The Live Into Your Best Life Podcast

Unlocking Physical Intelligence and Inner Mastery with Dr. Martina Wagner

In this transformative episode of Live Into Your Best Life, Paulie Skaja sits down with Dr. Martina Wagner, a Taoist master, executive coach, and the visionary founder of Artes Humanis. With a rich background spanning molecular biology, leadership development, and martial arts, Martina introduces listeners to the revolutionary concept of physical intelligence—a modality that integrates body, mind, and energy to unlock personal potential and leadership excellence.
Together, Paulie and Martina explore how we can move beyond societal conditioning and uncover our deeper selves through breathwork, energy awareness, and conscious movement. From the origins of her journey in martial arts to her work with corporate leaders and the development of her Seven Minds Framework, Martina shares how physical intelligence can transform not just careers, but entire lives.
Whether you're curious about energy hygiene, seeking personal growth, or wanting to build resilience in high-stress environments, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring takeaways to support your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Topics Covered:
Martina’s unique path from molecular biology to Taoist self-mastery
What physical intelligence is and how it transforms leadership
The connection between energy, movement, and mental clarity
Breathing and meditation as tools for inner alignment
Energy hygiene and how environments affect our well-being
The Seven Minds Framework and cultivating true executive presence
Creating change in organizations through embodied leadership
The importance of ongoing self-discovery without rigid life planning
 
Link to Martina’s website is www.arteshumanis.com

Leading with Purpose: Britleigh’s Impact

In this compelling episode of Living Your Best Life, Paulie Skaja sits down with Britleigh Wechsler, a visionary leader, advocate, and creator dedicated to making a meaningful impact. Britleigh’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of purpose. From shaping industry conversations to pioneering initiatives that uplift communities, her work reflects a deep commitment to authenticity and leadership.
Britleigh shares insights into her professional achievements, the challenges she has overcome, and the lessons that have shaped her into the powerhouse she is today. She discusses her approach to mentorship, leadership, and driving meaningful change, offering advice for those looking to make a difference in their own fields.
Whether building businesses, influencing policy, or fostering social change, Britleigh’s story serves as an inspiration for anyone striving to carve their own path.
Topics Covered:
Britleigh’s journey to success
Navigating challenges and personal growth
Her contributions to leadership and advocacy
Building initiatives that empower communities
The importance of mentorship and supporting others
Overcoming setbacks and staying resilient
Advice for those looking to step into leadership roles
 
Resources & Links:
Britleigh Photography
Land of 10,000 Dates (website)
Land of 10,000 Dates (Facebook)
Excelsior Podcast
Connect with Britleigh on LinkedIn

Rising Above: The Journey of Clarissa Schmieg

In this inspiring episode of Live Into Your Best Life, Paulie Skaja welcomes Clarissa Schmieg, a powerhouse of resilience, creativity, and leadership. Clarissa’s journey has been anything but ordinary—overcoming early adversity, navigating complex identity challenges, and forging her own path to success. Now a business owner, executive writer, and mentor, she uses her experiences to empower others through storytelling and personal growth.
Clarissa discusses her transition from overcoming personal hardship to founding Executive Author House, where she helps leaders and professionals craft their stories, turn experiences into impactful narratives, and gain credibility through published works. She also shares her insights into education, leadership, and life balance, reflecting on the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Whether overcoming obstacles, shaping new beginnings, or helping others find their voice, Clarissa’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of self-discovery.
Topics Covered:
Clarissa’s journey from hardship to success
Navigating identity challenges and personal growth
The founding of Executive Author House and its mission
How storytelling can shape leadership and influence
Overcoming imposter syndrome and stepping into confidence
Balancing ambition with rest and reflection
Advice for those looking to share their own stories
 
Resources & Links:
Executive Author House Website
Clarissa’s LinkedIn

Transforming Trauma into Purpose with Tanya Newbould

In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, Paulie Skaja sits down with life transformation strategist, speaker, entrepreneur, author, actress, and jewelry designer Tanya Newbould. Tanya shares her journey from Hollywood to coaching, her personal battle with postpartum depression, and how she has turned her experience into advocacy and healing for others. She discusses her work as a passionate advocate for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, co-producing the documentary When the Bough Breaks, and her upcoming memoir.
This episode is packed with insights on personal growth, finding purpose, and the importance of community and support in overcoming challenges. Tanya’s message is clear: no one is alone, and transformation is always possible.
Topics Covered:
Tanya’s background and diverse career journey
Overcoming postpartum depression and raising awareness
The impact of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders on families
The importance of community support
Courage, mindset, and personal growth
Tanya’s work in jewelry design and holistic wellness
Her upcoming memoir and advocacy work
Resources & Links:
Tanya’s Website
When the Bough Breaks Documentary (Amazon)
When the Bough Breaks Documentary (iTunes)
Sozo Heart Candle & Wellness Line
Del Pozo Jewelry
Connect with Tanya:
Instagram: @TanyaNewbould
LinkedIn: Tanya Newbould
If you or a loved one is affected by postpartum depression or other postpartum disorders and need help, you can call Postpartum Support International‘s hotline at 1-800-944-4773.

