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Beyond the Bestseller is a podcast for professional women, authors, and entrepreneurs who are ready to amplify their influence and impact. Join host Kelly Schuknecht as she dives into conversations with inspiring women who’ve written books to further their careers, build their brands, and share powerful messages. Each episode dives into real conversations, offering insights on writing, marketing, and using a book to open doors and spark new opportunities. Tune in for inspiring stories, expert advice, and the motivation to pursue your own big dreams. Go beyond the bestseller and discover what’s possible.
Episodes
Feb 2, 2026
Feb 2, 2026
33 min
In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Janet Polach, author of 'The Strategic Leader's Mindset.' They discuss the importance of strategic thinking in leadership, the challenges executives face with time management, and how to address performance issues within teams. Janet shares insights from her experience in the Marine Corps and her coaching practice, emphasizing the need for leaders to block time for strategic thinking and to listen more than they speak. The conversation also touches on the cultural challenges organizations face and the importance of leadership development, especially for new managers.
In this episode, we explore:
- How Janet’s experience in the Marine Corps taught her that leadership is a skill you can actually develop.
- The "90-Minute Rule" for calendar blocking and why 30 minutes isn't enough for your brain to shift gears.
- Why executive teams often get stuck doing "director-level" work and how to reorganize for better problem-solving.
- Using a "Capabilities Model" to identify exactly where your business needs to move from a "two" to a "ten."
- The seven mindsets of strategic leaders, including the power of listening more than you talk.
- How to identify and fix systemic cultural problems by asking the right questions.
Connect with Janet Polach:
- Purchase the Book: The Strategic Leader's Mindset: Unlocking the Keys to Success on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qCdx0U
- Janet’s First Book: The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make on Amazon: https://amzn.to/465EK3C
- Website: https://www.janetpolach.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetpolach/
If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Janet Polach's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.
Jan 26, 2026
Jan 26, 2026
26 min
In this episode of Beyond the Best Seller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Amanda Lee, author of the memoir 'One of the Lucky Ones.' Amanda shares her harrowing journey through an abusive marriage, the cathartic process of writing her memoir, and the importance of recognizing emotional abuse and gaslighting. She discusses the challenges of leaving an abusive relationship, the impact of her story on others, and her experiences with publishing her work. Amanda's story is one of resilience, empowerment, and the healing power of sharing one's truth.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The harrowing "wake-up call" that led Amanda to leave her marriage and protect her children
- How gaslighting and emotional abuse chip away at self-esteem over time
- The therapeutic power of writing and how Amanda moved past her "hatred" of the craft
- The reality of the traditional publishing path versus self-publishing
- Why your personal story is worth sharing, even when it feels vulnerable
Resources Mentioned:
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Purchase the book One of the Lucky Ones by A.E. Lee: https://amzn.to/4pIf6ce
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Connect with A.E. Lee on her website: A.E. LEE – Author A.E. Lee
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Follow A.E. Lee on Instagram: A.E. Lee (@authoraelee) • Instagram photos and videos
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Listen to the episode on Financial Abuse with Amanda Cassar: Financial Secrets Revealed: Empowering Women with Amanda Cassar | Beyond the Bestseller
If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Amanda Lee's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-7233, texting "START" to 88788, or visiting thehotline.org.
Jan 19, 2026
Jan 19, 2026
31 min
In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Kelly Lutman, author of 'Thriving Through Cancer.' Lutman, a functional medicine health coach, discusses the importance of nutrition in supporting the body during cancer treatment. She emphasizes that while medical teams focus on eradicating cancer, it is crucial to nourish the rest of the body to enhance recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence. The conversation covers the detrimental effects of sugar, the significance of whole foods, and the holistic approach to wellness that encompasses body, mind, and spirit.
In this episode you will find:
•The "99% Rule": Why it is vital to nourish the healthy parts of your body while the medical team focuses on the treatment.
•Food vs. "Food-like Substances": How to identify real nutrition on the grocery store perimeter and why processed shelf-stable items can be detrimental.
•The Sugar-Cancer Connection: A breakdown of why sugar is used in PET scans to identify cancer cells and why reducing it is a strategic health move.
•Environmental Impacts on Health: The surprising truth about glyphosate (Roundup) in conventional wheat and how it affects gut health and joint pain.
•The Mind-Body Connection: How fear can shut down the immune system and practical advice for maintaining hope during a journey.
•Finding the Root Cause: The difference between "squelching" a symptom with medication and listening to the messages your body is sending.
Click play to hear how you can strengthen your body, mind, and spirit for whatever journey you are on.
Guest Resources & Links:
Goal Digger Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goaldiggerpodcast/**Goal
Goal Digger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goaldiggerpodcast/**Beyond
Purchase the Book: Thriving Through Cancer: A Holistic Approach for Your Journey on Amazon https://amzn.to/49fdqSL
Kelly Lutman’s Website: http://www.pursuewellnessforyou.com/
Connect with Kelly: Request a discovery call or learn about her coaching at https://pursuewellness4u.com/
If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Kelly Lutman’s story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.
Jan 12, 2026
Jan 12, 2026
28 min
In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, host Kelly Schuknecht speaks with Sheena Yap Chan, author of 'Bridging the Confidence Gap.' They discuss the importance of women's confidence, the impact of visibility and representation, and the challenges women face in the workplace. Sheena shares her insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, the need for self-promotion, and creating brave spaces for women to thrive. The conversation emphasizes the significance of taking action and embracing change in a rapidly evolving world.
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
- The startling report from the World Economic Forum that delayed gender parity to the year 2158.
- Why visibility and confidence are two sides of the same coin.
- "Ready, Fire, Aim": Why you need to start before you’re ready and course-correct later.
- The "Brave Spaces" concept and how to move past safe spaces into actionable growth.
