The Live Into Your Best Life Podcast

Reignite Your Spark: Discovering Passion and Purpose with Laura Best

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In this episode, I sit down with Laura Best, the dynamic founder of The Passion Collective, a global movement helping people reconnect with their passions. I first met Laura at a holiday event, and her warmth and energy immediately drew me in. Today, she shares her incredible journey from burnout to building a thriving community of over 14,000 "Passionados" worldwide.
Laura opens up about founding The Passion Collective 10 years ago, starting as a small Facebook group for women seeking fulfillment. Now, it’s a global phenomenon offering intimate events, authentic connections, and “practical inspiration” to help people infuse passion into their lives. From young professionals to retirees, Laura’s mission is clear: to create a space where everyone can connect, grow, and rediscover joy.
We dive into her transition from a high-pressure marketing career to embracing imperfection, learning from mistakes, and prioritizing authentic relationships. Laura shares her insights on overcoming judgment, setting boundaries, and finding energy through meaningful connections.
Here’s what I took away from our inspiring conversation:
Authentic Connections Matter: Using "concentric circles," I’m reminded to nurture relationships that energize me and gently step back from draining ones.
Boundaries Preserve Energy: Laura reframes boundaries as essential tools to align with people who uplift and support our goals.
Rediscover Joy Through Exploration: Whether it's trying new activities or experimenting with hobbies like pottery or knitting, Laura encourages us to “dip a toe” without fear of failure.
Mindful Time Use Brings Passion: Reallocating just a few hours weekly from passive activities can reignite our spark.
Celebrate Progress: Laura’s playful “passion bingo” helps reflect on growth and nurture curiosity.
We wrap up with a peek at her upcoming book, Born to Buzz: How to Spark Your Passions Without Quitting It All, which promises to inspire readers to explore their passions without overhauling their lives.
Tune in to discover how small shifts can spark big joy, and get ready to embrace your passions with purpose!
Learn more about Laura and the Passion Collective then sign up for her newsletter, join one of her sessions, and book her as a speaker for your upcoming event.
 
 

Empowering Teams Through Collaboration and Communication

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In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I’m joined by Alyssa Sharp, an expert in team engagement and communication. With over 12 years of experience in project management, Alyssa shares her unique approach to leading teams with a human-centered mindset and an agile framework. As a professional rooted in psychology, Alyssa helps businesses foster collaboration, streamline systems, and drive results by understanding the deeper needs of people and facilitating meaningful change through communication.
Alyssa emphasizes the importance of creating a team environment where collaboration thrives and everyone understands the purpose behind changes. This leads to greater team engagement and success. She also delves into the challenges of shifting from individual performance to team-based outcomes, reflecting on her time in retail management. There, she saw firsthand how strong collaboration could boost both customer experience and team morale.
In our conversation, I reflect on my leadership journey and how my views on workplace culture evolved. Early on, I had a team member tell me they didn’t come to work to make friends, which challenged my perspective. Over time, I realized that fostering authentic relationships among team members is vital because we spend so much time together.
We also discuss the power of networking and building human connections without the expectation of immediate rewards. Often, these relationships come full circle in ways that lead to future collaboration or valuable advice.
Lastly, Alyssa opens up about her own career pivot during the pandemic, when she left a secure job to pursue consulting. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the value of trusting your instincts and pursuing what truly excites you.
 
Visit Alyssa’s site  asharpcoach.com and connect with her on LinkedIn. 
 
Key Takeaways:
Collaboration Drives Success: Alyssa’s human-centered leadership approach helps teams thrive when they understand the purpose behind changes and collaborate effectively.
Shift from Individual to Team Success: Transitioning from individual performance to team-based outcomes is key for long-term success and improved team morale.
Authentic Relationships Matter: Fostering genuine connections among team members creates a supportive work culture, enhancing collaboration and engagement.
Networking Without Expectations: Building relationships with no immediate agenda often leads to valuable future connections and collaborations.
Trust Your Instincts: Alyssa’s career pivot during the pandemic reminds us of the importance of trusting our instincts when making significant life or career decisions.
If you’re looking to streamline your processes, empower your teams, and embrace change, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Be sure to tune in on Apple and Spotify—subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend!
 
