Beyond the Bestseller

Emotional Magnetism: How to Connect and Communicate Better with Sandy Gerber

What drives our decisions and helps us connect with others on a deeper level? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I chat with Sandy Gerber, author of Emotional Magnetism, to uncover the four emotional magnets that shape our communication and relationships. Sandy shares how understanding these magnets has transformed her personal and professional life—and how they can do the same for you.

We explore:

• What emotional magnets are and how they drive our choices and connections.
• Practical tips for identifying and aligning with your own emotional magnet—and those of others.
• How Sandy turned her discoveries into a successful business and award-winning book.
• Why understanding emotional magnets can strengthen relationships at home, work, and beyond.

This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you improve your communication, build stronger relationships, and better understand the people around you.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Sandy’s book, Emotional Magnetism: https://amzn.to/49rUazZ (affiliate link)
• Learn more about Sandy’s Stress-Free Holiday Playbook: https://sandy-gerber.mykajabi.com/holiday-communication-playbook
• Connect with Sandy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgerber/
• Watch Kelly’s video book review of Emotional Magnetism: https://youtu.be/F6-3yNH_AsY?si=ANT52KmcpLlZPors

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a little inspiration to connect and communicate better. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

Lifting Off: Lessons in Business, Empathy, and Selling Smart with Sharon B. Heaton

What does it take to build and sell a business with purpose? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Sharon B. Heaton, CEO of SB Liftoff and author of Liftoff: 12 Things to Know Before Selling Your Business. Sharon shares her journey from corporate finance to launching her own M&A advisory firm, helping business owners navigate one of the most important transitions of their lives.

We dive into:

• Sharon’s process for helping founders prepare their companies for sale.
• The power of empathy in negotiations and how it creates better outcomes for both buyers and sellers.
• A touching success story of a family business that grew beyond expectations.
• What women can bring to male-dominated industries and how Sharon leveraged her unique perspective to make an impact.

Whether you’re building a business, dreaming of an entrepreneurial venture, or simply curious about the world of mergers and acquisitions, this episode will leave you inspired to think big and embrace new opportunities.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Sharon’s book, Liftoff: 12 Things to Know Before Selling Your Business: https://amzn.to/3ASjF0u (affiliate link)
• Learn more about Sharon’s work at SB Liftoff: https://www.sbliftoff.com/.
• Connect with Sharon directly via email: S.Heaton@sbliftoff.com.
• Explore the Author Power Circle: https://kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle.

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a little inspiration to take their next big step. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.

Embracing Your Clean Start with Amber Kliphouse

What does it take to turn life’s challenges into opportunities for a fresh start? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Amber Kliphouse, author of Clean Start: A Journey from Suicide Survivor to Real Estate Investor. Amber shares her incredible journey of resilience and reinvention—from being a 16-year-old runaway and teen mom to building a successful cleaning business and becoming a real estate investor.

We explore:

• How Amber overcame adversity and found strength through entrepreneurship.
• The importance of creating a “clean start” in life, no matter the circumstances.
• Practical advice for women feeling stuck and looking to make a bold move in their careers or personal lives.
• How journaling, self-care, and community helped Amber navigate her journey.

Amber’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how tough life gets, there’s always a path forward. This episode will inspire you to embrace your own clean start and take bold steps toward the life you deserve.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Amber’s book, Clean Start: https://amzn.to/3CLpZr4 (affiliate link)
• Check out Amber’s Clean Start journal and planner: https://amzn.to/3OwfOcB (affiliate link)
• Her Clean Start Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19YyW69Q44/?mibextid=K35XfP
• Learn more about the Author Power Circle: kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle.

If this episode inspired you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s ready to create their own clean start. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

Writing, Resilience, and Women Who Launch with Marlene Wagman-Geller

What do Sarah Josepha Hale, Spanx founder Sara Blakely, and the power of persistence have in common? They’re all part of the stories shared by Marlene Wagman-Geller, bestselling author of Women Who Launch and 12 other inspiring books. In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, Marlene shares her journey from aspiring fiction writer to celebrated non-fiction author, highlighting the resilience and grit it takes to make big dreams a reality.

We explore:

• How Marlene overcame rejections to publish 13 books, including Women Who Launch and A Room of Their Own.
• Stories of iconic women who’ve shaped history and launched remarkable enterprises against all odds.
• Why persistence and a “never give up” attitude are the keys to success, no matter your starting point.
• Advice for women juggling careers, writing dreams, and everyday responsibilities.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to write a book or follow a passion project while balancing a busy life, this conversation will leave you inspired to take the leap!

