The Luella Jonk Show

In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Wanerstrand, a leadership coach and former corporate executive, to uncover the hidden costs of burnout and how to take control of your energy before it’s too late. After experiencing burnout three times during her 25 years in corporate America, Andrea shares the hard-earned lessons that helped her not only recover but thrive. We discuss why high achievers ar...

In this episode, I sit down with Debbie Travis—TV personality, entrepreneur, and best-selling author—to talk about reinvention, risk-taking, and knowing when to say basta (enough). At 16, Debbie left home with no clear plan. She started painting houses, turned that into a thriving business, and eventually became a household name in lifestyle television. She built a media empire, published multiple...

Ever feel like you and your partner argue about the same thing over and over again? You’re not alone. 69% of relationship conflicts never actually get solved—but that doesn’t mean your relationship is broken. In this episode, I sit down with Julie Sharon-Wagschal, a Dutch-American psychologist and certified Gottman therapist, to talk about why couples keep getting stuck in the same fights and what...

In this episode, I take a deep dive into the complexities of commitment and its impact on our relationships and personal values. From trust and loyalty to the challenges of overcommitment, I explore what it truly means to honor the promises we make—to others and ourselves. We’ll unpack how trust and commitment are inseparable, why love deepens through shared experiences, and the role of discomfort...

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Dr. Leonard Sax, renowned family physician, psychologist, and author of The Collapse of Parenting, to delve into the pressing challenges modern parents face. We explore how the shift from authoritative parenting to prioritizing friendship with our children has led to widespread uncertainty and a societal crisis. Dr. Sax shares compelling stories f...

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Brancatisano as she shares her transformative journey from a high-stress career to embracing creativity as a form of therapy. We explore how reconnecting with her love for watercolors helped her rediscover joy and balance, even in the midst of life's pressures. Lisa opens up about the emotional toll of trying to juggle work, motherhood, and personal well-b...

In this solo episode, I’m exploring one of the most fundamental questions we can ask ourselves: Who are you, really? It’s a simple question, yet so many of us struggle to answer it. I reflect on moments in my own life—like sitting on the edge of the bathtub, feeling like I was about to break down—and how these emotional turning points led me to reconsider my identity beyond roles, routines, and ex...

In this solo episode, I share my thoughts on a topic that feels more relevant than ever: the impact of burnout and the societal pressure to erase gender differences. Drawing from my decades of experience as a coach and therapist, I open up about how this push for sameness is leaving many women — and families -- emotionally drained and disconnected. I reflect on the pressures women face to excel in...

In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Febel, an emotional resilience coach and author of How to Set Boundaries Without Feeling Like a Dick. Jennifer shares her transformative journey, from struggling with emotional pain to becoming a boundary-building expert. We dive into the misconceptions about boundaries—why they’re not about shutting people out but inviting healthier, deeper connections. J...

In this episode, I sit down with Tiffany a dynamic entrepreneur and CEO of TGR Management Consulting, to uncover her journey from corporate burnout to building a thriving consulting business. Tiffany opens up about a pivotal moment—sitting on the edge of her bathtub, overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward—that sparked her decision to leave behind the traditional career path and redefine suc...

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Moorhouse, a sought-after money expert, accredited financial counselor, and author of Everything But Money: The Hidden Barriers Between You and Financial Freedom. Together, we explore how our relationship with money goes beyond numbers and delves into deeper emotional and psychological patterns. Jessica shares her personal journey of self-discovery, from ov...

In this solo episode, I reflect on life’s simple joys, challenges, and the lessons we often discover in unexpected moments. Recorded from a stunning beach in Mexico, I share my thoughts on breaking free from routines, finding gratitude in dark seasons, and the balance between striving for more and appreciating the present. I dive into personal experiences — how travel reminds me of home, why follo...

In this episode, I sit down with Verna Kakowchyk, a woman whose story of loss, transformation, and resilience inspires us to embrace life’s challenges with courage. Verna opens up about navigating grief after the loss of her husband, the power of seeking therapy, and how she rebuilt her life through community and self-care. We explore Verna’s journey of taking charge during her husband’s illness,...

In this solo episode, I reflect on the pressures we face in a world of endless expectations and over-consumption. From navigating the overwhelming influence of consumerism to rediscovering joy in life’s simple moments, I share personal insights on why it’s essential to focus on what truly matters. This episode delves into the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives, the traps of co...

In this episode, I’m joined by Alissa Boyer, a mentor for highly sensitive people (HSPs), to discuss the often-overlooked reality of men as HSPs and the unique challenges they face in embracing their sensitivity. And that 20% of the population—men and women alike—are highly sensitive? Yet, due to societal conditioning, men are frequently encouraged to hide their sensitivity, seeing it as a weaknes...

In this episode, I sit down with Judith Chambers, a seasoned financial advisor with over 25 years of experience, to uncover the often-overlooked connection between financial independence and personal empowerment—especially for women. We explore Judith’s unique journey, from her early start in the workforce to balancing career, education, and family, all while pursuing a nontraditional path in weal...

In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Mahoney to explore the impact of vulnerability on our personal and professional lives. We dive into the challenges of building authentic connections and how fear can hold us back from being truly ourselves. Stephanie shares her journey of embracing her emotions and the role therapy has played in helping her foster deeper relationships. We discuss the impo...

In this episode, I share my thoughts on trust—how it affects our families and work relationships. I talk about the struggles we face when trying to build trust, especially when balancing family life and work demands. I also discuss my journey with therapy and how it’s helped me understand the importance of being open about our feelings. Therapy isn’t just about healing; it teaches us how to connec...

In this episode, I engage in a heartfelt conversation with Quinton, delving into the intricate dynamics of family relationships and the vital role of emotional openness in fostering deeper connections. Quinton shares his journey of embracing vulnerability, highlighting how expressing emotions can transform relationships with loved ones and enhance trust in personal and professional settings. We ex...

In this episode, I dive into an enlightening conversation with David Murray, exploring the challenges of modern-day parenting and how empathy and support play pivotal roles in both family life and sustainable business growth. David reflects on his personal experiences as a parent, sharing valuable insights into the balance of nurturing children while maintaining a strong foundation in his professi...

In this episode, I discussed on how to explore the significance of self-awareness and how it plays a crucial role in personal growth and healing. I shared my profound journey into therapy, reflecting on the impact of childhood programming, the power of imagination, and the importance of challenging one's subconscious beliefs. I delve into my experiences working with neurodivergent individuals...

In this episode, I sit down with Amie, the inspiring 21-year-old founder of Allia Health, to discuss her groundbreaking approach to mental health care through precision psychiatry. Amie shares her deeply personal journey, from battling anorexia as a teenager to founding a data-driven health startup that aims to revolutionize mental health treatment. We dive into the challenges she faced along the...

In this episode, I welcome back John Gray, the renowned author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, to dive deep into the dynamics of attraction and relationships. John shares his decades of expertise on the biological and emotional differences between men and women, focusing on the concept of sexual polarity and how it fuels long-term attraction. We explore the importance of balancing test...

In this episode, I sit down with Sonia Baschez, a marketing expert who made the bold leap from working as a key player in a fast-growing startup to establishing her own fractional CMO business. Sonia opens up about the challenges and rewards of making the shift from a secure corporate role to becoming her own boss. Explore the process of building a personal brand, the importance of having a clear...

In this episode, we are joined by Amber Illig, a pioneering general partner at The Council Fund, who’s reshaping the landscape of early-stage venture capital. In this episode, she shares her experiences of transitioning from mechanical engineering to venture capital, highlighting the value of cross-industry expertise. We also get an inside look at The Council Angels, a thriving community Amber cre...