 

Take Action: The Key to Creating the Life You Deserve

Are you ready to stop dreaming and start achieving the life you truly deserve?
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Welcome to Live Into Your Best Life! I’m your host, Paulie Skaja, and today’s episode is all about taking action — the critical difference between dreaming and achieving. Lack of action is the number one reason people fail to accomplish their goals, and it’s time to change that.
Many of us have aspirations for new jobs, skills, or lifestyles but fall into the trap of waiting for opportunities to come to us. As I share in this episode, meaningful change starts with intentional action. This realization became clear to me when I published or co-authored three books in a single year. It wasn’t something I planned out meticulously—it happened because I seized opportunities as they arose.
Through anecdotes and practical advice, I discuss why people resist change and how understanding your “why” can help overcome this inertia. Whether it’s quitting a habit like smoking or stepping into a new career, clarity about what’s holding you back (known as secondary gain) is crucial.
Key takeaways:
Change requires effort: Doing what you’ve always done won’t lead to new results.
Break down your goals: Identify what you’ll start, stop, and continue to achieve your vision.
Focus on your why: Align actions with personal values, not external expectations.
Stay flexible: Progress often involves pivots, and that’s okay.
As we move into a new year, avoid setting rigid resolutions. Instead, adopt an action-oriented mindset that evolves with your needs and priorities. Everyone has the potential to achieve incredible things. With the right mindset and strategy, you can too.
Subscribe to Live Into Your Best Life on Apple or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. Let’s take action together to make this year your best yet!
 
 

Seasons of Miracles: Embracing Life’s Transitions with Purpose and Possibility

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Hi there, and welcome to Live Into Your Best Life! In today’s special holiday episode, I dive into one of my favorite topics—miracles and the changing seasons, both in nature and life. As this episode airs on December 25th, I couldn’t think of a better time to reflect on the wonder and beauty of this season.
 
I explore the cycles of life and nature, drawing parallels between the changing seasons in Minnesota and the phases of our personal journeys. From the crisp beginnings of autumn, the coziness of winter, the renewal of spring, to the vitality of summer, I share how each season brings unique opportunities to pause, reflect, and grow.
 
I also discuss how miracles—those unexpected yet delightful moments of divine intervention or synchronicity—can shift our perspective. By viewing life through a lens of possibility, we can uncover breadcrumbs of inspiration leading us toward the next amazing chapter in our lives.
 
This episode is an invitation to embrace each moment fully, regardless of the season of life you're in. Whether you're in the "spring" of youthful discovery, the "summer" of vibrancy and growth, the "fall" of harvest and mentorship, or the "winter" of reflection and wisdom, there’s always a chance to live intentionally and create your best life.
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Miracles often lie in the way we choose to see the world—look for the synergies and synchronicities around you.
 
Each season of life offers its own gifts. Recognize where you are and lean into its opportunities.
 
Living fully means showing up every day with curiosity and purpose, even if your energy varies.
 
Retirement isn’t about stopping—it's about freedom to continue contributing meaningfully.
 
You can live your best life every day by noticing and acting on the possibilities right in front of you.
 
Let’s explore this season of miracles together—one moment, one choice, one miracle at a time. Happy holidays! 
 

Thriving Through Peri-menopause: Nutrition, Hormones, and Empowerment

Special Guest: Stephanie Crassweller
 
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In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I have the privilege of sitting down with Stephanie Crassweller, a passionate advocate for women’s health, focusing on the crucial phase of perimenopause. Stephanie shares her fascinating journey from a background in kinesiology and personal training to specializing in hormonal health and nutrition for women aged 35 to 60. With her expertise, Stephanie has helped countless women navigate the challenges of hormonal changes, from weight gain to emotional struggles, and the lack of effective advice from traditional healthcare.
We dive deep into how metabolism, hormones, and nutrition play a vital role in managing the transition through peri-menopause and menopause. Stephanie’s approach empowers women to see this phase not as something to fear, but as a transformative time in their lives. She emphasizes the importance of unlearning diet myths, prioritizing self-care, and adopting sustainable habits that support both mental and physical health. A particularly touching moment in our conversation is when Stephanie shares a success story of a client’s husband thanking her for “giving his wife back”—a reminder of how health journeys not only impact the individual but their families as well.
This episode also reflects on the evolution of diet culture, starting in the 1960s, and its lasting impact on women, especially as we experience hormonal changes. We discuss how societal pressures, stress, and lifestyle factors shape our approach to food and health. Key takeaways include:
The importance of balanced meals and avoiding processed foods to prevent inflammation and digestive issues.
How stress, sleep, and hormonal shifts can disrupt metabolism, making weight loss more challenging.
The pitfalls of restrictive diets and fasting, which can lead to muscle loss and increase stress on the body.
Practical tips for long-term health, including eating regular meals, lifting weights, and prioritizing sleep.
Ultimately, this episode is about learning to rebuild habits that promote long-term well-being, focusing on the unique needs of each individual woman during this transformative phase of life.
To learn about all the ways Stephanie and her team can support your healthy living journey, visit her web site at VitalityOET and listen to her podcast "The Metabolism & Menopause" podcast

