Big F*cking Dreams

In this episode, we unpack the sunk cost fallacy, the mental trap that keeps people stuck in jobs, relationships, projects, and decisions simply because they've already invested so much time, money, or energy. We explore why walking away can feel so hard, even when something is no longer working, and how identity, fear, loyalty, and past effort can cloud clear decision-making. Through personal sto...

You're delivering excellent work, taking on more responsibilities, and getting glowing performance reviews, so why is your salary still lagging behind?  In this episode, Hannah responds to a listener who's 15K below the median for her level despite supporting nine executives and receiving zero critical feedback. Hannah breaks down exactly how to build a business case that gets results, even after...

Rejection hurts, but it doesn't have to stop you.  In this episode, Hannah Kissel gets real about something she faces literally every single day as an entrepreneur and coach: rejection. If you've ever struggled with the fear of rejection or felt like being turned down means you're not good enough, this episode is for you. Hannah breaks down the neuroscience behind why rejection feels so painful (h...

Is work-life balance the secret to a fulfilling life or a one-way ticket to mediocrity?  Join Hannah as she tackles one of the most provocative debates in high-performance culture head-on. Spoiler: it's not black and white.  In this episode, she breaks down the difference between toxic ambition and healthy ambition, unpacks the concept of "greedy jobs," and gives you a practical framework for achi...

In this episode, Hannah shares a powerful mindset shift that high performers often struggle with: the myth of feeling "ready." After a major career milestone—becoming a columnist for The Daily Telegraph—Hannah reflects on the idea that confidence, readiness, and clarity rarely come before action. Instead, they are built through action and experience. If you've ever told yourself you'll start the b...

Why do some of the most capable, high-performing professionals feel like frauds behind closed doors? In this episode, Hannah Kissel responds to a listener working at a top tech company who is widely seen as calm, confident, and highly competent — yet privately feels anxious, ashamed, and emotionally exhausted. Despite promotions, glowing feedback, and exceptional executive presence, the listener i...

Thinking about leaving corporate for entrepreneurship — but unsure if you're actually ready? In this episode, Hannah breaks down the three non-negotiables you need in place before you quit your corporate job and start a business. Drawing from her own transition after years in big tech, as well as coaching dozens of high performers through career pivots, Hannah gets brutally honest about what makes...

In this personal  Kiss & Tell episode of Big F*cking Dreams , Hannah shares an honest behind-the-scenes reflection on excellence, ambition, identity, and growth — and what it really looks like to raise your standards without returning to burnout. From becoming unexpectedly obsessed with Heated Rivalry , to re-examining her relationship with excellence after burnout recovery, to rethinking how pain...

What do you do when your direct report keeps making serious mistakes — and you freeze every time you need to give feedback? In this Hannah Hotline episode, Hannah responds to a senior associate at a top-tier firm who feels stuck between wanting to be kind and fearing being walked all over. A glaring client-caught error, missed instructions, and unspoken resentment all collide — revealing a deeper...

What happens when your self-worth has been built on performance, achievement, and external validation — and then that structure starts to crack? In this episode, Hannah sits down with Lindsay Zohni, CEO of The Growth Option, former LinkedIn top performer, and entrepreneur, for an unfiltered conversation about anxiety, imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, and decoupling self-esteem from success. Li...

If you're successful in your career but exhausted by your friendships, this episode of Hannah Hotline dives deep into why high-achieving women often attract toxic friends — and how to change the pattern. Hannah responds to a listener who is excelling in her corporate career but feels emotionally drained by toxic friendships. From people-pleasing patterns and the fawn trauma response to misaligned...

In this deeply human conversation, Hannah sits down with former Oroton CEO, Jenny Child , to explore what happens after the title, the success, and the carefully built career identity. Jenny shares her experience navigating grief, leadership, and major career transitions, and how learning to slow down, let go, and be present reshaped not just her work — but her sense of self. Together, they unpack...

In this episode of Hannah Hotline, Hannah responds to a listener who feels trapped in nightly 7PM work calls that aren't true emergencies — and are starting to take a real toll on her health, energy, and self-respect. On paper, everything looks great: a senior role, great pay, strong performance reviews. But behind the scenes, constant availability has become the expectation — and setting boundari...

In this episode, Executive Life Coach, Hannah Kissel discusses the importance of adopting an investor mentality in various aspects of life beyond just finances. She emphasizes the need for long-term thinking and balancing different areas of life, such as health, relationships, and career. By identifying with one's future self and shifting personal identity, individuals can create lasting habits an...

In this episode of Hannah Hotline, Executive Life Coach, Hannah Kissel addresses a listener's struggle with career fulfillment, exploring the tension between a high-paying job and the desire for a more meaningful career. She discusses different career orientations, the psychological challenges faced by high earners, and practical steps for transitioning to a more fulfilling path.  The conversation...

In this reflective conversation, Executive Life Coach Hannah and Cory explore their experiences over the past year, using the Wheel of Life as a framework to assess their satisfaction in various life categories. They discuss their career aspirations, community connections, health journeys, and the importance of fun and recreation. The dialogue emphasizes the value of reflection for personal growth...

Welcome to Hannah Hotline! In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, we tackle a common challenge among high performers: dealing with a boss who is inconsistent, incompetent, and a people-pleaser. A listener is heading into a crucial meeting with their VP and is tempted to "throw their boss under the bus" to gain a leadership opportunity. Life coach Hannah Kissel breaks down the essential...

Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Big Fcking Dreams podcast. This is a powerful, guided meditation designed to help you connect with and unburden one of your protective "parts" using the framework of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. For high-achievers, overthinkers, and perfectionists, learning to speak to these parts, like the Inner Critic, the Martyr, or the People-Pleaser, is t...

Are you losing your edge, but can't figure out why? You're objectively exceptional, but you still feel like an imposter and you're shutting down in important meetings.  In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams, Life Coach Hannah Kissel breaks down the 5 red flags that are silently crushing your career confidence and giving you true imposter syndrome. She dive deep into how perfectionism and peopl...

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams, Hannah Kissel discusses the foundational elements of well-being, emphasizing the importance of sleep, exercise, and community. She highlights how neglecting these basics can lead to burnout and health issues, especially for high performers. The conversation encourages listeners to simplify their routines and focus on small, consistent changes to improve t...

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Hannah Kissel and Cory Welsh dive into the intricacies of wedding planning, the pressures surrounding body image, and the meaning of marriage. They share personal anecdotes about their wedding experiences, discuss the societal expectations placed on brides, and reflect on the importance of self-acceptance and partnership. The conversation highligh...

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Life Coach Hannah Kissel delves into the topic of burnout, sharing her personal experiences and insights. She discusses the three dimensions of burnout—emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and inefficacy—drawing from research by Susan Jackson and Christina Maslach. Hannah also identifies six mismatches that contribute to burnout, including wor...

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Life Coach Hannah Kissel and Katie Clinch explore the importance of living and leading by one's values. They discuss Katie's personal journey in defining her values, the impact of these values on her leadership style, and the significance of community and group coaching in personal development. The discussion also delves into the Drama Triangle an...

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Life Coach Hannah Kissel explores the Fawn Trauma Response, a lesser-known reaction to trauma characterized by people-pleasing and appeasement behaviors. She discusses its roots in complex trauma, particularly in corporate environments, where individuals often struggle to advocate for themselves. The conversation highlights the importance of aware...

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Life Coach Hannah Kissel introduces Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, a transformative therapeutic method that has significantly impacted her life and work with clients. She explains the fundamentals of IFS, including the concept of parts, manager and firefighter roles, and the importance of self-energy. The discussion emphasizes understandin...