- Overcoming the cultural upbringing that teaches women to "not rock the boat."
- The power of self-promotion and why staying quiet is actually a disservice to others.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Sheena Yap Chan’s Website: https://sheenayapchan.com
- Free Self-Confidence Personality Quiz: https://sheenayapchan.com
- Tao of Self-Confidence Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tao-of-self-confidence/id1049303681
- Connect with Sheena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheenayapchan/
- Connect with Sheena on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheena.yap.chan/
Buy Sheena’s Books:
- Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World: https://amzn.to/4plvLCk
- The Tao of Self-Confidence: https://amzn.to/3LwwqD3
If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Sheena Yap Chan's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.
Jan 5, 2026
Jan 5, 2026
30 min
In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Julie Coraccio, author of 'Clear Your Clutter Inside and Out.' They discuss the various forms of clutter; physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and energetic, and how these affect our lives. Julie shares insights on why we hold onto clutter, the importance of self-awareness, and practical strategies for decluttering. The conversation emphasizes the need for mindfulness and the role of journaling in gaining clarity. Julie also highlights the significance of managing relationships and social media to maintain a healthy mental space.
In this episode, we explore:
- The true definition of clutter: anything that prevents you from creating a home and life you love.
- The four types of clutter: Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual (plus a "woo-woo" energetic bonus!).
- Why we hold onto things out of fear, memory, or a scarcity mentality.
- How to identify "delayed decisions" in your home, like that broken sewing machine in my loft!
- Practical tips for decluttering: why 10 minutes a day is more powerful than a weekend marathon.
- How clearing your physical space creates a symbiotic relationship with your mental clarity.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
- Clear Your Clutter Inside and Out by Julie Coraccio: https://amzn.to/499bOsf
- Reawaken Your Brilliance: https://reawakenyourbrilliance.com/
- Julie’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/reawakenyourbrillian
If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Julie Coraccio's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit www.kellyschuknecht.com.
Dec 29, 2025
Dec 29, 2025
31 min
In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, host Kelly Schuknecht speaks with Lauren Tetenbaum, author of 'Millennial Menopause.' They discuss the often-overlooked topic of menopause, particularly focusing on perimenopause, its symptoms, and the importance of awareness and education. Lauren shares her insights as a psychotherapist and advocate for women's health, emphasizing the need for open conversations about menopause and the mental health implications that accompany this life stage. The discussion also covers hormone therapy, navigating healthcare conversations, and personal experiences related to menopause.
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why Lauren, despite her education and interest in women's health, realized she knew nothing about menopause beyond the stereotypes.
- The difference between perimenopause (the 4-10+ year period of hormonal fluctuations) and menopause (one day, marked by a year of no periods).
- The shocking variety of perimenopause symptoms that most women don't connect to hormones, including itchy ears, frozen shoulder, joint pain, changes in voice, and rage.
- Why the 2002 study on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) led to a massive gap in physician training, and how that conclusion has now been debunked.
- The key distinction between the older term Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and the more accurate term Hormone Therapy.
- Why Hormone Therapy is considered the gold standard for menopause symptoms and how it can help prevent osteoporosis, dementia, and heart disease post-menopause.
- What to do if your doctor is dismissive, including resources like menopause.org (The Menopause Society).
- The mental health implications of this transition including increased risks of depression, anxiety, and unexpected rage and how to find your baseline.
- A powerful reminder that you do not need to reach a "threshold of suffering" to pursue treatment, including Hormone Therapy.
Get The Resources:
- Guest Book: Millennial Menopause https://a.co/d/7mlEHKd
- The Menopause Society: menopause.org
- Connect with Lauren Tetenbaum:
- Website: millennialmenopause.com
- Instagram: @thecounselorlaur
If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Lauren Tetenbaum's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit www.kellyschuknecht.com.
Dec 22, 2025
Dec 22, 2025
29 min
In this episode of the Beyond the Best Seller podcast, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Kareen Aristide, author of 'Dare to Rise'. They discuss Kareen's journey of writing a book with her family, her coaching initiatives aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs, and how she transformed her coaching materials into a published work. Kareen shares insights on marketing strategies for authors, her upcoming projects, and the importance of understanding mental health through personality types. The conversation also delves into the writing process and the significance of journaling as a tool for self-discovery.
We dive into:
- The surprising story behind how Kareen, her husband, and two of her five children all published books at the same time.
- How Kareen took 90 small coaching videos and their transcripts to easily create a book of 21 daily reflections.
- Why her small, niche book, Dare to Rise, acts as an excellent marketing tool to introduce people to her coaching approach.
- How she created a live 21-day book reading on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook, using a Discord community to drive engagement.
- The personalized mental health strategies (based on the DISC model) that work best for D-type and C-type personalities.
Resources & Links Mentioned:
- Book: Dare to Rise: Transformational Reflections to Know Your Vision (Available on Amazon)
- French Edition: Ose aller plus haut (Available on Amazon)
- Website/Socials: Google "Kareen Aristide" or find her on all major social platforms, especially LinkedIn.
Dec 15, 2025
Dec 15, 2025
31 min
- Why inspiration comes after action, not before it.
- The difference between a goal and establishing a purposeful identity (and how to focus on the latter).
- How to trick your "survival brain" with small, short, tiny activities to overcome doubt and fear.
- The 3 C's for disrupting your stress response: Catch, Cancel, and Correct.
- Hilda's journey of writing her book in English as a second language and her advice for aspiring authors, including the power of an accountability partner.
- Hilda's Book: Power Up: The Executive Roadmap to Transforming Life in Business
- Hilda on Social Media: Find Hilda Fainsod on social media at @HildaFainsod.
- Book Mentioned: Atomic Habits by James Clear.
- Book Writing Resource: Self-Publishing School.