Embracing Life’s Transitions: Astrology, Coaching, and Personal Growth

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In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I’m joined by astrologer Patricia Herlevi, who shares her incredible journey into astrology and how it became a pivotal tool in her life and work. What began as a casual interest in horoscopes evolved into a deep professional path after a transformative experience at a psychic fair. Now, Patricia uses astrology alongside intuitive coaching and cognitive behavioral techniques to help others navigate life's challenges.
 
Key takeaways from this episode:
I learn about astrological transits, including the Saturn Return (ages 28-30), the midlife crisis (around 44-45), and the Uranus Return (around 84), and how these pivotal moments trigger major life changes in relationships, career, and personal growth.
I discover the growing focus on the divine feminine within astrology, particularly through the use of asteroids that represent feminine archetypes.
I realize how astrology, often seen as mystical, has strong scientific roots, drawing on the work of astrologers like Galileo and Nostradamus, which empowers me to approach astrology with a sense of grounded understanding.
I understand how aligning with lunar cycles—like setting intentions during the Scorpio new moon and reflecting during the full moon in Taurus—can guide my personal growth and evolution. Keeping a journal of moon phases helps me track my progress and intentions.
I’m reminded that growth, like the transformation of a cocoon into a butterfly, often requires discomfort and effort. Whether through astrology or coaching, I recognize that I must do the work to evolve and embrace change instead of resisting it.
I hear about the role of astrologers and coaches—they can guide me, but I must take responsibility for my choices and actions to create lasting transformation.
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how astrology and coaching can be powerful tools for self-awareness and personal growth and reach out to Patricia to learn more.
Metaphysics4EverydayLiving.com
Astrologer Patricia on YouTube
Whole Astrology blog

Heart-Centered Leadership & The Power of Purposeful Coaching with Sarah Davidson

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In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I sit down with Sarah Davidson, an Agile trainer and coach whose heart-centered approach to coaching inspires me deeply. Our conversation dives into the impact of global connectivity in Agile coaching, allowing us to bridge continents and collaborate with shared values and goals. Sarah’s dedication to creating a lasting, meaningful legacy through her coaching is evident, as she emphasizes fostering alignment and purpose within teams and organizations.
We discuss how powerful, open-ended questions like “What else?” and “What’s next?” allow for genuine, self-reflective responses, avoiding the defensiveness often provoked by “Why?” Sarah explains how this method encourages a safe, non-judgmental environment, which empowers individuals and teams to reach their potential while prioritizing well-being.
Another key theme is teamwork in modern workplaces, where generational dynamics bring both challenges and growth opportunities. We explore the concept of reverse mentoring, where senior members learn from the fresh perspectives of younger colleagues, fostering respect, adaptability, and innovation. This blend of generational insights, Sarah and I agree, can drive resilience and cohesion within organizations.
When it comes to leadership, we highlight qualities like curiosity, active listening, and validation—skills that inspire and nurture growth within teams. Effective leaders don’t just share their opinions but create a space where all voices are valued, fostering a “ripple effect” of trust and confidence. Sarah explains how small, supportive gestures from leaders can profoundly impact individual growth and contribute to a more inclusive workplace culture.
To round out our conversation, Sarah and I reflect on the importance of self-awareness for younger generations entering the workforce. Cultivating an understanding of one’s thoughts, emotions, and narratives helps them face challenges with resilience and live with purpose. This episode is packed with insights into fostering meaningful connections, driving collective success, and embracing growth in both personal and professional lives.

