Beyond the Bestseller

Wake Up, Change Up, Rise Up: Personal Growth & Gratitude with Lynn Lok-Payne

How do you rebuild your life after unexpected loss and major life challenges? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Lynn Lok-Payne, author of Wake Up, Change Up, Rise Up, to discuss personal growth, resilience, and the power of gratitude. After experiencing a profound personal loss, Lynn turned to writing as a way to process her grief—ultimately leading to four published books and a mission to help others navigate change with intention and self-awareness.

Lynn shares how her journey led her to explore mindset shifts, positive affirmations, and gratitude practices that can help anyone move forward in life with purpose. Whether you’re looking for tools to manage stress, cultivate resilience, or start your own personal transformation journey, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable takeaways.

We dive into:

• How Lynn’s personal tragedy led her to writing and self-discovery.
• The role of gratitude in healing and how small, simple shifts can change everything.
• The power of positive affirmations and how words shape our mindset.
• Why building a better day starts with intentional habits.
• The journey from journaling to publishing and what she’s learned along the way.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Books by Lynn Lok-Payne: (affiliate links)
  • Wake Up! Change UP! Rise Up!: https://amzn.to/3QhIff1
  • Speak This Not That – https://amzn.to/3QgP7cT
  • Build a Better Day for Success – https://amzn.to/4jYQOJq
  • Gratitude 101 Journal – https://amzn.to/4k0qaju
• Exclusive Freebie for Listeners:
  • Download Rewiring Your Mindset Mini Workbook – Claim your free copy
• Additional Resources:
  • Get Lynn’s free gratitude guide & personal growth tools: lynnlokpayne.com
  • Connect with Lynn on LinkedIn
  • Follow Lynn on Instagram and Facebook: @lynnlokpayne

If this episode inspired you to embrace gratitude, shift your mindset, or take action toward personal growth, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this conversation. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

Do Hard Things: Finding Strength, Purpose, and Adventure with Teri M. Brown

What if stepping outside your comfort zone could change everything? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I chat with Teri M. Brown, author of 10 Little Rules for a Double Butted Adventure, about the life-changing journey that took her from an emotionally abusive past to riding a tandem bike across the United States. Along the way, she discovered resilience, self-worth, and the lessons that shaped her latest book.

Teri shares how embracing bold adventures—whether on a bicycle or in life—can help you overcome doubt, build confidence, and step into your next chapter with courage. Her story is a testament to the power of doing hard things, trusting yourself, and chasing what excites you.

We dive into:

• How a cross-country tandem bike trip transformed Teri’s perspective on life and self-worth.
• The lessons she learned on the road that became the foundation for 10 Little Rules for a Double Butted Adventure.
• Why we should never quit on a bad day—and how this lesson applies far beyond cycling.
• How loss and grief shaped her recent journey and reinforced the importance of resilience.
• The transition from fiction writing to nonfiction storytelling and the challenge of deciding what details matter most.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Teri’s book, 10 Little Rules for a Double Butted Adventure: https://amzn.to/42WMDYy (affiliate link)
• Explore Teri’s fiction novels, including Sunflowers Beneath the Snow and An Enemy Like Me: terimbrown.com
• Listen to Teri’s podcast, where she interviews authors about their books and creative journeys.

If this episode inspired you to take on your next adventure—whether big or small—don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that they, too, can do hard things. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

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.