In this soulful and empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Keri Nola—former psychotherapist turned spiritual mentor and healer—to explore the transformative power of shadow work, mature manifestation, and receiving with grace. Known as the Shadow Mama and Receptivity Queen, Keri brings her signature blend of wisdom and warmth to a conversation that invites us to drop the hustle, tune into our soul’s calling, and embrace the parts of ourselves we’ve long hidden away.
Together, Keri and Desiree dive into why personal winters—those quiet, uncertain seasons of life—often hold the richest seeds of transformation. Keri shares how her own leap from a successful therapy practice into a more spiritually aligned business was not only terrifying but also deeply healing. They discuss what it means to engage in mature manifestation (hint: it’s not just about asking the universe for stuff) and how embracing receptivity is a radical, feminine act of abundance.
You’ll also hear how grief can serve as a sacred portal for spiritual growth, and how tracking the everyday expressions of abundance—from compliments to creative ideas—can shift us out of scarcity and into expansion. Keri opens up about her intuitive process behind creating the Messages from Shadow oracle deck, offering listeners a glimpse into how shadow work can become a daily practice of self-trust, clarity, and empowerment.
If you’re navigating a life transition, feeling stuck in old patterns, or simply ready to remember the truth of who you are, this conversation is your invitation to return to your inner wisdom—and receive what’s always been yours.
Bio:
Keri Nola, known as the Shadow Mama and Receptivity Queen, specializes in transforming scarcity consciousness and guiding Givers to receive and serve abundantly. With over a decade of experience as a Licensed Psychotherapist, Keri retired in 2017 and transitioned to a global mentor, guide, author, and podcaster. She now supports therapists, healers, and spiritually aware entrepreneurs in transmuting fear, activating their purpose, and harmonizing giving and receiving in alignment with Divine Will.
Connect with Keri:
Email: support@kerinola.com
Website: https://kerinola.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keri_nola/
Resources:
Messagesfromshadow.com
Books mentioned:
The Serviceberry Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781668072240
https://amzn.to/3MZPJF2
The Wisdom of Menopause (4th Edition) Creating Physical and Emotional Health During the Change by Christiane Northrup M.D. - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9780525486138
https://amzn.to/4q7eJIO
Existential Kink Unmask Your Shadow and Embrace Your Power (a Method for Getting What You Want by Getting Off on What You Don't) by Carolyn Elliott PhD - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781578636471
https://amzn.to/4pAKUAu
Podcasts mentioned:
The Telepathy Tapes by Ky Dickens - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-telepathy-tapes/id1766382649
———
Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!
Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!
———
This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
This is not intended to treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are suffering from any medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.
In this deeply supportive episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Dr. Sue McCreadie—holistic pediatrician and midlife transformation guide—for an honest conversation about healing and navigating the beautifully complicated season of midlife. Drawing from her own journey through gut and hormonal imbalances, miscarriages, and spiritual awakening, Dr. Sue shares how midlife can be more than just a transition—it can be a powerful portal to joy, clarity, and deeper self-connection.
Dr. Sue opens up about her shift from conventional medicine to a more integrative, spiritually grounded approach that blends science, psychology, and soulful tools like tarot and numerology. You’ll also hear why joy is not a luxury but a form of medicine, and how embracing your quirks and questions can lead to true transformation.
Whether you're navigating midlife heartbreak, curious about the deeper meaning behind your symptoms, or simply craving more joy and connection, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to reclaim the vibrant woman you’ve always been.
Bio:
Dr. Sue is a holistic pediatrician and midlife transformation expert who helps women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s navigate hormones, heartbreak, and healing — so they can stop settling and start living with joy. Her mission: to make transformation simple, soulful, and even fun — because when women rise, we raise the vibration of the world for our children.
Her journey from medical doctor to midlife transformation guide winds through years of gut and hormonal imbalances, miscarriages, relationship turning points, and the whole messy-beautiful process of becoming who she really is. What has she learned? The best medicine is your Soulfull Medicine — your own inner compass that always knows who you are and where you're meant to go.
At Soulfull Medicine, we support wise, wondering midlife women who are ready to make this season of life count. Whether they feel lonely in marriage, lost in the daily grind, or just know deep down they were made for more — we help them shift. Gently. Powerfully. Permanently.
We blend grounded tools (think: psychology, coaching, real-life science) with soulful ones (hello, tarot numerology!) to help women feel safe, seen, and spiritually supported. Whether it’s decoding emotional patterns, reigniting intimacy, or embracing faith during change, we guide women to discover their own version of freedom and fulfillment.
I believe every path is divinely perfect, quirks are sacred, and joy is medicine.
Connect with Dr. Sue:
Email: drsue@drmccreadie.com
Website: https://www.drsuemccreadie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsuemccreadie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsuemccreadie
Resources:
https://www.drsuemccreadie.com/soulfull-medicine-quiz-abundant
Books mentioned:
What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Oprah Winfrey (Author), Bruce D. Perry - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781250223180
https://amzn.to/4nBZd6H
Podcasts mentioned:
The Telepathy Tapes by Ky Dickens - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-telepathy-tapes/id1766382649
In this heart-opening and hilariously insightful episode of the Pockets of Knowledge podcast, host Desiree Stanley sits down with the multifaceted Merit Kahn, playwright, comedian, keynote speaker, and creator of the one-woman show Optimistic Personality Disorder™. Merit shares the deeply personal and refreshingly funny journey that led her to write and perform a show that unpacks life’s messiest plot twists—divorce, cancer, narcissists, motherhood, and more—with irreverent humor and emotional depth.
Merit and Desiree explore how laughter can be a powerful healing tool, how journaling can unlock new perspectives, and how rewriting our personal narratives (literally and figuratively) can reshape the way we move forward. Merit reflects on the threads that have run through her life and how returning to “who you've always been” can be the most powerful transformation of all.
She also dives into emotional intelligence, the concept of "anchored optimism," and why the simple question “Are you open to…” can be a gateway to possibility and change.
