Beyond the Bestseller

Aftershocks: How Personal and Historical Tremors Shape Us with Nadia Owusu

What if the stories of our past—both personal and historical—shape our lives more than we realize? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Nadia Owusu, author of Aftershocks, to discuss her deeply personal and beautifully written memoir that explores identity, loss, and the ways history lives within us.

Nadia shares her experiences growing up in multiple countries, navigating maternal estrangement, and grappling with the grief of losing her father at a young age. We explore how personal stories are intertwined with historical forces, how trauma leaves aftershocks in our lives, and why memoirs are about more than just recounting life events—they're about making meaning from them.

We dive into:

• The inspiration behind Aftershocks and why she structured it around the stages of an earthquake.
• How history and identity shape the way we move through the world.
• The process of writing a memoir—not as a life story but as a journey of self-discovery.
• How writing helped her process estrangement, grief, and reconciliation.
• Her insights into storytelling, authenticity, and the power of personal narrative.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab a copy of Aftershocks: https://amzn.to/430CURb (affiliate link)
• Learn more about Nadia’s work: nadiaaowusu.com
• Follow Nadia on social media for more of her insights on writing and identity

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

Embracing Life as a “Keenager” with Corinne Auman

What if everything you thought you knew about aging was wrong? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I chat with Corinne Auman, author of Keenagers: Telling a New Story About Aging, about the outdated stereotypes surrounding older adulthood—and why it’s time to rewrite the narrative. Corinne introduces the concept of “keenagers”, redefining what it means to live with purpose, passion, and engagement well beyond traditional retirement age.

We explore:

• The inspiration behind the term “keenagers” and why older adults are living more vibrant, active lives than ever before.
• How societal expectations around retirement and aging create unnecessary pressure and limit potential.
• The importance of purpose, connection, and continuous growth at every stage of life.
• Corinne’s personal journey in gerontology and how her experiences shaped the message of her book.
• The writing process behind Keenagers and how Corinne found the accountability to finally bring her book to life.

Corinne’s perspective will challenge your assumptions about aging, inspire you to rethink what’s possible in later life, and remind you that it’s never too late to start something new.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Corinne’s book, Keenagers: Telling a New Story About Aging: https://amzn.to/42IPOTq (affiliate link)
• Learn more about Corinne’s work: corinneauman.com
• Follow Corinne on social media for more conversations on aging, caregiving, and living with purpose

If this episode inspired you to rethink aging and embrace new possibilities, 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.

Finding Faith, Healing, and Purpose Through Life’s Hardest Journeys with Gina Economopoulos

In this deeply moving episode of Beyond the Bestseller, Kelly sits down with Gina Economopoulos, author of Shake the Dust Off Your Feet and Walk: Faith, Sobriety, Self-Discovery, and Healing. Gina shares her extraordinary life journey, from bartending to becoming a Catholic nun, and back to bartending—all while navigating profound grief, emotional abuse, and the road to recovery from alcoholism. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of self-discovery. Gina’s heartfelt reflections will inspire anyone who has faced loss, felt broken, or wondered how to start healing.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Gina’s search for love and belonging led her on unexpected life paths
• The pivotal role grief played in shaping her spiritual journey
• The emotional toll of leaving the convent and the healing power of writing
• How sobriety became a cornerstone of her self-discovery and faith
• The ongoing process of finding purpose after life’s biggest losses

Resources & Links:

• Gina Economopoulos’ Website: ginaecon.com
• Purchase Gina’s Book: Shake the Dust Off Your Feet and Walk: Faith, Sobriety, Self-Discovery, and Healing (affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4hMHDKl)
• Connect with Gina: Through her website, you can find links to her Facebook, Instagram, and blog, where she shares more about her journey and offers words of encouragement.

If you enjoyed this episode:

• Subscribe to Beyond the Bestseller wherever you get your podcasts.
• Leave a review to help more listeners discover stories of resilience and inspiration.
• Join the Author Power Circle—a supportive community for women writers looking to share their message with the world.

Nice Girls Still Don’t Get the Corner Office with Dr. Lois Frankel

Why do some women struggle to reach leadership positions despite their talents? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I talk with Dr. Lois Frankel, bestselling author of Nice Girls Still Don’t Get the Corner Office, about how childhood messages and societal expectations shape women’s behavior in the workplace—and how to overcome them.

We explore:

• The history of her iconic book series and why its lessons remain relevant 20 years later.
• Common mistakes women make in the workplace, like smiling too much or asking questions instead of making statements.
• How to navigate microaggressions and advocate for yourself without compromising who you are.
• Why success for women doesn’t mean acting like men and how to develop effective communication techniques that align with your values.
• The connection between leadership, negotiation, and self-awareness—and how women can leverage these skills to thrive.

Dr. Frankel’s practical insights and candid advice will inspire you to rethink how you show up in your career, advocate for yourself, and achieve your goals on your terms.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab a copy of Nice Girls Still Don’t Get the Corner Office: https://amzn.to/4jCPagz (affiliate link)
• Connect with Lois on LinkedIn: Dr. Lois Frankel LinkedIn.
• Visit her website for more resources: DrLoisFrankel.com.
• Check out her other books, including Nice Girls Don’t Speak Up or Stand Out and Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich.

If this episode inspired you to level up your career, 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.

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.