Embracing Fear and Courage with Kris Jennings

In this episode, Paulie Skaja interviews Kris Jennings, an inspiring author and change leader. Kris shares her journey of overcoming fear and embracing courage, discussing her book "Inspired by Fear: Becoming a Courageous Change Leader." They delve into Kris' personal experiences, including her recent swimming challenges with her son, and how these adventures have shaped her perspective on life and leadership.
Kris Jennings is a remarkable individual who has made significant strides in the field of change leadership. She is the author of "Inspired by Fear: Becoming a Courageous Change Leader," a book dedicated to those who face fear head-on. Kris' journey is a testament to her resilience and determination to help others navigate through fear and uncertainty.
Kris' background as a competitive swimmer has played a crucial role in her life. She shares her experiences of swimming in open waters, including her recent trips to Croatia and Nevis, where she faced the challenge of swimming with sharks. These adventures have not only tested her physical limits but also reinforced her belief in the power of courage and resilience.
A pivotal moment in Kris' life was her transition from a corporate job to becoming a consultant. After being laid off from what she considered her dream job, Kris found herself in a consulting role, which ultimately suited her much better. This transition allowed her to leverage her skills and passion for helping organizations navigate large-scale transformational changes.
Kris' journey with PTSD has also been a significant part of her story. Diagnosed during the early months of the pandemic, she has since dedicated herself to understanding and managing her fear and anxiety. Kris employs techniques such as noticing, naming, and nudging emotions to help herself and others cope with fear.
Throughout the episode, Kris emphasizes the importance of curiosity and adaptability in leadership. She believes that being open to change and willing to experiment are key to overcoming challenges. Her optimistic and hopeful outlook is infectious, inspiring others to embrace their unique qualities and face their fears with courage.
Kris also discusses the impact of the pandemic on her approach to fear and change. She highlights the role of social media in modern connections and shares her strategies for engaging with it in a positive way. Building authentic connections is crucial to Kris, and she stresses the importance of being true to oneself and finding meaningful relationships.
Quotes:
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
"I have arrived. I am home." - Kris Jennings
Call to Action:
Buy Kris’ book [https://www.krisjennings.com/KJbookstore]
 
Join The Friday Upside email list...a message of everyday courage every week [https://www.krisjennings.com/blog]
 
Connect with Kris: linkedin.com/in/kris-jennings

Making College Happen with Howard Freedman

In this episode, Paulie Skaja interviews Howard Freedman, a financial aid consultant with over 20 years of experience. Howard shares his journey from working in customer service and business management to founding his own financial aid consulting firm. He discusses the importance of continuous education, the challenges students face in pursuing higher education, and the strategies for making college affordable. Howard also talks about his role in the Access program at Boston Public Schools, where he provided financial aid services and scholarships to over 2700 high school students. He emphasizes the need for students to market themselves effectively to colleges and the importance of finding a college that fits their skills and financial situation.
Key Points:
Howard's background in financial management, customer service, and software consulting.
His passion for helping students navigate the complexities of college financial aid.
The significance of continuous education and reinventing oneself.
Strategies for making college affordable and finding the right fit.
Howard's achievements and recognition in the field of financial aid consulting.
Book: Making College Happen: An insightful guide to making savvy financial decisions and cutting college costs https://amzn.to/410qG9D
Website: https://www.financialaidconsulting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-freedman-3b2581123/

From Burnout to Balance with Najib Khan: Reclaiming Your Health in a World That Forgot Wellness

In this deeply personal and insightful episode, our guest shares a transformative journey from a 20-year career in high-stakes corporate tech to becoming a conscious living and wellness strategist. Tune in as we uncover how a personal loss and the pandemic cracked open the door to self-discovery, igniting a mission to help others reclaim their health, energy, and relationship with food.
This conversation dives into the root causes of modern health challenges—from chronic stress and burnout to sugar addiction and emotional eating—and explores how we can break free from a system designed to keep us unhealthy.
Key Takeaways
The Evolution Gap: Why our ancient bodies are misaligned with today’s hyper-processed, convenience-driven food environment.
The Power of Self-Awareness: Understanding how asking why is the first step to transformation.
Food Freedom Defined: Moving from emotional eating to intentional nourishment.
Optimizing Systems—Inside and Out: Lessons from a former IT pro on how neglecting your personal health system can have long-term consequences.
Healing Beyond Diets: True wellness comes from realigning the mind, body, and spirit—not just what’s on your plate.
Conscious Communication: The subtle language shifts that reinforce your choices around food and boundaries.
 
