Beyond the Bestseller

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.

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.

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.

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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What if unlocking your creativity could bring you peace, clarity, and joy? In this episode, I sit down with Susan Hensley, author of Art for Your Sanity, to explore how art journaling can help you process emotions, manage chaos, and rediscover your inner wisdom. Susan shares her journey from journalist and HR professional to first-time author and explains how embracing creativity transformed her life.

We explore:

• The basics of art journaling and how it differs from traditional journaling.
• Why embracing imperfection and play is essential for personal growth.
• Susan’s journey of overcoming self-doubt to write and publish her first book.
• The science behind art journaling and how it connects to self-compassion and inner wisdom.
• Practical tips for getting started with art journaling, even if you don’t consider yourself “artsy.”

Susan’s insights and candid stories will inspire you to let go of self-judgment and try something new to bring more joy into your life.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Susan’s book, Art for Your Sanity: https://amzn.to/4hfVU1Z (affiliate link)
• Learn more about Susan and access her online training: SusanHensley.com.
• Explore her video exercises and resources to kickstart your art journaling journey.

If this episode inspired you to try art journaling or embrace creativity in a new way, 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.

What’s holding you back from creating the life and career you truly want? In this candid and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Amber Fuhriman, recovering attorney, success strategist, and author of Break Your Bullshit Box. Amber shares how she overcame self-doubt, grief, and societal expectations to embrace her true passions and rewrite her narrative.

We explore:

• Amber’s journey from a panic-attack-prone attorney to a speaker, coach, and author.
• How societal expectations and personal grief shaped her early career decisions—and how she broke free from them.
• The inspiration behind her book, Break Your Bullshit Box, and why writing it became a healing journey.
• The power of reframing excuses and confronting limiting beliefs to unlock true success.
• Practical advice for pivoting careers, starting a business, or taking bold steps toward a more fulfilling life.

Amber’s story is an empowering reminder that it’s never too late to take control of your narrative and redefine what success means to you.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Amber’s book, Break Your Bullshit Box: https://amzn.to/3ZZwXk9 (affiliate link)
• Learn more about Amber’s coaching programs: successdevelopmentsolutions.com 
• Join the Break Your Bullshit Box Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/successdevelopmentsolutions/

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

How do we take control of our finances, break generational patterns, and empower ourselves through financial knowledge? In today’s episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Amanda Cassar, author of Financial Secrets Revealed. Amanda shares how her book uncovers the hidden money stories from real people—stories that not only reveal financial wisdom but also highlight the crucial role that financial literacy plays in creating a secure future.

We explore:

• The inspiration behind writing Financial Secrets Revealed and why Amanda wanted to explore money stories.
• How Amanda found her interviewees, including people from all walks of life—from financial advisors to astronauts—and the lessons they shared.
• Generational money beliefs and how they influence our financial decisions today.
• The difference between time as money versus viewing money as a tool to fuel your future goals.
• The role of financial literacy in overcoming hardship and the stories of people who transformed their financial situations.

Amanda’s journey to writing this book and sharing the financial secrets of others offers valuable lessons on taking control of your financial future, no matter where you start.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab a copy of Financial Secrets Revealed: https://amzn.to/4gwjVl6 (affiliate link)
• Visit Amanda’s website: AmandaCassar.com.au.
• Learn more about financial abuse resources: Purple Purse Campaign and financial abuse support resources.
• Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandacassar/

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

How do you turn life’s toughest challenges into opportunities for growth and brilliance? In this inspiring interview, I chat with Mary Fran Bontempo, author, speaker, and co-founder of Brilliantly Resilient, about her journey through adversity and the transformative process of building resilience. Mary Fran shares her personal story of navigating her son’s addiction and how she turned that experience into a teachable system that empowers others to reclaim their lives.

We explore:

• The pivotal moment that inspired Mary Fran’s book, From Broken to Brilliant.
• The foundational steps of her Brilliantly Resilient framework and how it can help anyone facing challenges.
• Why taking imperfect action is the key to moving forward in any situation.
• The importance of releasing shame, embracing failure, and controlling what you can.
• Her insights on self-publishing, building a platform, and sharing your story authentically.

Mary Fran’s wisdom and humor will leave you inspired to find your own brilliance, no matter what life throws your way.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Explore From Broken to Brilliant: https://amzn.to/49PNrzM (affiliate link)
• Learn more about Mary Fran’s work: brilliantlyresilient.net and maryfranbontempo.com.
• Connect with Mary Fran on LinkedIn: Mary Fran Bontempo.
• Follow her on Instagram and Facebook under @maryfranbontempo.

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