Whether you're navigating change, looking to reframe your past, or just in need of a good laugh and some soulful insight, this episode is a must-listen.
Bio:
Merit Kahn is the playwright, producer, and performer of Optimistic Personality Disorder™, an inspiring, hilarious one-woman show for women navigating life’s messiest plot twists—divorce, cancer, narcissists, motherhood, empty nesting, and everything in between.
It’s a rollercoaster of real-life stories told through stand-up, storytelling, and a healthy dose of irreverent optimism… because sometimes the only way through it is to laugh at it. But the show is just the opening act.
Merit also leads Rewrite. Reset. Reimagine: The WorkShow Experience™—a transformational 24-hour retreat that blends personal development with powerful performance. It’s part workshop, part comedy show, and 100% devoted to helping you reframe your story and design your next chapter with clarity, courage, and maybe even a few cartwheels.
Offstage, Merit is a professional keynote speaker and Emotional Intelligence expert who’s trained thousands of leaders and sales teams to show up with more humanity, authenticity, and impact. Her favorite audiences are the ones ready to laugh, learn, and let go of who they were supposed to be.
Whether she’s on a stage, in a workshop, or on a podcast, Merit’s message is clear:
You can’t change the past… but you can rewrite your past and rewire your future. It's my greatest joy in life to open people's minds to new possibilities.
As a businessperson, I do that through keynotes, consulting, training & coaching on sales, influence, communication & leadership topics.
As an entertainer, I do that through comedy performances and workshops that help you rewrite your past and re-ignite your future.
Connect with Merit:
Books mentioned:
Mindset The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
Podcasts mentioned:
Mom's Unhinged Comedy The Podcast
Life Coaching with Christine Hassler
Here's a short video about the show
In this refreshing and empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Lisa Haynes—retired CFO, retirement coach, and author of Retired and Killin’ It—to talk about reinventing life after corporate success and why retirement is really just the beginning of a bold new chapter. After three decades in corporate America, including a decade in the C-suite, Lisa walked away from her high-powered role to redefine retirement on her own terms—and now she helps others do the same.
Together, Desiree and Lisa explore the emotional side of leaving full-time work, the challenges many professionals face in transitioning from “doing” to “being,” and why your sense of identity doesn’t have to retire when you do. Lisa introduces her signature Killin’ It formula—eight elements that help retirees design a life of joy, purpose, and meaning. Whether it’s legacy, creativity, health, or fun, Lisa shows that retirement is a chance to align with what truly lights you up.
With warmth, humor, and practical insight, Lisa shares what it takes to navigate this transition with clarity and confidence—and how we can all start thinking differently about what success looks like in our later years.
Whether you’re nearing retirement, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how to live with more intention, this episode is packed with uplifting wisdom and real-world tools for creating your most fulfilling chapter yet.
Bio:
Lisa Haynes is a retired Chief Financial Officer turned Retirement Coach, author, and speaker helping professionals redefine life after full-time work. After more than three decades in corporate America—including ten years as a CFO—Lisa stepped away from the C-suite to empower others to build purpose-driven, fulfilling retirements.
She’s the founder and CEO of Haynes Executive Solutions, where she blends financial consulting with certified executive and retirement coaching. Lisa is also the author of Retired and Killin' It: The Ultimate Retirement Plan, a practical and inspiring guide based on her signature Killin' It formula, which highlights eight essential elements of a meaningful retirement.
Lisa speaks to audiences about life transitions, legacy, reinvention, and the often-overlooked emotional side of retirement. Whether on stage or in her coaching practice, she brings clarity, humor, and a deep belief that retirement shouldn't be boring—it should be your best chapter yet.
Connect with Lisa:
Email: lisa@haynesexec.com
Website: https://haynesexec.com/
Website: https://www.retiredandkillinit.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retiredandkillinit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirednkillinit/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-j-haynes-cpa-mba/
Books mentioned:
Retired and Killin' It: The Ultimate Retirement Plan by Lisa J Haynes -
https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9798987526125
https://amzn.to/3JDzQ5C
Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781538777800
Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead by Tara Mohr - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781592409600
https://amzn.to/3KllTKo
In this powerful episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with leadership coach, speaker, and author Marianne Renner to explore how the stories we tell ourselves can hold us back—and how to break free from them. Marianne shares her deeply personal journey through decades of depression and addiction, and how changing her inner dialogue became the catalyst for healing, transformation, and success in every area of her life.
Drawing from her new book Self-Talk: 10 Stories You Tell Yourself That Hold You Back...And How to Overcome Them, Marianne and Desiree unpack some of the most common self-limiting beliefs, like “I’m not enough,” “It’s too late,” or “I don’t belong”—and reveal how shifting your self-talk can change your entire trajectory. They also discuss practical tools for rewiring your mindset, building confidence, and leading yourself through periods of self-doubt and uncertainty.
Whether you’re a leader feeling stuck, a professional navigating change, or simply someone ready to step into a more empowered version of yourself, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable wisdom to help you rewrite your internal narrative and take the next right step forward.
Bio:
Marianne Renner is a highly sought-after leadership coach and keynote speaker who has helped thousands of leaders remove self-imposed barriers and unleash their greatest potential.
In her new book, Self-Talk: 10 Stories You Tell Yourself That Hold You Back…And How to Overcome Them, she shares the lessons she learned during a decades-long battle with depression and addiction to help growth-minded leaders who feel stuck.
Marianne is a TEDx speaker whose previous books include the Chaos to Clarity Success Journal and Stop Thinking Like an Employee.
From workaholism to alcoholism, Marianne tried everything to make the bad feelings go away. After decades of debilitating depression and addiction, she finally found the answer: changing her self-talk. Not only did the depression lift, but she saw every other outcome of her life transform, including her career, relationships and financial stability.
Self-Talk is an inspiring revelation of ten common stories people tell themselves that sabotage their best efforts for success. The book is packed full of practical action steps to help you get unstuck and start moving forward in any area of your professional or personal life.
