Beyond the Bestseller

From Communist Poland to the United Nations: Christine Sadry’s Unbelievable Journey

What if the hardest years of your life weren’t wasted, but instead the foundation for your strength, resilience, and purpose?

In today’s episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sat down with Christine Sadry, author of 13 Years Lost: An Unbelievable Story of Fleeing Communist Poland and Traveling the World Serving the United Nations. Her story is nothing short of remarkable—one that begins with unimaginable loss and abandonment, but unfolds into resilience, discovery, and ultimately, empowerment.

Christine takes us through her journey of leaving Poland as a child, surviving years of abuse and isolation in the United States, and eventually carving out a life of purpose and adventure through her work with the United Nations. From peacekeeping missions in Africa to reconnecting with her long-lost sisters, Christine’s story is about more than survival—it’s about building a life you choose, no matter where you come from.

If you’ve ever felt like your past defines your future, this conversation is proof that you can write your own story.

We dive into:

• Christine’s childhood in Communist Poland and her brave journey to the U.S. at just nine years old
• The 13 years she calls “lost”—and how she eventually reclaimed her identity and independence
• How her work with the United Nations gave her a sense of purpose and adventure she never imagined possible
• Why her book has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for women around the world
• Christine’s powerful reminder that you are the driver of your life—not just a passenger

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Christine’s website: christiesadry.com
• Her book 13 Years Lost on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
• Connect with Christine on Instagram: @christine.sadry
• Join me inside the Author Power Circle to connect with other women authors

Embracing Your Inner Fabulosity with Ally Dalsimer

What if your imperfections were actually your superpower? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, Ally Dalsimer shares the story behind her book It’s Okay Not to Be Fabulous Every Day that started as a gift for her children and evolved into a message for the world.

Ally opens up about the loss, healing, and self-discovery that shaped her journey and how writing the book helped her embrace a new chapter as an author and speaker. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to “have it all together,” this episode is your permission slip to drop the expectations and pursue joy on your own terms.

We dive into:

• How Ally’s personal journaling turned into a published book that’s now changing lives
• What it means to embrace your “inner fabulosity” and let go of the need to be perfect
• The ripple effects of healing through writing
• How Ally began her speaking career—and why she believes everyone has a message worth sharing
• The message behind the Spanish translation of her book

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Get Ally’s book, It’s Okay Not to Be Fabulous Every Day – 
• Sign up for Ally’s newsletter – https://allydalsimer.com/newsletter
• Follow Ally on Instagram – @allydalsimer
• Learn about the Author Power Circle – https://kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle

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 Ally’s story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com

The Cost of Staying: Choosing Yourself in Career and Life with Kristen Chimack

What if staying in a job or relationship is costing you more than leaving ever would? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Kristen Chimack, author of The Cost of Staying: Find Your Courage, Choose Yourself, and Discover What Awaits in Life and Career. Kristen shares her powerful story of leaving a 30-year corporate career to pursue a life that aligned with her values and happiness.

We talk about the whispers of discontent, the fears that keep us stuck, and how Kristen made the bold choice to walk away from an executive-level role at a Fortune 40 company. Whether you're at a crossroads in your career, feeling stuck, or just starting to question what's next, this conversation will leave you feeling seen—and inspired to take your own next step.

We dive into:

• Why Kristen walked away from a 30-year career at the executive level
• How to recognize the “whispers” that signal you’re out of alignment
• The mindset shift from focusing on what you’ll lose to what you’re losing by staying
• Practical steps for building your “freedom fund” and preparing for change
• Coaching strategies to help you rediscover your values and design a fulfilling life
• How LinkedIn and authenticity helped her grow a coaching business from scratch

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Get Kristen’s book, The Cost of Staying on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4pk92rq
• Subscribe to Kristen’s newsletter, “Kicking It with Kristen” – Available at https://kristenchimack.com/
• Connect with Kristen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-chimack/

If this episode made you reflect on your own journey and what it might be costing you to stay where you are, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need this conversation. For more tools to support your writing and author journey, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

Harness the Power of Practical Manifestation with Victoria Gallagher

What if manifesting your dream life wasn’t about wishful thinking, but about applying real, practical tools every day? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Victoria Gallagher, hypnotherapist and author of Practical Law of Attraction, to talk about how we can all become intentional creators of our lives—with structure, clarity, and belief.

Victoria shares how she moved from spontaneous manifesting to building a proven process that now empowers thousands. We dive into how beliefs shape our experiences, the connection between hypnotherapy and manifestation, and how to get started with a simple but powerful daily practice. If you’ve ever wanted to bring more abundance, love, or purpose into your life, this conversation will show you how.

