take bold steps toward personal and professional growth.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Susan’s book, Toxic Family: Transforming Childhood Trauma into Adult Freedom: https://amzn.to/4hmrIC5 (affiliate link).
• Visit Susan’s website for free tools and resources: SusanGold.us.
• Watch Susan’s inspiring messages on her YouTube channel: Susan Gold is Magical.

If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

Get Out of Your Own Way: Breaking Barriers with Cassandra Crawley Mayo

Are you holding yourself back from living your best life? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Cassandra Crawley Mayo, author of Is Your Way In Your Way, to explore the self-imposed barriers that prevent us from achieving our dreams. Cassandra shares her inspiring journey of overcoming doubts, stepping into her purpose, and writing a book that empowers women to do the same.

We explore:

• How to identify the self-imposed barriers holding you back.
• Practical steps to move past fear, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs.
• Cassandra’s advice for women navigating major life transitions, from starting a business to writing a book.
• The impact of mentorship, faith, and perseverance on achieving your goals.
• How her companion journal helps readers take a deeper dive into self-discovery.

Cassandra’s story and actionable insights will inspire you to get out of your own way, take bold steps, and create the life you’ve always envisioned.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Cassandra’s book, Is Your Way In Your Way, and her companion journal: CassandraCrawley.com.
• Connect with Cassandra on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
• Explore Cassandra’s self-discovery resources and learn more about her mission to empower women.

If this episode inspired you to push past your own barriers, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

Build Your Expertise, Elevate Your Business with Ann Carden

What does it take to turn your expertise into a million-dollar business?In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I chat with Ann Carden, business consultant, author of Expert in You, and founder of the Expert in You Marketing and Media Agency. Ann shares her proven strategies for building lucrative, impactful coaching and consulting businesses by leveraging your expertise, positioning yourself for premium clients, and creating scalable revenue models.

We explore:

• The difference between coaching and consulting, and how to find the right fit for your expertise.
• Why certifications aren’t always necessary—and how to leverage real-world experience to position yourself as a credible expert.
• Ann’s innovative approach to creating high-ticket offers and building a revenue model designed to reach $1M and beyond.
• How to attract premium clients and avoid the common pitfalls of traditional lead generation strategies.
• The inspiration behind her book Expert in You and the lessons she’s learned from building and selling seven successful businesses.

Ann’s insights and actionable advice will inspire you to think bigger, build smarter, and create a business that aligns with your expertise and goals.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Ann’s book, Expert in You: https://amzn.to/3PJPfBb (affiliate link)
• Explore Ann’s Expert in You coaching and consulting programs: AnnCarden.com.
• Check out Ann’s YouTube channel for more business growth strategies: Ann Carden YouTube.
• Listen to Ann’s podcast, Expert in You: Available on all major podcast platforms.

If this episode inspired you to elevate your business and leverage your expertise, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

Train Your Head and Your Body Will Follow with Sandy Joy Weston

How do you create lasting change for your mind and body without making it overwhelming? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Sandy Joy Weston, health and wellness expert, speaker, and author of Train Your Head and Your Body Will Follow. Sandy shares her practical approach to building positive routines that fit into even the busiest of lives, focusing on mindset shifts, joy-filled practices, and small, consistent steps that create lasting results.

We explore:

• The inspiration behind Sandy’s book Train Your Head and Your Body Will Follow and her journey to creating practical tools for mindset and fitness.
• How one-to-three-minute journaling routines can transform your mindset and set a positive tone for the day.
• The connection between movement, affirmations, and rewiring your brain for success.
• Her experience creating a journal for kids, Recess to Reset, and the lessons she’s learned about making journaling fun and engaging for all ages.
• Sandy’s unique morning routine and the importance of starting the day with intention, movement, and joy.

Sandy’s energy and enthusiasm will inspire you to rethink your daily habits, embrace small changes, and create a life filled with purpose and positivity.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Sandy’s books, including Train Your Head and Your Body Will Follow (affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4g3igTd), My 30-Day Reset Journal, and Recess to Reset Journal: SandyJoyWeston.com.
• Watch Sandy’s TEDx Talk, Movement, Words, and Laughter: https://youtu.be/X45CyL23F6g?si=MRAg3DQmhd6ks7yg.
• Follow Sandy on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for more tips and inspiration.

If this episode inspired you to kickstart your wellness journey, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

Little Giant: Designing a Life You Love with Marcia Heath

What happens when you realize the life you’ve been living isn’t truly your own? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Marcia Heath, author of Little Giant: The Story of Aruba’s Surf Shop and the Rebels Who Built It. Marcia shares her inspiring journey from corporate success to creative fulfillment after a life-altering experience led her to question everything she thought she wanted.