Whether you’re seeking more confidence, greater purpose, or elevated success, Self-Talk will help you change the stories inside your head, break free from what holds you back, and regain control of your journey.
With a Master’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications, Marianne has spent years studying human behavior and the “WHY” behind decisions people make.
Connect with Marianne:
Resources:
https://mariannerenner.com/selftalk
Books mentioned:
Self Talk: 10 Stories You Tell Yourself that Hold You Back…And How to Overcome Them
https://amzn.to/3Vb6crb
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
https://amzn.to/4ifujzt
Podcasts mentioned:
In this eye-opening episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes Taryn Voget, founder of Everyday Genius and creator of The Genius Lab, for a powerful conversation about unlocking the unique brilliance that lives within all of us. Drawing from her work with high-performing leaders, founders, and creatives (including those at SpaceX and The Gates Foundation), Taryn shares how identifying your personal genius isn’t about adding more hustle—it’s about understanding the subconscious patterns behind your success.
Together, Taryn and Desiree explore the difference between talent and genius, why burnout often signals a misalignment with your deeper gifts, and how tuning into your innate brilliance can radically shift your career, relationships, and well-being.
The conversation also touches on the intersection of intuition and logic, how to identify your core strengths, and why so many driven individuals feel stuck—even when things look successful on the outside. Taryn offers a fresh framework for accessing deeper clarity, refining your purpose, and making impactful decisions that are true to who you are.
Whether you're a founder, creator, executive, or simply someone searching for more meaning in your work, this episode will leave you inspired to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the genius that’s already within you.
Bio:
Taryn Voget is the founder of Everyday Genius and creator of The Genius Lab, where she helps visionary leaders, founders, and creatives uncover the unique genius behind their success — and use it to create extraordinary results. A longtime executive consultant with a background in neuroscience, transformation, and intuitive healing, Taryn’s work blends sharp business strategy with deep inner insight. Her process reveals the subconscious patterns that drive brilliance, so clients can refine their craft, unlock next-level performance, and build what they’re truly here to build. She’s worked with leaders from SpaceX, The Gates Foundation, and VC-backed startups, and shares her insights on The Everyday Genius Show on YouTube.
Connect with Taryn:
Email: taryn@tarynvoget.com
Website: www.everydaygenius.tv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarynvoget
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarynvoget/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarynvoget/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tarynvoget
Substack: https://tarynvoget.substack.com/
TikTock: https://www.tiktok.com/@tarynvoget
In this soul-nourishing episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with bestselling author and intuitive healer Inna Segal for a powerful conversation about emotional healing, ancestral patterns, and the wisdom of the body. Inna shares her personal journey—from growing up as an immigrant facing deep emotional and physical challenges to experiencing a spiritual awakening that led her to become a global teacher and healer.
Together, they explore how unresolved trauma, generational pain, and childhood experiences can show up as physical symptoms, and why tuning into the body’s messages is a vital step in healing. Inna offers compassionate insights on working with the inner child, understanding emotional roots of illness, and reconnecting with your intuition.
Drawing from her bestselling book The Secret Language of Your Body, Inna shares practical guidance for decoding symptoms and releasing patterns that no longer serve you. Whether you're struggling with chronic symptoms, seeking clarity around old emotional wounds, or simply curious about energy healing, this conversation offers hope, compassion, and tangible tools for transformation. It’s a beautiful reminder that healing is not about fixing yourself—it's about reconnecting with who you truly are.
Bio:
Inna Segal is a bestselling author, intuitive healer, and creator of The Secret Language of Your Body. Her healing journey began after immigrating from Belarus to Australia as a child, navigating emotional isolation and chronic health issues. A profound spiritual awakening in her early 20s set her on a path to help others heal emotionally, physically, and energetically.
Over the past 25 years, Inna has worked with clients around the world—including healthcare professionals and trauma survivors—and led international trainings on emotional wellness, ancestral healing, and spiritual development. She has authored several books and created seven healing card decks, blending intuitive insight with years of study in Anthroposophy and the teachings of Rudolf Steiner.
Through her courses and teachings, Inna helps people uncover the root causes of pain and reconnect with their inner wisdom. Her work has been featured on CNN, FOX, ABC Radio, and Woman’s Day, and continues to impact thousands seeking transformation through mind-body healing.
Connect with Inna:
Resources:
Books mentioned:
The Secret Language of Your Body by Inna Segal - Bookshop.org
Understanding Modern Spirituality by Inna Segal - Bookshop.org
The works of Rudolf Steiner
Podcasts mentioned:
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If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!
Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!
———
This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
This is not intended to treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are suffering from any medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.
In this empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Estelle Gibson—CPA, TED speaker, bestselling author, and holistic financial coach—for a powerful conversation about breaking free from financial fear and rewriting your money story. With over 40 years of experience in finance and two bestselling books under her belt, Estelle shares how money challenges are often less about math and more about mindset.
Together, Desiree and Estelle explore the roots of financial dependency, how limiting beliefs keep us stuck in cycles of avoidance or overspending, and why so many women feel shame or confusion when it comes to managing money. Estelle talks about her own journey—from being a financially successful accountant who found herself in a financial dependency situation, to becoming a sought-after coach helping others reclaim their financial independence.
She introduces the concept of “money stories” and how we can start to identify and reframe the narratives we’ve absorbed from our upbringing, relationships, and culture. The conversation also touches on the emotional side of money, the importance of financial literacy at any stage of life, and why aligning your finances with your values is a key step toward lasting empowerment.
Whether you're in debt, financially independent, or just starting to face your money habits with fresh eyes, Estelle’s compassionate and practical approach offers tools and encouragement to take control—without shame or blame.
Bio:
Estelle Gibson is a CPA, TED Speaker, International Best Selling Author, and Holistic Financial Coach. With over 40 years of professional experience in finance, purchasing, and management, she has worked with individuals and companies, ranging from small, privately owned businesses to Fortune 500 corporations, across diverse industries.
