The Live Into Your Best Life Podcast

Finding Focus, Fulfillment & The Power of Serendipity

Special Guest: Steven Puri
https://www.thesukha.co/media
Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
In this episode, I sit down with Steven Puri, founder and CEO of Sukha Co., a company dedicated to helping people improve focus and work-life balance. Steven takes us on a fascinating journey through his career—from interviewing newsmakers as a teenager to working as a junior software engineer, then breaking into the world of Hollywood visual effects. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from blockbuster films like Independence Day and Braveheart and his leadership experience at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks, where he oversaw major franchises like Die Hard, Wolverine, Star Trek, and Transformers.
We dive into the evolution of filmmaking, exploring how action sequences and CGI have changed storytelling. Steven reflects on the thrill of working with top-tier action writers and what he misses most about Hollywood—mainly the creative spark of original storytelling. But ultimately, he realized that working on endless sequels wasn’t fulfilling. That’s when he shifted gears to something more meaningful—helping people find clarity and productivity in their lives.
Steven gets real about feeling overwhelmed and procrastinating, particularly in the mornings, and how he developed strategies to combat those struggles. His journey led him to build a focus-driven community and create the Sukha app, rooted in the Sanskrit concept of deep, fulfilling happiness. He shares how productivity isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about building a life filled with joy, connection, and purpose.
We also talk about the power of serendipity and how success often comes from unexpected opportunities. Steven shares wisdom from his parents—what he calls “Cliffisms”—and how life lessons shape our choices and perspectives.
Key Takeaways:
Overwhelm and procrastination often come from a lack of clarity—getting clear on what you truly want is the first step.
Serendipity plays a huge role in success; staying open to life’s twists and turns can lead to amazing opportunities.
Creativity thrives when the mind is engaged in something else—capture those fleeting ideas before they disappear!
True productivity isn’t about grinding harder—it’s about building a life that allows for joy, connection, and meaning.
We wrap things up with a lighthearted chat about Christmas traditions, favorite holiday movies (yes, Die Hard is one of them!), and, of course, chocolates.
Tune in and discover how you can bring more focus, fulfillment, and serendipity into your life!
 

Unlocking Intuition, Astrology & Empowerment

In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I sit down with the incredible Reverend Joanne Angel BarryColon, a powerhouse in holistic wellness and empowerment. As the founder of Holistic Fitness New York LLC, Joanne has dedicated over 40 years to helping women integrate healing, fitness, and astrology into their lives. From her early days as a fitness instructor at just 12 years old to her journey as an off-Broadway dancer and competitive bodybuilder, Joanne has always pushed boundaries and redefined what it means to be strong—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
We kick off the conversation with an exploration of astrology, numerology, and their impact on energy alignment. Joanne explains the significance of planetary shifts, particularly Mars moving between Leo and Cancer, and how these celestial events create an internal push and pull in our lives. She introduces her unique Chakra Balance, Numerology, Cosmic Energy Forecast Deck, a revolutionary tool that blends chakras, numerology, and affirmations to provide daily guidance.
Joanne also shares her deeply personal connection to the month of March, reflecting on her mother’s passing and how she continues to receive spiritual messages. Her ability to connect with intuition has been a guiding force, reinforcing the idea that messages from beyond come in many forms if we are open to receiving them.
Our conversation takes an inspiring turn as Joanne recounts how an astrologer’s prediction led her to become an author—an unexpected but transformational journey. Her multiple publications and features in renowned magazines have solidified her as a thought leader. She also shares her excitement about the upcoming launch of her own magazine on March 5th, a new platform to elevate voices and visibility for others.
Key Takeaways:
Astrology and numerology influence personal energy and decision-making.
Fear is often a signal that you’re on the right path—embrace it!
Spiritual messages can manifest in unexpected ways; trust your intuition.
Visibility is power—Joanne’s journey from author to TV host to magazine founder proves that bold steps create new opportunities.
Join us for this insightful and empowering episode as we explore the intersection of astrology, intuition, and personal growth!
Contact Joann:
www.wholisticfitnessny.com 
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook Grab her deck at Deckible