We explore:

• Marcia’s personal wake-up call and how it pushed her to leave a high-achieving career behind.
• The story of two friends in Aruba who defied traditional success to build a business rooted in fun, friendship, and purpose.
• What it means to design a life on your own terms—and how to find the courage to do it.
• The challenges of transitioning from corporate marketing to creative nonfiction writing.
• How storytelling, both in books and her upcoming documentary, can inspire others to embrace authenticity.

Marcia’s journey and the story of Little Giant will inspire anyone feeling stuck in a life that doesn’t fit, reminding us that it’s never too late to choose a different path.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Marcia’s book, Little Giant: https://amzn.to/3CE1mwG (affiliate link)
• Learn more about Marcia and her work: https://littlegiantbook.com/
• Stay tuned for the upcoming Little Giant documentary, set to release this year.

If this episode inspired you to rethink your own life path, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

America in Therapy: Healing a Nation Through Mental Health with Phyllis Leavitt

How can the principles of therapy help heal a nation? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Phyllis Leavitt, psychotherapist and author of America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis. Phyllis brings her decades of experience in family systems therapy to explore how collective mental health is the missing piece in addressing national crises like divisiveness, inequality, and violence.

We explore:

• Why America functions like a family system and how systemic issues mirror dynamics within families.
• The connection between mental health, societal challenges, and healing on a national scale.
• Practical steps individuals can take to create a ripple effect of positive change in their communities.
• Phyllis’s writing journey, including how she rewrote her book with the help of a developmental editor.
• Resources and insights for those seeking therapy to heal or "upgrade" their lives.

Phyllis’s compassionate and thought-provoking approach offers a hopeful framework for addressing the challenges we face collectively, starting with understanding and improving our own mental health.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about Phyllis and her work: phyllisleavitt.com.
• Grab a copy of America in Therapy: https://amzn.to/42iB0L1 (affiliate link)
• Sign up for Phyllis’s newsletter to receive her free PDF on resolving conflict through nonviolence.
• Explore online therapy options for accessible mental health support: https://www.betterhelp.com/

If this episode inspired you to reflect on the connection between mental health and societal healing, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

Soulful Speaking: Finding Your Voice and Leading Authentically with Lauri Smith

What if finding your authentic voice could transform the way you lead, communicate, and connect? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Lauri Smith, public speaking and leadership coach, and author of Your Voice Matters. Lauri shares her unique framework for soulful speaking, helping individuals overcome their fear of public speaking and step into their authentic presence.

We explore:

• Why finding your voice is key to effective leadership and personal growth.
• How Lauri helps clients identify and overcome “soul suckers”—those inner critics that hold us back.
• The connection between breathing, energy, and confident speaking.
• Practical tips for navigating fear and embracing the discomfort of public speaking.
• Lauri’s writing process and her advice for authors who prefer to talk rather than write.

Whether you’re terrified of public speaking or looking to refine your skills, Lauri’s insights will empower you to communicate more confidently and show up authentically in every room you enter.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Lauri’s book Your Voice Matters: https://amzn.to/4gZKdMC (affiliate link).
• Explore Lauri’s coaching programs and resources at voice-matters.com.
• Listen to Lauri’s podcast Soulful Speaking: Available on all major podcast platforms.
• Connect with Lauri on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube (links available on her website).

If this episode inspired you to find and use your authentic voice, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

People Stuff and Leadership for the Future with Zoë Routh

What does it take to lead teams and organizations into the future? In this insightful conversation, I speak with Zoë Routh, leadership futurist, award-winning author, and podcaster, about her book People Stuff: Beyond Personality Problems and her unique approach to building collaborative, future-focused leadership. Zoë shares how understanding team dynamics, creating robust systems, and cultivating emotional intelligence can transform workplace cultures and drive collective success.

We explore:

• The inspiration behind People Stuff and why systems matter more than personality clashes in teams.
• How leaders can bridge the gap between strategy and culture to foster better collaboration.
• Practical ways to develop emotional intelligence, tackle difficult conversations, and build psychologically safe environments.
• Zoë’s transition from nonfiction to sci-fi fiction writing and how storytelling influences her work as a leadership futurist.
• Lessons from her Gaia Enterprises book series and its futuristic take on leadership challenges.

Zoë’s wisdom and actionable advice offer a roadmap for leaders looking to inspire change and navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Explore Zoë’s books, including People Stuff and her sci-fi series, The Olympus Project: https://amzn.to/4jnaPcz (affiliate link)
• Connect with Zoë and access free leadership resources: zoerouth.com.
• Follow Zoë on LinkedIn: Zoë Routh LinkedIn.
• Check out Zoë’s podcast, The Future of Leadership: Available on all major podcast platforms.

If this episode inspired you to rethink leadership and team dynamics, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

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