With over 20 years of experience as a Holistic Financial Coach, she supports her clients in learning how to manage their money in simple, personalized ways, and helps them break free from limiting beliefs and fears that prevent them from taking action, enabling them to achieve their goals and dreams.
In 2019, she delivered a TED talk on Financial Dependency, and in 2023, with over 2.3 million views, it was rated by Reuters® as one of the top TED talks on Personal Finance.
In 2021 she authored her first book, "Rewrite Your Money Story Guided Journal" and in 2024 her second book "Poor by Choice? Overcome the Lies and Create a New Financial Truth" became a #1 Best Seller.
Connect with Estelle:
Resources:
https://www.ted.com/talks/estelle_gibson_the_true_cost_of_financial_dependence
https://www.journey-to-freedom.com/
Books mentioned:
Poor by Choice?: Overcome the Lies and Create a New Financial Truth by Estelle Gibson
Rewrite Your Money Story Journal by Estelle Gibson
Tapping Into Wealth: How Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Can Help You Clear the Path to Making More Money by Margaret M. Lynch (Author), Daylle Deanna Schwartz M.S. (Author), Nick Ortner (Foreword) - Bookshop.org
https://amzn.to/4eXDcMv
Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century (Think and Grow Rich Series) by Napoleon Hill (Author), Arthur R. Pell (Contributor) - Bookshop.org
https://amzn.to/44QP1iV
Podcasts mentioned:
Suze Orman’s Women & Money Podcast
———
Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!
Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!
———
This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Are you stuck in a job that no longer fits your life—or your dreams? In this empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Shannon Russell, career transition and business coach, speaker, and author of Start Your Second Act. Shannon shares her inspiring journey from a successful 16-year career as a television producer to becoming a multi-business owner, coach, and advocate for women ready to rewrite their professional stories.
Shannon opens up about the pivotal moment that led her to walk away from her dream career in television to prioritize family and freedom. She offers real-world advice on how to make a career shift—without blowing up your life. From buying a franchise and building a top-performing business, to creating her own coaching company and podcast, Shannon reveals the lessons, strategies, and mindset shifts that helped her (and now hundreds of others) navigate the leap from employee to entrepreneur.
If you’ve been craving more meaning in your work or wondering whether it's “too late” to start over, this episode will remind you that you’re never stuck. You'll learn tips for a strategic exit plan, transfer your skills into a new venture, build confidence through research, and honor the life you want to lead. Shannon’s message is clear: you can pivot with purpose—and produce your best life, one intentional step at a time.
Bio:
Shannon Russell is a Career Transition and Business Coach empowering women to leave unfulfilling careers and build joyful, purpose-driven businesses. She is the Author of Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life, a Speaker, and Host of the Second Act Success Career Podcast.
Through her company, Second Act Success®, Shannon shares her journey as a television executive turned business owner, coach, author, and mom with others. She works with women who are unhappy in their 9-5, as they pivot towards a "second act" by providing exit strategy guidance and support as they transition from employee to entrepreneur.
Shannon began her career spending over 16 years as a Television Producer in New York City and Los Angeles, working for MTV, E!, Yahoo!, PopSugar, A&E, TLC, and more. She then made the leap to open her own business running a STEM education franchise, teaching children, so that she could be more present for her children. Now, as a certified Career/Business Coach, Shannon’s motto is "produce your best life,” and her mission is to motivate more women to make big moves in life.
Connect with Shannon:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secondactsuccess
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secondactsuccess
Books mentioned:
Start Your Second Act How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life by Shannon Russell - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9798992075403
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9780062315007
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9780449214923
Finish by John Acuff - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9780525537311
Podcasts mentioned:
Second Act Success Podcast with Shannon Russell
Resources:
https://startyoursecondact.com
In this empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes Skye Waterson, ADHD strategist, business coach, and founder of Unconventional Organisation, for an insightful conversation on building a thriving business while living with ADHD. Diagnosed during her PhD studies, Skye discovered that traditional productivity advice didn’t work for her—and likely doesn’t work for most neurodiverse entrepreneurs. Instead of forcing herself into a mold that didn’t fit, she developed ADHD-friendly systems that are now helping hundreds of business owners and executives find focus, follow through, and scale without burnout.
Skye shares her personal story and professional insights on why ADHD is both a challenge and a strength for entrepreneurs. She breaks down the science behind dopamine, time blindness, executive function, and explains how common struggles, like losing momentum, feeling overwhelmed, or self-sabotaging success, can be addressed with research-backed systems designed for how ADHD brains actually work. With clarity and compassion, she offers practical tips that stick, and the power of rewards before starting tasks—not just after.
From learning how to brain-dump and prioritize, to navigating emotionally triggering tasks and preventing burnout through strategic fun and play, this episode is full of actionable strategies. Whether you're officially diagnosed, self-identifying, or just feeling out of sync with mainstream productivity advice, Skye's holistic and science-informed approach provides a refreshing path forward.
If you’re an entrepreneur struggling to stay consistent or grow your business sustainably, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and equipped with tools that actually work—for your brain and your business.
Bio:
Skye Waterson is an ADHD strategist, business coach, and founder of Unconventional Organisation—a multi-six-figure business helping neurodiverse entrepreneurs and executives stay focused, follow through, scale sustainably, and get their time back.
After being diagnosed with ADHD during her PhD, Skye realized that traditional productivity advice didn’t work for her brain. She turned to research and developed ADHD-friendly systems that helped her stay on track.
Today, she has helped 800+ business owners and executives escape distraction loops, build consistency, and grow without burnout, using strategies designed for the way their brains actually work.
Connect with Skye:
Website: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalOrganisation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalorganisation/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skye-waterson-026286204/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn5JGUn-oADCmPhaoN2_7Dg
Resources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19627998/
DM Skye with the comment ‘Desiree’, and she'll send you the 2-minute Focus Formula
Podcasts mentioned:
The ADHD Skills Lab with Skye Waterson - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adhd-skills-lab/id1687000257
Hacking Your ADHD with William Curb -
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hacking-your-adhd/id1481135244
In this empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Monica Kaufman—a seasoned financial professional and wealth empowerment coach—for a conversation that redefines what it really means to achieve financial freedom. Monica shares her personal and professional journey, including the pivotal shift from simply earning money to consciously building wealth and helping others do the same.