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Explore Marlene’s books (affiliate links):
  • Women Who Launch: https://amzn.to/3OtFq9P 
  • A Room of Their Own: https://amzn.to/4g74vDc
  • Royal Women: https://amzn.to/4iaXO4U
  • Behind Every Great Man: https://amzn.to/3OuMnrs
  • And the Rest is History: https://amzn.to/4994n3W
  • Once Again to Zelda: https://amzn.to/3VamRv8
  • Eureka!: https://amzn.to/3CK7xzd
  • Women’s Home Museums of the Northeast: https://amzn.to/4eL3ZKg
  • Women of Means: https://amzn.to/4fJFXAI
  • Fabulous Female Firsts: https://amzn.to/3COYEEv
  • Unabashed Women: https://amzn.to/417MjVZ
  • Great Second Acts: https://amzn.to/4ibA2FZ
  • Still I Rise: https://amzn.to/41cn9FT
• Visit Marlene’s website for advice on writing, publishing, and query letters: https://www.marlenewagmangeller.com/.
• Learn more about the Author Power Circle for women writers: https://kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle/.

Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration to follow their dreams. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.

The Power of Saying No with Elisabeth Andrews

What if saying “no” could change your life? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Elisabeth Andrews, author of 50 Ways to Say No, to talk about the art of setting boundaries and reclaiming your time, energy, and priorities. Elisabeth shares practical tips, powerful phrases, and even a creative card deck she developed to help you say “no” with confidence and kindness.

We explore:

• Why so many women struggle with saying no and how to shift from self-sacrifice to self-preservation.
• How to recognize when you’re saying yes too often—and what to do about it.
• A game-changing mindset shift: saying no isn’t rejection, it’s redirection.
• The role journaling plays in uncovering your inner “yes” and “no” compass.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands. Tune in to learn how to set boundaries and say no in a way that serves you and your bigger dreams.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Elisabeth’s book, 50 Ways to Say No: https://amzn.to/3ZmthtD (affiliate link)
• Sign up for Elisabeth’s free “Start Your Journal” event: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsdO-qrDIqGNBM_lF53ptGr_DJ6EYOOXmq
• Register for Elisabeth's January Journaling On-Ramp: https://elisabethandrews.com/journaling
• Explore Elisabeth’s boundaries card deck and upcoming workshops: https://elisabethandrews.com/.
• Join the Author Power Circle to connect with other women writers: https://kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle/.

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use a little extra inspiration. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.

Finding Your Fire with Cara Alwill

In this empowering episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Cara Alwill, bestselling author of Girl Code, Girl on Fire, and several other books that have inspired women worldwide. Cara shares her incredible journey from feeling stuck in a corporate job to building a thriving personal brand, writing 10 books, and coaching women to find their voice, own their stories, and create lives they’re proud of.

We dive into:

• How Cara transitioned from side hustling to full-time entrepreneurship.
• Why self-publishing can be a powerful tool for authors (and why you don’t have to wait to be chosen!).
• The courage it takes to overcome the “what-ifs” and create a life on your terms.
• How to build confidence, community, and momentum for your next big leap.

Cara’s advice is a pep talk every ambitious woman needs. Whether you’re dreaming of writing your first book, launching a business, or finding the confidence to pivot, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take action.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Follow Cara on Instagram: @thechampagnediet

Check out Cara’s books on Amazon, including: 

• Girl Code (affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3Z6R1AH)
• and Girl on Fire (affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3ZptxrQ)

Listen to Cara’s podcast, Cara Says It All.

Join Cara’s online community, the Girl on Fire Collective: https://www.girlonfirecollective.com/

Learn more about the Author Power Circle: https://kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle.

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use a little extra inspiration today.

Welcome to Beyond the Bestseller: Inspiring Women Through Books, Careers, and Big Leaps

In this debut episode, host Kelly Schuknecht shares the vision behind Beyond the Bestseller. Kelly’s passion for supporting professional women and helping them achieve more has inspired this podcast, where she’ll feature female authors who’ve written books to share their stories, promote their businesses, and make an impact. This episode covers Kelly’s personal journey, the motivation behind creating the podcast, and the inspiration she hopes to offer to other women.

Each episode will dive into conversations with incredible women authors—those who’ve taken leaps, written books, and used their voices to inspire change. These guests haven’t necessarily written for bestseller status but instead to reach that one person who needs their message. For Kelly, Beyond the Bestseller is all about amplifying the voices of women who’ve leaned into their careers, overcome challenges, and are doing something impactful in the world.

Tune in to learn more about the incredible upcoming guests this season, including authors Cara Alwill, Sandy Gerber, and Monica Parkin, who each bring unique stories and valuable lessons for professional women on their own journeys.

How to Subscribe:
Beyond the Bestseller is available wherever you listen to podcasts, and video versions are on Kelly’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/kellyschuknecht.

Are you working on a book idea or looking for support to take the next step in your writing journey? Join the Author Power Circle, a supportive community for women writers to share ideas, stay accountable, and move their projects forward. Learn more at kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle.

For personalized guidance, Kelly also offers 1-on-1 Author Coaching to help you navigate every step of your book-writing and marketing journey. Find out more at kellyschuknecht.com/author-coaching.