Step into the Pivot

In this episode of Step Into The Pivot , Theresa and Dr. Ivi (Ivana) share deeply personal reflections on July 4th, and how the meaning of this holiday has shifted for each of them over time. Theresa recalls the joy and innocence of childhood fireworks. For Dr. Ivi, the explosions once triggered traumatic memories from her war-torn childhood in Croatia. But instead of avoiding the pain, she chose...

What happens when you realize the person you've been presenting to the world for decades isn't your true self? Jay Washington's powerful conversation takes us on a journey through authenticity, emotional growth, and unexpected life pivots. The conversation takes a deeply moving turn as Jay shares his transition from being the fun uncle ("funkle") to becoming a father figur...

When we first met Lia Bliss at a business conference, she captivated the room with her LinkedIn expertise, delivering insights so valuable that attendees could barely keep up with their note-taking. Behind this polished presentation style lies a story of persistence and transformation that began with 20-hour shifts split between retail and bartending while supporting herself as a single mother. Th...

In this thought-provoking conversation with psychiatrist Dr. Xiaojue Hu, we explore how integrating spirituality with conventional psychiatry creates powerful new possibilities for healing. Dr. Hu shares the remarkable story of her own unexpected spiritual awakening that occurred during her fourth year of psychiatry residency at NYU. Raised by atheist parents from communist China, she experienced...

Bill Harmon, seasoned retirement industry executive, broke through the polished corporate veneer to share a deeply personal story. Bill takes us through the life-changing moment when his son William was born with Down syndrome, and the emotional rollercoaster that followed. After initially struggling with clinical, limitation-focused medical resources, Bill discovered a beautiful metaphor that cha...

What would happen if you woke up tomorrow fundamentally believing in your worthiness, regardless of your accomplishments? This question lies at the heart of our conversation with transformational leadership coach Toya Gavin, whose journey from burnt-out prosecutor to authentic coach reveals profound lessons about reclaiming our true selves. Toya shares the vulnerable moment when she publicly admit...

Step into the remarkable journey of Melissa Terito, a dynamic guest who transitioned from a fulfilling teaching career to become a partner at a top CPA firm. In this episode, we explore how she navigated her career pivot, embracing the internal nudges that drove her towards a new path in accounting. With a deep appreciation for the skills acquired through her teaching background, Melissa discusses...

This episode covers sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. Please prioritize your well-being while listening. What would you do if you had more courage? This question sits at the heart of our illuminating conversation with Dr. Margie Warrell, global thought leader on brave leadership and author of "The Courage Gap." The courage gap affects us all, but particularly women. We ex...

In this episode, we welcome the insightful Morgan Rysdon, who shares her inspiring journey of healing through trauma, loss, and the practice of the Alexander Technique. Morgan reflects on pivotal moments that shaped her, including her childhood experiences and the heartbreaking loss of her brother, leading her to embrace a path of resilience and choice. Amidst profound sadness, Morgan discovered t...

Have you ever felt like life threw you a 40-pound bag of lemons? Join us as we welcome Chase Sterling, an Army veteran, who shares her incredible journey of resilience through life's unexpected turns. From navigating a challenging childhood in an abusive adoptive home to her courageous decision for early emancipation at 17, Chase's story is a testament to strength and adaptability. Her j...

Ever wonder what makes love last? This Valentine's Day, we’re thrilled to have Canadian psychologist Kathleen Henderson with us to unravel the mystery of successful relationships. Kathleen shares how addressing individual issues within the framework of couples therapy can be transformative. She emphasizes the power of slowing down emotional reactions to uncover underlying feelings, which can...

Discover the transformative power of mindfulness with Lauren Loehning, a trailblazer in financial services and co-founder of Money Well. Lauren shares her inspiring journey of integrating meditation into her bustling career and family life, revealing how the practice has been a game-changer in managing stress and finding clarity. With nearly a decade of Vipassana meditation under her belt and a co...