Gratitude Every Day: Transform Your Life One Thankful Moment at a Time

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Hi there, I’m Paulie Skaja, host of Live Into Your Best Life! In this special Thanksgiving episode, I reflect on the transformative power of gratitude—not just during the holiday season but as a daily practice. Many of us only focus on thankfulness at the end of the year, but what if we embraced gratitude every single day?
In this episode, I share how gratitude naturally weaves through my life—from setting the tone in the morning to wrapping up my day with thankfulness, even in tough moments. I reveal how envisioning my ideal day helps it unfold as I’d hoped, how I prepare for meaningful conversations, and how gratitude deepens my connection with others and my higher power.
But gratitude isn’t about elaborate rituals or journaling (though that’s great if it works for you!). It’s about finding small moments throughout the day to pause and appreciate. When we shift our focus to abundance instead of lack, we start attracting more of what we want in life.
Key Takeaways:
Gratitude can be a simple and natural part of your daily routine.
Setting an intention for your day helps you navigate it with clarity and purpose.
Focusing on what you have—and expressing it to others—creates more opportunities for growth and connection.
Small acts of gratitude, practiced consistently, can transform your mindset and outcomes.
Your Gratitude Challenge:
Between now and the end of the year, find one moment daily to pause and feel gratitude. Capture it if you’d like, but more importantly, notice how this practice changes your perspective and what new opportunities arise.
Let’s wrap up this year with a spirit of thankfulness and set the stage for an incredible new year. Tune in now on Apple or Spotify, subscribe, and leave a review to let me know how this episode resonated with you. Share it with a friend, and let’s keep growing together!
Remember, every day is a chance to live into your best life. Enjoy the journey!
 
 
 

Leaps of Faith: Embracing Change and Empowering Leadership

Special Guest:  Natasha Speets
 
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In this episode of "Live Into Your Best Life," I had the pleasure of welcoming Natasha Speets, a remarkable leader and founder of a global training organization. Our connection dates back to 2020, when Natasha served as my teacher, inspiring me with her ability to cultivate a community of positive, like-minded individuals.
Natasha's journey began as a teacher for children with special needs, eventually evolving into a coach and trainer specializing in leadership and agile methodologies. We explored her unique experience using dolphins as therapy animals, highlighting how interactions can significantly influence personal development. Natasha advocates for self-awareness and empathy in leadership, emphasizing the importance of recognizing rather than eliminating biases.
We dived into the crucial distinctions between management and leadership, discussing the delicate balance leaders must maintain between control and empowerment. Natasha illustrated how starting with a clear vision and taking small steps fosters confidence and collaboration within teams. In the current leadership crisis, where meaningful change often conflicts with organizational pressures, empathy and understanding of the broader ecosystem are vital.
The conversation also touched on my own journey into Agile coaching. Recognizing a gap between my coaching skills and Agile methodologies, I immersed myself in Agile literature and sought to create an online community for discussion and growth. The pandemic accelerated this initiative, allowing me to reach a wider audience. However, I soon realized the necessity of building a dedicated team to tailor our programs effectively.
A memorable anecdote involved coaching someone navigating a challenging relationship with their cat. Instead of focusing solely on the cat's behavior, we explored deeper emotional issues, reinforcing that true coaching is about personal growth.
As we wrapped up, we emphasized the importance of open communication in parenting, building a foundation of knowledge for our children, and encouraging them to make informed decisions. I encouraged listeners to follow their passions and make smart decisions, always keeping an open heart and mind. Join us as we continue this journey of growth and exploration together.
Check out all the great work Natascha is doing at https://theagilecompany.org/ and connect with her on LinkedIn. 
 

Empowering Career Growth: Strategies with Kate Wade

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In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kate Wade, the founder of Get Her Hired, an executive resume writing service dedicated to helping individuals secure executive positions. With her experience as a former executive at a Fortune 200 company, Kate shares her inspiring journey and mission to empower 10,000 women and supportive men in achieving their career goals.
We dive deep into Kate’s approach to resume writing and job searching, where she emphasizes the importance of a clear, no-nonsense strategy. Kate reflects on her corporate experiences, discussing the trust and connections she built, as well as the challenges she faced, including her unexpected layoff in 2018. She highlights the value of resilience and the grieving process associated with job loss, stressing the significance of consistent effort in honing one’s skills.
Throughout our conversation, we address the necessity of diverse career paths and overcoming workplace biases, particularly ageism and gender bias. Kate advocates for a fact-based approach to showcasing accomplishments, providing clients with strong marketing materials that illustrate their impact and results. We celebrate the power of connection and community in navigating professional challenges, while also discussing the importance of networking and being open to career pivots.
I share insights into my coaching process, focusing on transparency and empowerment. I believe clients are capable of self-discovery but often need guidance to see their potential. Our process begins with in-depth interviews to assess clients’ situations and aspirations while prioritizing confidentiality.
We also tackle the impact of AI on job searching and recruitment. Kate highlights that AI tools can level the playing field, but warns against homogenization, where reliance on AI leads to generic content. We emphasize the importance of crafting resumes that resonate with human readers and the power of leveraging personal networks.
Join us for a thought-provoking episode filled with actionable insights on navigating the job market, embracing authenticity, and strategically using technology to achieve career success!
Connect with Kate and get hired:
https://getherhired.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katewade-getherhired/