Together, Desiree and Monica unpack the deeper emotional and psychological layers of money, exploring why knowledge alone isn’t enough and how lasting change comes from shifting your mindset around self-worth, scarcity, and control. Monica explains why traditional financial advice often falls short and how her work focuses on returning power to women—especially those who’ve been underserved by the financial industry.
Monica offers practical, judgment-free strategies to help listeners start where they are, build confidence with money, and create systems that support long-term wealth. Whether you're trying to pay off debt, grow your savings, or break free from generational money patterns, Monica’s warm, relatable guidance will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to take the next step.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to stop just surviving and start creating a life of intentional abundance—on their own terms.
Bio:
As a financial professional, I’ve watched many people struggle to achieve the financial freedom they crave. It’s not just about their income. Financial freedom requires a transition from earning money to building wealth. It’s not just about information; it’s also about empowerment that supports you as you live and sustain the changes necessary to reach your goals. Money is merely a set of tools anyone can master to build the life they want.
I’ve walked through this process in my own life and understand the challenges. And I’ve had the privilege of helping people through this process.
I've been doing this for many years at some of the biggest financial firms. I joined Harmony to build a program that returns power back to your hands.
I am a mom of 2 adult sons and two rescue dogs.
Connect with Monica:
Email: hello@harmonywealthacademy.com
Website: https://www.harmonywealthacademy.com/
Resources:
https://harmonywealthacademy.com/#courses
Books mentioned:
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth by T. Harv Eker (Author) -https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9780060763282
https://amzn.to/4mL8dXi
Millionaire Mindset: The Simple Habits And Thinking Behind Money, Wealth, and Success by Paul J. Stanley (Author) -https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781720821465
https://amzn.to/3SzZ5qY
The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy by Thomas J. Stanley (Author), William D. Danko (Author) - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781589795471
https://amzn.to/3HnxHtQ
In this uplifting and informative episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with board-certified functional health coach and author Anu Simh to talk about gut health, sustainable weight loss, and what it really means to “flourish from within.” As the founder of 9 Arms of Wellness, Anu has helped hundreds of busy women lose weight, reclaim their energy, and feel better in their bodies—without counting calories or relying on fad diets.
Anu shares her personal wellness journey, including the pivotal moment that inspired her to shift careers and dive deep into functional medicine and nutrition. With compassion and clarity, she explains why gut health is the foundation of long-term wellness and how your microbiome influences everything from mood and metabolism to immunity and inflammation. You’ll learn why weight gain isn’t just about willpower, how stress impacts digestion, and why your gut, sleep habits, and mindset all play a role in your ability to lose and maintain weight.
Anu offers practical tips for making healthy meals simple and enjoyable, even for busy professionals and moms. She opens up about her work helping women get off medications for lifestyle-related conditions and her motivation behind writing her new book, Flourish From Within, which includes over 50 gut-friendly, plant-based recipes.
If you’re tired of chasing short-term fixes and want a more holistic, sustainable approach to your health, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and real-world strategies to support your well-being from the inside out.
Bio:
ANU SIMH is a board-certified functional health coach and the founder of 9 Arms of Wellness. She specializes in helping busy women lose weight and maintain their goal weight by focusing on gut health. Her personalized and unique philosophy has successfully guided hundreds of women in achieving and maintaining their goals. Anu is now training other coaches in her methodology.
Based in La Jolla, California, Anu sees clients nationwide virtually. Her passion lies in the microbiome; she is also a skilled plant-based chef. Her new book, Flourish From Within, highlights the significance of gut health for overall well-being and features over 50 plant-based recipes. Anu's guiding principle is to help people get off medications for lifestyle diseases through diet and lifestyle changes.
Connect with Anu:
Books mentioned:
Flourish from Within: Feed Your Gut for Lifelong Health by Anu Simh - Amazon
The Good Gut Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Mood, and Your Long-term Health by Justin Sonnenburg, Erica Sonnenburg - Bookshop.org
Atomic Habits by James Clear - Bookshop.org
The Circadian Code Lose Weight, Supercharge Your Energy, and Transform Your Health from Morning to Midnight: Longevity Book by Satchin Panda PhD - Bookshop.org
Podcasts mentioned:
Bad Medicine Podcast with Anu Simh & Nicholas Canelo
Nutrition Made Simple with Nicole Aucoin
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Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!
Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!
———
This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
This is not intended to treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are suffering from any medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.
In this heartfelt episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Dr. Lynn Banis, executive coach, grief guide, and founder of Widows Rising Together, to explore the deeply personal and transformative journey of grief—and the life that can emerge on the other side of loss. After losing her mother, brother, and husband in a short span of time, Dr. Lynn found herself navigating unimaginable sorrow. But rather than retreat, she answered a powerful inner call to help other women rebuild their lives after profound change, whether through death, divorce, identity loss, or trauma.
Dr. Lynn shares how grief touches every part of our lives, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual, and why true healing must go beyond just surviving. With honesty and compassion, she discusses the importance of community and how our culture’s avoidance of death often leaves people feeling isolated in their pain. She also explains the real difference between getting “over it” and moving forward while honoring the past.
This episode offers not only comfort, but also practical insights—like how to show up for someone in grief, why it’s okay (and necessary) to invest in your healing, and how small steps can lead to a life filled with renewed purpose. Whether you’ve experienced loss yourself or want to better support someone who has, this conversation is filled with wisdom, warmth, and hope.
Bio:
Dr. Lynn Banis’s life was turned upside down within just three years. She lost her mother, her younger brother, and her husband—each loss compounding the grief and leaving her feeling as though the ground had disappeared beneath her. Grief, she discovered, isn’t just about sadness—it’s profoundly disorienting. Each day felt like walking through a fog, uncertain if she’d ever find clarity again.
