From Lemons to Limoncello

Feeling stuck in a job that’s more grind than passion? You’re not alone. Did you know that 77% of Americans have reported being stressed out by work, 62% of global employees aren’t engaged, and 95% say it’s important to them to work for an organization that respects the boundaries between work and non-work time?  In this episode, we dive into a reality for a large number of people: being unhappy a...

Hey there, my friends. As we get ready to welcome a new year, join me for a super-short Sunday Shot of "From Lemons to Limoncello." In this mini-episode, we talk about taking a slightly different approach to New Year's resolutions. And while I think we should always consider this important factor - this year it feels especially important. With so much happening around the world, it's easy to get s...

In this brief holiday episode, I share some things I love about the holiday season and my wishes for you, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, or Diwali. I also share an observation about the humanity and hope we share, despite the differences in the religions we practice or where we are in the world. Highlights: A warm and inclusive holiday greeting for all listeners, no...

Reflecting on the past year, today’s podcast episode takes a look back at season one of “From Lemons to Limoncello” with gratitude for 2024 and anticipation for the coming year. I can’t thank you all enough, listeners and guests alike, for the incredible sense of community and support you’ve given the show — and me.  This episode is all about celebrating our journey together, being ready for whate...

Feeling stuck in life can be incredibly frustrating, but it’s important to remember that you have the power to change your circumstances. In this episode, we explore the journey from feeling dissatisfied to finding true satisfaction by making meaningful changes in your life. Whether it’s a draining job, an unfulfilling relationship, or a goal that no longer excites you, this episode is all about e...

Did you know that 1 in 4 people have a diagnosed mental illness? Or that half of the adults in the US have reported feeling lonely - and 41% of people worldwide are reporting the same over the last 6 months? In this episode, we talk about removing the stigma of mental illness, the importance of connection in a world that can be incredibly disconnected, ways you can make a difference in the lives o...

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a loop, facing the same challenges over and over again? When history repeats itself in our lives, it’s often a sign that we need to take a closer look at why these patterns keep happening—and the role we play in them. In this episode, we talk about: Examining recurring patterns Understanding the impact of our self-esteem and lack of self-alignment on these cyc...

Are you over 50 years old? If so, do you ever feel invisible in life, at work, or in the media? Do you care about someone over 50? According to the Harvard Business Review, older consumers contribute more than half of consumer spending in the US, yet only 5–10% of marketing budgets are aimed at winning them over. While 46% of the U.S. adult population is age 50-plus, a recent AARP study found that...

In the wake of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, so many of us are grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. This week’s podcast episode takes a look at the feelings of shock, betrayal, and uncertainty that have emerged for so many Americans - especially those from marginalized groups. It's a raw and heartfelt discussion aimed at making sense of heavy hearts and troubled minds. In this episode, w...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Alex Poppe, a business analyst turned actress, turned humanitarian aide volunteer, and now strategic communications advisor for USAID’s Democracy Delivers initiative. An award-winning author, she's written four powerful books, featuring fierce and funny women who overcome trauma and violence. Alex’s diverse and eventful career has taken her to places like...

Navigating relationships can be challenging, especially when dealing with someone who drains your emotional energy. These “relationship vampires” can leave you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and insecure. They might be partners, friends, coworkers, or family members who manipulate, guilt, or gaslight you into prioritizing their needs over your own. Whether their behavior is intentional or not, it...

We all want to feel confident in our own skin, don’t we? To express ourselves freely, to feel good in the clothes we wear, and to walk into a room and own it with confidence. But that’s easier said than done when the images we’re bombarded with daily don’t reflect who we are or what we look like. In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that affects so many of us: the way we feel about the wa...

Hard work doesn’t guarantee you’ll get what you want but, if you love what you’re doing — or the person or relationship you’re doing it for —  it does guarantee a journey full of rewards and lessons. In this episode we talk about the value of putting in effort, even when the outcome isn’t what we hoped for. We talk about the importance of resilience, the beauty and pain involved with the process,...

Today we’re diving deep into a topic that changes lives: practicing gratitude. I know, I know - everyone talks about it, but before you think you know where this is going, trust me, we’re taking the conversation to a deeper level. In this episode, I’m joined by the inspiring Julia Christine, an intuitive healer who has a gift for grounding people while helping them reach their fullest potential. S...

Hey there, my friends. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been taking a close look at all of the things we need to build strong self-connections. We talked about accepting ourselves—even the parts we’re not so proud of. We unpacked the difference between being selfish and self-full, so we can get past the guilt and realize that self-love is a good thing. We talked about trusting ourselves to handle an...

Welcome back to the September Sunday Shot series! This week, we're exploring the link between self-trust and self-connection. Have you ever found yourself stuck at a crossroads, second-guessing every decision, big or small? What about standing at the edge of an opportunity that you just can’t seem to step into? So many of us struggle with trusting our own instincts or abilities, and it keeps us fr...

In this episode of my "Sunday Shot Series on Self-Connection," we’re taking a look at regret – because sometimes the hardest person to forgive is ourselves.  We'll talk through the sometimes painful but always transformative journey of self-forgiveness, but also how regrets can end up being the reasons for our growth and development. We’ll also dig into why forgiving ourselves is essential for emo...

This episode of From Lemons to Limoncello is part of my September Sunday Shot series on the most important relationship we have — the one with ourselves. Last week, we talked about accepting all the parts of who you are, from the things you love to the things you’re working on. This week, we’re chatting about the many ways you can show yourself love by valuing yourself and practicing self-care. Bu...

In this special September series of "From Lemons to Limoncello," we're taking a look at the most important relationship you'll ever have—the one with yourself. As a writer, corporate storyteller, and mindset mentor, I've always believed that meaningful connections are the foundation of a fulfilling life. So this month, we're switching up our usual mix of solo episodes and interviews to do a Sunday...

Kim Builta hadn't thought about her battle with stage 3B cancer for years, when she was blindsided by a cancer diagnosis for both her father and her husband on the same day — and the news that her own cancer had metastasized. After losing her father, her husband, AND her hip, it would have been understandable for Kim to give in and give up. Instead, she leaned into her faith; learned to use her le...

Let’s face it, it's painful when the people we’re supposed to be able to trust end up hurting us instead. When that betrayal comes from family, friends, or coworkers, it’s especially shocking. Still, we can be so hard on ourselves that we’ll blame ourselves for not seeing it coming. Our first instincts? To shut down completely, build internal walls so high and thick that no one can ever get near u...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an actor? Or maybe wanted to be one? In this episode, I talk with my friend, actor and student of the human experience, John Fico about this and so much more. John is an exceptional actor, but he’s also a truly mindful and kind human being who's mastered something we all struggle with: finding a balance between meeting our responsibilities and still lovi...

We all want to be successful in life, but what does that mean, really? Is it always about money and fame? Do all cultures define success the same way? Should I have to sacrifice things to be considered successful and, if the answer is yes, does my definition of success need to change?  In this solo episode — a super-short Sunday Shot — I share my thoughts on these questions — and an alternative to...

What happens when you succeed in your career — when you have all the things society says are supposed to make you happy — but, instead, you find yourself feeling unfulfilled, uneasy, and UNhappy? Paula Schuster had it all: She'd worked her way up to a leadership position at a multinational financial services company. She was respected, making great money, and was even being eyed for a promotio...

When we’re sad, it’s so tempting to shut down and protect ourselves against more pain. Or we might want to feel better so badly that we’ll try to distract ourselves, numb our feelings, and avoid the sadness altogether. In my experience, both of these responses only lead to more heartache.  In this episode we talk about sadness as a teacher in our lives and why it plays such an important role in he...