Mastering Success: Cliff Skaja on Leadership, Growth & Resilience

Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
 
Hi there, and welcome to Live Into Your Best Life! I’m your host, Paulie Skaja, and today’s episode is an intimate look into the wisdom my dad, Cliff Skaja, left behind. Through his everyday actions and simple yet profound phrases—what I like to call Cliffisms—he shaped the way I see the world, and today, I want to share them with you.
My dad wasn’t just a mentor; he was my hero. Even though he’s been gone for nearly 30 years, his lessons still guide me, and I hope they inspire you too.
Key Takeaways from Today’s Episode:
You can do, be, and have anything you want—if you truly want it. Stop living for others and start defining success on your own terms.
Everybody puts their pants on one leg at a time. No one is inherently better than you. I learned this firsthand when I unknowingly had lunch with my company’s CEO and regional VP!
Never judge a book by its cover. Some of the best opportunities and relationships come from unexpected places.
Life is too short to live for other people. I spent years trying to fit in, only to realize that embracing who I truly am brings the most joy and fulfillment.
Treat people the way you want to be treated. Even when faced with bullies or difficult people, kindness and understanding will always lead to better outcomes.
Never ask someone to do what you’re unwilling to do yourself. My dad led by example, even when it came to cleaning the workplace bathrooms. Leadership is about action, not just words.
These lessons aren’t just for reflection—they’re a call to action. How can you apply them to your own life? Let’s continue the conversation and inspire each other to live into our best lives.
Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and share it with someone who could use a little inspiration today.
 

Building Resilience & Redefining Success with Lucy Davis

Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
 
In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I sit down with Lucy Davis, an accomplished entrepreneur and contractor with over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial property management. Lucy has built a thriving career in the construction industry—specializing in roofs, siding, windows, gutters, and solar shingles—all while breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Lucy’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. After losing her husband in 2023, she not only took on the responsibility of running her business but also dedicated herself to guiding her four children into the world of entrepreneurship. She shares how she is instilling in them the values of financial responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance by actively involving them in the family business.
During our conversation, Lucy opens up about a life-changing moment when she realized her work-life balance had reached an unsustainable level. When her daughter tried to connect with her, but she was too engrossed in work to be present, Lucy knew something had to change. She made the difficult decision to shut down her business to prioritize her family and mental well-being—a move that, while challenging, ultimately led her to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Lucy also reflects on her upbringing, growing up in a family-run cleaning business that started small and grew into a million-dollar company. Her mother, having escaped a cult, built the business from the ground up, teaching Lucy the importance of resilience and entrepreneurship. Now, as a marketing director in the construction industry, Lucy continues to redefine her success while ensuring she maintains the balance she once struggled with.
Throughout our discussion, we dive into the power of taking ownership of one’s success, navigating career pivots, and making tough decisions that align with our personal values. Lucy’s journey is a testament to the importance of adaptability, grit, and building a legacy that extends beyond financial success.
Key Takeaways:
Success is earned, not given—Lucy teaches her children the value of hard work and financial responsibility.
Work-life balance is critical—making tough decisions to prioritize family can lead to greater fulfillment.
Resilience is built through challenges—Lucy’s journey from personal loss to professional reinvention exemplifies true perseverance.
Owning your success means taking action rather than waiting for recognition.
Career pivots, even the difficult ones, can open new doors to growth and opportunity.
This episode is packed with inspiration, wisdom, and actionable insights for anyone looking to navigate life’s challenges with strength and purpose. Tune in and be inspired by Lucy’s incredible journey!
 
Connect with Lucy:
lucy.davis@estateclaimservices.com
linkedin.com/in/lucystange-davis
estateclaimservices.com
facebook.com/LucyMarketingSpecialist
 