We dive into:

• Why manifesting isn’t just “woo” and how to make it practical
• The difference between passive wishing and committed manifesting
• How to identify what you truly want and align with it
• The role of subconscious beliefs and how to reprogram them
• Victoria’s daily practice for intentional living and success

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Get Victoria’s book Practical Law of Attraction on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4gcsbYq
• Explore the Believe Hypnosis app – believehypnosis.app
• Connect with Victoria and explore her courses – victoriamgallagher.com
• Join the Author Power Circle - https://kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle/

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 Victoria’s story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com

To Your Health: Breaking Free from All-or-Nothing Thinking with Esther Avant

What if the problem isn’t that you don’t know what to do—it’s that you’ve been trying to do it all, all at once? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, Kelly talks with Esther Avant, author of To Your Health, about the mindset shifts, habit-building tools, and compassionate approach that help busy women finally make health a priority.

With nearly 20 years of experience coaching women through weight loss, nutrition, and wellness, Esther knows firsthand that the “I know what to do, I’m just not doing it” mindset is more common than we think. She shares how to get curious about your roadblocks, tame the all-or-nothing spiral, and build a health routine that works with your real life not against it.

We dive into:
• Why all-or-nothing thinking keeps us stuck and how to overcome it
• How to approach health goals with compassion, not punishment
• Tips for creating routines that adapt to your season of life
• How small tweaks and self-awareness create long-term consistency

Links & Resources Mentioned:
• Get Esther’s book, To Your Health on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3JBRxCH
• Listen to her podcast, To Your Health - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/to-your-health/id1543658046
• Visit her website - estheravant.com
• Follow Esther on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/esther.avant/
• Join the Author Power Circle – https://kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle

 

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 Esther’s story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

Estranged: Understanding Female Friendships and When to Let Go with Susan Shapiro Barash

Have you ever felt the sting of a friendship that faded or blew up entirely and wondered what really happened? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, Kelly sits down with Susan Shapiro Barash, author of Estranged, to talk about the complexities of female friendship. With more than 200 interviews and decades of research, Susan explores why women hold friendships so dear, why some fall apart, and how to know when it’s time to mend or end a relationship.

We dive into:
• Why estrangement among women is more common and more complicated than we think
• The emotional impact of friendship breakups and how they mirror romantic relationships
• How COVID, Me Too, and cultural shifts have changed the way women approach friendships
• The difference between being the one who walks away versus the one left behind
• How Susan’s research and storytelling reveal patterns, healing, and hard truths about connection

Links & Resources Mentioned:
• Get Susan’s book, Estranged on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3Jfpadv
• Visit her website - https://susanshapirobarash.com/
• Connect with Susan on Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/SusanShapiroBarashasSusannahMarren
• Explore the Author Power Circle - https://kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle

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 Susan’s story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

Artpreneur: Building a Creative Business Without Relying on Social Media with Miriam Schulman

Can you really build a thriving business as an artist, without going viral on Instagram or dancing on TikTok? Miriam Schulman says yes, and in this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, she shares exactly how. As the author of Artpreneur and host of The Inspiration Place podcast, Miriam helps artists step into their role as business owners with mindset shifts, pricing strategies, and marketing tools that actually work.

Whether you’re a painter, photographer, fiber artist, or creative entrepreneur of any kind, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to starve to make a living from your art.

We dive into:
• How Miriam landed a traditional publishing deal by believing in her message and her audience
• Why mindset is the first and most critical step for creative entrepreneurs
• What the “death of the scroll” means and why social media is no longer a reliable sales tool
• The five-part Passion to Profit system and how it helps artists price, package, and promote their work
• The one belief that’s holding many creatives back—and how to overcome it

Links & Resources Mentioned:
• Get Miriam’s book, Artpreneur on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4miAILz
• Explore her workbook and bootcamp - https://www.schulmanart.com/
• Listen to The Inspiration Place Podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inspiration-place/id1431934450
• Connect with Miriam on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/schulmanart
• Learn about the Author Power Circle - https://kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle

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 Miriam’s story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

Memories Matter: Writing Through Alzheimer’s and Honoring Caregivers with Dawn Wirtz

What happens when the person you love begins to slip away and you still have something to say? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, Kelly interviews Dawn Wirtz, author of Memories Matter, about her deeply personal journey as a long-distance caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s. Dawn shares how the emotional weight of caregiving led her to write a book not just to process her experience, but to support others walking a similar path.

We dive into:
• How Dawn’s search for emotional connection led her to write the book she couldn’t find
• The therapeutic writing process that helped her cope with her mom’s Alzheimer’s
• How opportunities unfolded through genuine relationships and volunteering
• What it means to share your story without trying to build a brand or business
• Why community, feedback, and the Author Power Circle played a key role in her journey

Links & Resources Mentioned:
• Get Dawn’s book, Memories Matter on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4lfengz
• Follow Memories Matter Facebook Pages - https://www.facebook.com/people/Memories-Matter/61574697579278/#
• Join the Author Power Circle - https://kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle
• For more book marketing resources, visit https://www.kellyschuknecht.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 Dawn’s story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.