Despite her background as a psychologist and executive coach, nothing could have prepared her for the depth of the emotional pain she experienced. For years, she had guided others through their darkest moments, but now she was the one who needed a lifeline.
Through deep self-reflection, Dr. Banis examined the experiences that followed her losses and began uncovering the lessons within them. She identified and replaced limiting beliefs, rewired her mindset, and committed to a transformation process using the tools she had once offered others. In doing so, she found her way out of the fog and into a powerful new chapter. Dr. Banis realized that everything she had endured—her caregiving journey, the profound grief, the years of professional training—had uniquely prepared her to help others rebuild their lives.
Today, Dr. Banis works with individuals and groups, guiding widows through their own paths of reinvention. Her mission isn’t about erasing grief—it’s about honoring it, learning from it, and using it as the foundation for a life that feels truly worth living. Her work has become her passion and purpose: helping others transform loss into lasting empowerment.
Connect with Dr. Banis:
Books mentioned:
Healthy Grief: Normalizing and Navigating Loss in a Culture of Toxic Positivity by Dr. Karen Kramer - Bookshop.org
In this inspiring episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes executive coach and leadership expert Jennifer Sherman, founder of Envision Leadership Consulting. With over 20 years of experience coaching thousands of leaders worldwide, Jennifer shares invaluable insights into how mindset, emotional intelligence, and intentional self-leadership can transform your career and your life.
Jennifer opens up about her non-linear journey. She explains how listening to her inner voice (and using life’s curveballs as catalysts for change) led her to discover her true calling. Throughout the conversation, she and Desiree dive into powerful topics including the importance of rewiring our inner narratives, recognizing physical cues of self-doubt, and how to consciously shift our mindset to create new possibilities.
Jennifer also offers practical advice for women looking to position themselves for leadership roles, break free from limiting beliefs, and support each other rather than compete. She addresses the often-overlooked emotional impact of layoffs, the grieving process that can follow, and how to strategically and confidently navigate the next chapter.
Whether you're a seasoned executive or someone simply seeking more purpose in your professional path, this episode is filled with empowering tools, mindset shifts, and encouragement to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Bio:
Jennifer Sherman has spent over 20 years expanding the capabilities of leaders and executives, earning the trust of top executives who rely on her for transformative insights into their leadership impact. A certified executive coach, instructional designer, and facilitator, she has coached and trained thousands of leaders worldwide—from Fortune 100 companies to high-performing smaller firms. Driven by a passion for authentic leadership, Jennifer helps foster workplaces where people and performance thrive and leaders leave a lasting, positive legacy.
Over the years, she has built up an arsenal of leadership and people management tools and diagnostics that bring true value to her clients, ranging from mid-level to C-suite to business owners, across a multitude of industries (finance, manufacturing, media, fashion, pharmaceuticals, engineering, sports, consumer products, etc.)
In her work, she discovered that it doesn't matter how successful people are; we all have self-doubt, blind spots, communication challenges, and moments when we struggle to regulate ourselves effectively. Her mission is to promote a more human approach to leadership by building more self-aware, emotionally intelligent leaders with the skills to grow and empower others.
Connect with Jennifer:
Books mentioned:
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown - Bookshop
The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work by Ludmila N. Praslova - Bookshop
Think Again by Adam Grant - Bookshop
Podcasts mentioned:
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If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!
Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!
———
This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
This is not intended to treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are experiencing any medical conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
In this powerful and moving episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Kanika Vasudeva, an Energy and Consciousness Coach and Akashic Records reader, to explore the transformative journey that began with the unimaginable loss of her daughter. Kanika shares how this devastating event became the doorway to discovering energy healing, soul contracts, and the Akashic Records—a spiritual "cloud storage" of every soul’s journey.
Together, they dive into how past-life patterns, generational trauma, and karmic imprints shape the way we parent, love, and relate—not just to our children, but to ourselves. Kanika explains how understanding your child’s soul blueprint and your own emotional wounds can unlock a more connected, conscious, and peaceful parenting experience. Whether you’re navigating co-parenting challenges, struggling with emotional triggers, or simply curious about your spiritual path as a parent, this conversation offers profound insights and practical healing tools.
You’ll also hear about Kanika’s meditations, her free resource on soul contracts in parenting, and how tuning into the Akashic Records can help you break cycles and raise empowered children—without carrying the weight of the past.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to turn pain into purpose, deepen their spiritual awareness, and parent from a place of unconditional love.
Bio:
Kanika Vasudeva is an Energy and Consciousness Coach and Akashic Records reader who helps parents heal emotional wounds, navigate co-parenting challenges, and connect with their children's soul blueprint to raise empowered, resilient beings.
After the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Kanika turned to energy healing and the Akashic Records—uncovering the hidden patterns, karmic imprints, and generational cycles that shape how we parent and relate.
Today, she guides parents to break free from inherited trauma, find peace amid legal or emotional conflict, and raise children who feel deeply seen, safe, and supported.
Connect with Kanika:
Email: kanika@artoflifecenter.com
Website: https://artoflifecenter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanikaenergycoach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanikaenergycoach/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kanikaenergycoach
Akashic Records Reading and Healing:
https://artoflifecenter.com/reading/
Resources:
https://artoflifecenter.com/guided-meditations-conscious-parenting
Art of Life Guided Meditations:
https://artoflifecenter.com/guided meditations
Podcasts mentioned:
Art of Life - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/art-of-life-podcast-kanika-energy-coach/id1691873468
Art of Life Guided Meditations - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/art-of-life-guided-meditations/id1795295956
In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with soulful leader, executive awareness coach, and former national dance champion Maren Oslac for a deeply inspiring conversation about what it truly means to live and lead from the inside out.
Maren shares her personal journey of transformation—from outward success as a multi-business entrepreneur and competitive dancer to discovering a deeper calling rooted in inner fulfillment, spiritual alignment, and meaningful impact. She opens up about the moment she realized she was “snacking on life” but still feeling unsatisfied—and how bringing her inner and outer worlds together changed everything.