Navigating Your Journey to Professional Happiness

Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
 
Hey there, I’m Paulie Skaja, and welcome back to Live Into Your Best Life! In today’s episode, I’m diving into a message that I believe the world truly needs to hear. With so many people facing career uncertainty and job transitions, I’ve decided to share the final chapter from my book, Next Stop Your Dream Job: Navigating Your Journey to Professional Happiness.
This book was born out of a powerful session I facilitated with job seekers exploring new career paths. The insights we uncovered helped half of the attendees land new roles within just two months. These lessons remain just as relevant today, and my hope is that they inspire and guide you to your next opportunity.
Here are some key takeaways from this episode:
There’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. Some people follow a structured route, while others take a winding journey—and both are completely valid. Trust your unique path.
Consider your childhood passions. The way you played as a child can offer clues about the kind of work that will bring you joy and fulfillment.
Cookie cutters are for cookies. Traditional career paths aren’t for everyone, and new opportunities are constantly emerging. Embrace your individuality.
Ready, fire, aim! Perfectionism can hold you back. Instead of waiting for the perfect plan, start taking action and refine along the way.
Stand out in a crowded job market. Find what makes you unique and communicate your value. Talk to people, network, and let your strengths shine.
Obstacles are opportunities. Challenges help us grow. Every struggle you overcome strengthens you for the future.
Let others make their own mistakes. True leadership isn’t about solving every problem—it’s about empowering others to learn and grow.
If you’re searching for clarity, a career shift, or just inspiration to take the next step, this episode is for you. Tune in as I share powerful reflections and actionable advice to help you navigate your journey to professional happiness.
Let’s shake things up and figure out where YOU want to go next!
Listen now and start moving toward the career and life you truly want.
 
 

Buy Yourself: Unlocking Authentic Success

Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
 
In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I sit down with transformational life coach Adele Kamel Whitley to explore her groundbreaking Buy Yourself philosophy. Adele shares how so many of us spend our lives chasing dreams that aren’t truly ours—whether they belong to our families, society, or the expectations we’ve unconsciously absorbed. But what happens when we finally buy into ourselves?
Adele’s journey started in sales, where she realized that the most successful deals weren’t just about selling a product—they were about belief. She saw firsthand that people struggled to close deals because they hadn’t fully bought into themselves. This insight led her to expand the concept beyond sales and into personal transformation: What if we applied that same idea to our own lives?
She takes us through her personal wake-up call—a life-changing moment in Mexico when a simple values exercise revealed just how misaligned her life had become. That realization set her on a course of radical self-honesty, leading to a life and business built on true alignment and purpose.
Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into the process of reconnecting with our inner selves, learning to trust our intuition, and taking action from a place of authenticity. Adele challenges us to sit with discomfort, embrace self-awareness, and rewrite the limiting beliefs we’ve carried since childhood.
We discuss the power of reframing past experiences—not erasing them, but changing the meaning we give them. She reminds us that our past doesn’t define us unless we let it, and by shifting our language and thoughts, we can create an entirely new reality.
Key Takeaways:
True transformation begins when we buy into ourselves and stop chasing someone else’s version of success.
Self-awareness is just the first step—lasting change happens when we take aligned action.
Our subconscious beliefs, often formed in childhood, shape our present decisions. But we can rewrite them.
Journaling, self-reflection, and NLP techniques can help us change our internal dialogue and build a more empowered future.
This episode is an invitation to step into your power and start creating a life that excites you!
Take Adele's quiz to learn what's stopping you from owning your life: https://buy-yourself.se/quizby
 
Follow Adele on your favorite social platform:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Adelekamel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelekamel/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adele-kamel-whitley-30b54736/
eMail: Adele@Buy-Yourself.se
 

Ageless Growth: Embrace Your Evolving Journey

Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
 
In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I, Paulie Skaja, dive deep into the concept of age and how we often let societal expectations dictate our milestones—like voting, drinking, or retirement. I challenge those traditional ideas and share my personal belief that life is about continuous evolution. There's no "magic age" for success or when to stop working; instead, it's about shifting your approach as life changes.
I reflect on the wisdom of my parents: my mom's emphasis on doing things the right way, and my dad's advice to chase what I truly want, not what others expect. These lessons shaped my journey from childhood to today, as I’ve always followed my passions, whether in education, business, or career. The key takeaway here? It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and success can come at any age.
I share highlights from my early entrepreneurial days, from selling crocheted goods at 10 to my later career in IT and project management. My diverse professional background includes working in sales, marketing, coaching, and nonprofit work. Through all of these experiences, I’ve learned that believing in yourself is the first step toward achieving seemingly impossible goals—whether it’s launching a book in months or creating a positive community impact.
What matters is continuous growth and embracing opportunities, no matter how unknown they might seem. I urge you to reflect on how your past experiences can guide your future path. Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about doing things the right way for you, and always striving to live your best life.
Key Takeaways:
Age doesn’t define when you should achieve milestones—continuous growth is key.
Trust your unique journey and pursue your passions, regardless of when you start.
Believe in your ability to create lasting change, no matter your age or stage in life.