Jessica's journey is nothing short of inspiring, as she shares her remarkable story of resilience and leadership. From facing bullying as the only Black person in her family, to discovering the circumstances of her conception, and stepping into her own unwavering strength as a mother, Jessica's life has been a testament to overcoming adversity. Her unique experiences have fueled her comm...

As we usher in 2025, in this episode focused on creating new healthy habits, Theresa interviews Ivana, who's recently been through a major positive pivot: Ivana has worked with the co-creators of Inner Bonding® Dr. Margaret Paul and Dr. Erika Chopich to create a brand new book, Inner Bonding Guided Journal! This journal is a concise introduction to an astonishingly powerful healing practice o...

Amanda Dixon's journey is nothing short of inspiring as she takes us through her transition from tax professional to marketing expert after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Amanda faced the initial signs of MS with a nerve pain twinge in her shoulder, which led to her diagnosis in 2020, a pivotal moment that transformed her life. Her unwavering commitment to self-advocacy and listenin...

Karen Zander, an executive director at JP Morgan, courageously opens up about the complex and often untold journey of caring for aging parents, a reality many face but few discuss openly. Karen's personal story of managing her father's physical challenges and her mother's dementia and Parkinson's disease is likened to participating in an endless, uphill marathon. Her insights h...

Brandon Helms, a beacon of authenticity in the finance world, joins us to share his transformative journey of staying true to oneself amidst career changes. Gain insight into Brandon's recent shift to MarshBerry, where he finds new freedom to express his personal brand and connect stories to the often impersonal numbers of finance. With an impressive trajectory of seven roles over 18 years, B...

Promo Code Below! What happens when a high-pressure career in New York City leads to an unexpected health crisis, only to unlock the door to a new, fulfilling path? This is precisely the story of our guest, Nicole Bryson, who transformed her life from corporate chaos to becoming a certified health coach in Oregon. Her journey began with a relentless facial rash in 2012, which Western medicine coul...

What if the emotional baggage from your childhood could influence your financial decisions as an adult? Join us this week as we uncover this connection with Dave Won, certified money coach and founder of Budget Captain. By sharing his personal story, Dave reveals how growing up in a financially troubled household shaped his approach to money management and led to a profound moment of reckoning: a...

How does one navigate the tension between comfort and growth? On this episode of Step Into the Pivot, we welcome Kate Beck, a dynamic force in the healthcare industry and founder of PDX Insurance, who shares a compelling narrative about personal responsibility, intuition, and transformation. Our dialogue with Kate uncovers heartfelt stories, like the poignant choice she faced in 2010 about her fat...

In part 2 of our conversation with Mickie Murphy, a resilient leader with an inspiring story, we learn about how a life-altering car accident became a catalyst for her personal growth and transformation. Born into a life of constant change, with a military father and a journey filled with relocations, Mickie views change as an opportunity for reinvention. Her courageous decision to embrace the ine...

Prepare to be inspired as Mickie explores a life-changing car accident that tested her resilience and highlighted the power of support systems. After enduring a leg amputation, Mickie chose humor and positivity over despair, teaching us the importance of a lighthearted perspective in tough times. Her anecdotes, from naming her "residual leg" to sharing emotional moments with her family,...

What happens when life throws you a curveball? In today's episode of "Step Into the Pivot," we are joined by the inspiring Dr. Elizabeth Grill, a health psychologist and medical researcher who shares her journey through the tumultuous waters of divorce and family court battles. Dr. Grill opens up about the survival mode mindset that took over during these challenging times, and the...

Ami Hindia, faced a breast cancer diagnosis at 42, shortly after her third daughter's birth. Join us on this heartwarming episode of Step Into the Pivot where Ami bravely recounts her journey through solitary medical tests during the pandemic, the relief of a successful lumpectomy, and the vital importance of early detection. Her story is a powerful call to prioritize health, regardless of fa...

We are honored to welcome back Nadine Youssef! Receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. We explore how balancing worry with proactive steps and maintaining a hopeful attitude can make a world of difference. The emotional rollercoaster of waiting for test results is another topic we tackle, offering insights on how to navigate these periods with a rational mind...