Together, Desiree and Maren explore:
*Why hustle culture is broken—and what lies beyond it
*How high-achievers can redefine success to include soulfulness, not just checkboxes
*What it means to be in "flow" with your life and work (and how to get there)
*The power of creating space in our lives to reconnect with our "why"
*Simple daily practices for aligning with your purpose
*Why soulful leadership matters now more than ever—and how everyone is a leader
Whether you're a driven entrepreneur, a thoughtful leader, or someone simply searching for “something more,” this episode offers wisdom, warmth, and a practical roadmap for aligning with your truest self.
Bio:
Maren is a business evolver with a passion for excellence and a drive to help successful leaders wake up and up-level their lives and their businesses.
As co-founder of the Soulful Leader Project and co-host of the Soulful Leader Podcast, she helps leaders leave behind the ‘strive, push, make-it-happen’ paradigm and embrace a future filled with meaning, knowing and grace.
After running multiple successful and influential businesses, and competing and teaching at the top levels of several dance disciplines, Maren finally stopped chasing the elusive ‘enough’ myth and began living the life that had been calling her. It was magical.
A lifetime of dedicated inner work led her to that moment and she realized that she was meant to share all she’s learned to give others a shortcut.
Today, as a Speaker, Executive Awareness Coach & Flow Consultant, Maren works with impactful leaders who wonder, “is this it?” and are ready to step into the connected life that tugs at their soul.
Connect with Maren:
Resources:
Books mentioned:
The Diamond Cutter by Geshe Michael Roach, Lama Christie McNally Bookshop
Measure What Matters by John Doerr, Larry Page Bookshop
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Bookshop
Caravan of Remembering by Daniel Goodenough
Clare W. Graves: His Life and His Work by Rainer Krumm (Author), Benedikt Parstorfer (Author)
Mastery Through Accomplishment by Hazrat Inayat Khan Bookshop
Podcast mentioned:
The Soulful Leader Podcast with Stephanie Allen & Maren Oslac
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If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!
Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!
———
This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
This is not intended to treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are suffering from any medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.
In this energizing episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Dr. Christiane Schroeter—business and wellness coach, professor, bestselling author, and host of the Happy Healthy Hustle podcast—to talk about achieving big results through small, intentional actions. Christiane shares the story behind her signature “Petite Practice™” framework, a simple yet powerful method that helps entrepreneurs and professionals make consistent progress without burning out. Drawing from her own journey as a professor, coach, and multi-passionate entrepreneur, Christiane explains how embracing small steps can build confidence, drive long-term success, and lead to a more balanced life.
Together, Desiree and Christiane dive into the importance of mindset, consistency, and setting realistic goals—especially for women juggling multiple roles. They explore how to stop comparing yourself to others, how to confidently say “no” without guilt, and why creating personal boundaries is essential for sustainable growth. Christiane also gives a behind-the-scenes look at her two bestselling books, How to Master Your Goals and Discover Your Superpower, both designed to turn personal growth into a joyful and actionable journey. Whether you're building a business, navigating burnout, or just trying to stay aligned with your purpose, this episode offers practical wisdom and gentle encouragement to help you move forward—one Petite Practice at a time.
Bio:
Dr. Christiane Schroeter is a Business & Wellness Coach, Professor, and Bestselling Author who helps entrepreneurs achieve big results through small, strategic actions.
With a Ph.D. in Health Economics, she is a Professor of Marketing, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at a top-ranked U.S. university, earning national and international recognition for her work. As the host of the Top 1% globally ranked Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, she delivers high-performance strategies for productivity, business growth, and well-being.
She has built a thriving community on Instagram and YouTube, where she shares practical, results-driven insights for professionals seeking sustainable success.
Her first book, How to Master Your Goals, debuted as an Amazon #1 New Release in Adult Education, and she is now launching her highly anticipated second book, Discover Your Superpower. A sought-after keynote speaker, Christiane is known for her dynamic, no-fluff approach to business and success. Her Petite Practice™ framework empowers entrepreneurs to work smarter, scale faster, and lead with confidence without burnout.
Connect with Christiane:
Email: info@drchristiana.com
Website: https://doctorchristiane.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Doctor.Christiane/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.christiane
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianeschroeter/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doctor.christiane
Resource:
https://hellohappynest.thrivecart.com/pitching-podcast-video/?coupon=PODCASTMOM
Podcasts mentioned:
Happy Healthy Hustle with Dr. Christiane Schroeter - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-healthy-hustle/id1678822774
In this encouraging episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes back returning guest Amber Daughn—event strategist, business consultant, and founder of Women On Stage Collective—for an inspiring deep dive into women’s visibility, public speaking, and claiming your voice. Amber shares the journey behind her latest passion project, the Women On Stage Collective, a multi-tier speaker development program designed to help women overcome the inner and outer barriers to taking the stage. From tackling perfectionism and imposter syndrome to navigating the practical challenges of booking speaking engagements, Amber opens up about why so many capable, experienced women hold themselves back—and how to start changing that.
Together, Desiree and Amber explore why women often hesitate to claim the title of “speaker” and how a mindset shift can change everything. They discuss the importance of taking imperfect action, redefining confidence, and recognizing that lived experiences can become powerful messages worth sharing. Amber offers valuable tips for crafting your signature talk, connecting with the right audience, and building momentum through community. She also shares how the Women On Stage Collective provides a clear, supportive path from self-doubt to stage presence.
Whether you're brand new to public speaking or already stepping into the spotlight, this conversation delivers actionable advice, heartfelt encouragement, and a reminder that your voice truly matters. If you’ve ever felt a pull to share your story—but didn’t know where to start—this episode is your gentle push forward.
Bio:
I’m Amber Daughn, an event strategist, business consultant, and speaker with a passion for bringing people together for transformational experiences. As the founder of New Daughn Events & New Daughn Management, I specialize in high-impact event production, business operations, and mastermind facilitation, helping entrepreneurs and thought leaders scale their impact. I’m also the creator of Women On Stage Collective (WOSC), a speaker training initiative designed to amplify women’s voices and get more women confidently stepping onto the stage. A lifelong digital nomad, I’ve built my business while traveling the world, leading teams, and creating spaces where collaboration, strategy, and community thrive.