Healing Through Movement and Mindfulness

Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
 
In this heartfelt episode, I reconnect with my dear friend Amy Quarberg, whom I met over 20 years ago during an intensive coaching program. Our shared experiences in NLP, HNLP, and hypnosis training created a bond that has stood the test of time, and life’s synchronicities recently brought us back together.
 
Amy shares her inspiring journey from a traditional nursing career to her current role as an integrative therapy nurse at the VA Medical Center's Center for Integrative Health and Healing. Here, she blends Western medicine with holistic approaches, utilizing guided imagery, essential oils, auricular acupuncture, and mindfulness-based movement to address the mind, body, and spirit.
 
A lifelong dancer, Amy talks about how movement and grace are central to her healing practice. She recalls moments of profound clarity and joy that emerged from physically aligning her body and soul through dance. These experiences inspired her to teach others how to reconnect with their bodies and embrace the spiritual and healing power of movement.
 
Our conversation touches on the transformative power of presence and self-awareness. Amy emphasizes the importance of helping others find their spark, often through role modeling and guiding them to uncover limiting beliefs rooted in childhood. By addressing these emotional triggers, she has witnessed mental and physical transformations that lead to lighter, more authentic living.
 
We also dive into Amy’s advice for embracing life’s unexpected turns and following inner guidance. Her story of surrendering to the rhythm of life—whether through intuitive movement or trusting the process—reminds us of the healing power of authenticity and joy.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace movement to align your body and soul, sparking joy and clarity.
Reflect on inner programming to break free from limiting beliefs.
Trust life’s synchronicities and focus on what brings you joy.
Be authentic, stop comparing, and bring your unique gifts into the world.
Join us for this inspiring conversation and take the first step toward living your best life!
Learn more about Amy by visiting her site: https://www.amyquarberg.com/ and follow her on FB https://www.facebook.com/amy.quarberg/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amyquarberg/

From Rejection to Redirection

Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I sit down with Christine Schwartz, an inspiring entrepreneur who transformed her life after being laid off in 2019. Christine takes us on her journey from corporate professional to founder of Reinvent Your Hustle and Refined Ritual, sharing how rejection became her ultimate redirection.
We explore how Christine navigated the uncertainties of entrepreneurship by embracing self-awareness, spiritual growth, and her desire to serve others. She opens up about organizing transformative retreats, recognizing resistance as a guide, and following what genuinely lights her up. Christine’s story serves as a blueprint for turning challenges into growth opportunities and finding alignment in both career and life.
I also share my personal experience transitioning into real estate while balancing the needs of my family, including my two-year-old daughter. Together, Christine and I discuss the importance of intentional decision-making and staying grounded in personal values during significant life transitions.
Key Takeaways:
Rejection is Redirection: Christine shares how losing her corporate job led her to discover her true purpose and create businesses that empower others.
The Power of Self-Awareness: By identifying resistance and leaning into her intuition, Christine found clarity and confidence to pivot with purpose.
Intentional Decision-Making: Reflect on how decisions impact your long-term goals and family dynamics, and embrace open communication with loved ones.
Defining Boundaries: Set clear boundaries based on your core values to protect your energy and stay aligned with your goals.
Challenging Expectations: Reject societal "shoulds" and create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.
Christine leaves us with a powerful message about aligning passions, skills, and intuition to build a life of meaning and impact. Tune in to hear how vulnerability, courage, and heart-centered actions can lead to both personal and professional success.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that will encourage you to trust the signs, embrace change, and step into your next chapter with purpose.
 

Reignite Your Spark: Discovering Passion and Purpose with Laura Best

Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
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.