Connect with Amber:
Email: amber@womenonstagecollective.com
Website: womenonstagecollective.com
Facebook: Women on Stage Collective - https://www.facebook.com/groups/635381898853298
Resources:
Fall 2025 Stagecraft Mastery Cohort Launch - https://womenonstagecollective.com/stagecraft-mastery/
Books mentioned:
The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance-What Women Should Know by Katty Kay (Author), Claire Shipman (Author) - https://amzn.to/42MWZsk
Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy - https://amzn.to/42TGDhE
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Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!
Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!
———
This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
In this inspiring episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes award-winning writer, USC screenwriting professor, and founder of Storytelling Lab, Bonnie Garvin, for an honest and uplifting conversation about creativity, reinvention, and owning your voice—on the page and in life.
Bonnie shares her unexpected journey into writing, sparked by a happy accident that led her to an advanced playwriting class she hadn’t even meant to take. What followed was a career filled with accolades, teaching, storytelling, and even painting—each a chapter in her ever-evolving creative life. She opens up about how to navigate the highs and lows of the writing life, why expectations can sabotage joy, and how leaning into the process, rather than the outcome, is the true key to fulfillment.
Together, Desiree and Bonnie explore what it means to make space for yourself, especially as a woman juggling roles and responsibilities, and why creative expression is not only healing but essential. Bonnie also discusses her unique Storytelling Lab and how it's helped countless people—from first-time writers to aspiring artists—rediscover their voice and confidence through creative exploration.
If you’ve ever felt the pull to create but didn’t know where to begin, this episode is for you. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or someone just looking to reconnect with your creative spark, Bonnie’s down-to-earth wisdom will encourage you to take that first step—no expectations required.
Bio:
I'm an award-winning writer, producer, USC screenwriting professor, painter, and creator of Storytelling Lab, a six-person, six-week international Zoom class designed to reconnect you with your creative spirit.I fell into writing, quite literally. I never had so much as a fantasy about it. I was pushing 30, married, and in therapy, trying to figure out if I wanted to have a baby. But if I didn't, what would I do with my life? My therapist suggested going back to university and taking classes that sounded interesting. I signed up for a class that sounded like it had to do with journalism. It was an advanced playwriting class. The other eleven students had written plays, won awards, etc. When class ended, I approached the Professor and said I wouldn't return next week. But she convinced me to stay, and I did it because I'm a people pleaser. Our assignment was to write a scene. I had no idea what a scene entailed. I figured I know people, and I know how people talk, so I'll give it a try. The play, once finished, became a finalist for the most prestigious playwriting festival in the U.S. My husband and I lived in Michigan. I gave up my job, convinced my husband to give up his law practice, and set off for New York so I could pursue a career as a writer. Over the last thirty years, I've continually invented and reinvented myself, creating a more diverse and multifaceted career than I could've ever imagined back then.
Connect with Bonnie:
Books mentioned:
Just Kids: A National Book Award Winner by Patti Smith (Author)
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood (Pantheon Graphic Library) by Marjane Satrapi (Author)
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover (Author)
Ambiguous Loss: Learning to Live with Unresolved Grief 1st Edition, by Pauline Boss (Author)
How to Kill Your Family: A Novel by Bella Mackie (Author)
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If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!
Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!
———
This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
In this powerful and compassionate episode of the Pockets of Knowledge podcast, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Saoirse Nash, a Certified Health Coach, Yoga Instructor, and Director at Live UTI Free, to talk about the often-overlooked topic of chronic UTIs and women's pelvic health. With honesty and empathy, Saoirse shares her personal health journey, from struggling with recurring infections and medical dismissal to becoming a fierce advocate for holistic, whole-person healing.
Together, they unpack the many gaps in women's healthcare particularly in testing and treatment for UTIs and the damaging misconceptions that keep so many women silent and suffering. Saoirse speaks to the importance of trusting your body, advocating for yourself at the doctor’s office, and seeking care that addresses both physical and emotional well-being.
You’ll hear practical tools for stress reduction, how breathwork and yoga support pelvic floor health, and why nervous system regulation is a critical (but often missing) piece of the healing puzzle. Plus, Saoirse shares resources, empowering phrases to use with your doctor, and advice for anyone navigating the frustrating maze of chronic illness.
If you’ve ever felt dismissed, unheard, or simply confused about your health, this episode is a much-needed dose of clarity, comfort, and hope.
Bio:
Saoirse Nash is a Director (Ireland), content contributor and patient liaison at Live UTI Free Ltd. (LUF), a globally recognised women’s health research and education organisation. Saoirse also works as a health coach, massage therapist and yoga instructor at The Whole Health Coach, Ireland.
As a content contributor and patient liaison for Live UTI Free Ltd., Saoirse’s work is focused on supporting women in accessing appropriate treatment and testing, particularly for pelvic and bladder health.
Through her past and present health struggles, including a long-time chronic UTI, Saoirse has become incredibly passionate about helping people improve and maintain their health holistically. Recognizing the importance of an individualized and whole-person approach to health through diet, movement, and nervous system regulation, Saoirse combines nutrition, lifestyle, and fitness to help bring her own and her clients' bodies back into balance.
A yoga instructor, certified health coach, and public educator for Live UTI Free, Saoirse loves to help people progress toward better health and answer any questions they may have to the best of her ability.
Connect with Saoirse:
Live UTI Free Info
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveutifree/?hl=en
(if you scroll down a little, you will see the downloadable resource)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LiveUTIFree
Books mentioned:
Hormone Intelligence - Dr. Aviva Romm
Is This Normal - Dr. Jolene Brighton
The Body Keeps The Score - Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk
When The Body Says No - Gabor Mate
Yoga Poses:
https://pocketyoga.com/pose/
Happy baby pose, Child's pose, Garland (yogi squat), Butterfly pose