Tools & Tips Mentioned
The power of switching from “I shouldn’t” to “I don’t” when setting food boundaries.
How to navigate social pressures without guilt.
Ways to reset your habits and mindset after burnout.
The importance of emotional nourishment alongside physical health.
The role of food industry manipulation—and how to protect yourself.
Guest Bio
Once a passionate tech strategist designing complex systems for Fortune 500 companies, today's guest now channels that same systems-oriented thinking into helping people reset their lives. As a wellness coach, speaker, and conscious living guide, Najib Khan specializes in helping overwhelmed professionals and families build sustainable, sacred lifestyles.
A Message to Take With You
"Before any transformation can happen, the very first step is self-awareness. Our bodies were designed for a world that no longer exists—and it's time we stop living on autopilot."
 
Connect with Najib and learn more about how you can reclaim wellness: 
Website:  www.namayou.com
Email: najib@namayou.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/najibfkhan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namayou.official
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/namayou.official
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@najibfkhan
Book a Call to Chat: https://calendly.com/namayou/dc30meet
Oxford Talks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smgas1Hm5Ns
 

Living Without Limits: Erik Seversen on Fear, Courage, and Creating an Extraordinary Life

In today’s inspiring episode, we sit down with Erik Seversen — author, anthropologist, entrepreneur, and global adventurer — to dive into the mindset behind living a life without limits. Erik has visited 99 countries, lived with indigenous tribes, climbed mountains on four continents, and built multiple successful businesses, all while helping over 450 people (including our host!) become bestselling authors.
Erik shares how fear and discomfort can be powerful allies on the journey to growth, how childhood conditioning shapes our beliefs, and why balancing work, family, and self is essential to sustained success. He opens up about his TEDx talk on overcoming fear through community and how the wisdom of an Amazonian tribe reshaped his understanding of courage.
We also explore:
Why comfort is the enemy of progress
The power of taking action (not just dreaming or vision boarding)
How to reclaim childhood dreams and overcome limiting beliefs
Tips for staying productive and focused as a creative entrepreneur
The surprising mindset shift that changed his financial success
Whether you’re a writer, entrepreneur, or simply someone craving a more purposeful life, this episode is filled with real talk, powerful stories, and practical tips. Erik’s journey reminds us that living an extraordinary life is a choice — and one that’s available to all of us.
Learn more about Erik and connect:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikseversen/
https://www.selfpublishingcenter.com/

Year 1 Recap: live into your best life today

Over the past year, 54 episodes of Live Into Your Best Life have been released. Here they are so you can listen to / re-listen to the topics that resonate most…you will get nuggets of inspiration from each show. 
 
Ep 1: Welcome podcast
Ep 2: Embarking on your journey
Ep 3: Manifesting your true intentions
Ep 4: Love & Respect yourself
Ep 5: Navigating your journey to professional happiness
Ep 6: Unlocking your potential - Taylor Bell
Ep 7: Discovering career joy - Claudia Skaja
Ep 8: Transform your life
Ep 9: Unlocking career fulfillment - Chris Christianson
Ep 10: Unlock your potential
Ep 11: Unlocking leadership potential
Ep 12: Mastering personal growth
Ep 13: Aligning inner guidance - Monica Kenton
Ep 14: Mastering energy
Ep 15: Empowering careers - Lauren Neal
Ep 16: Unveiling your iterative journey
Ep 17: Transform your life - Joshua Peters
Ep 18: Mastering your journey
Ep 19: Unlocking career success - Tom Auld
Ep 20: Mastering the art of saying “no”
Ep 21: Unlocking the power of podcasting - Karen Roberts
Ep 22: Stop “shoulding” on yourself
Ep 23: Transformative journeys
Ep 24: Mastering Decisions: the 10-10-10 method
Ep 25: Embracing the journey
Ep 26: Mirror Mirror
Ep 27: What if
Ep 28: Embrace change
Ep 29: Magic, Sales & Resilience - MagicBrad
Ep 30: Words matter
Ep 31: Embracing change: the digital nomad - Diane Gombart
Ep 32: Embracing change: how small choices lead to big transformations
Ep 33: Empowering career growth - Kate Wade
Ep 34: Leaps of faith - Natascha Speets
Ep 35: Gratitude every day
Ep 35: Heart-centered leadership - Sarah Davidson
Ep 36: Embracing life’s transitions: astrology coaching - Patricia Herlevi
Ep 37: Thriving through peri-menopause - Stephanie Crassweller
Ep 38: Seasons of miracles
Ep 39: Take action: the keys to creating the life you deserve
Ep 40: Empowering teams - Alyssa Sharp
Ep 41: Reignite your spark
Ep 42: From rejection to redirection - Kristine Schwartz
Ep 43: Healing through movement & mindfulness - Amy Quarberg
Ep 44: Ageless growth
Ep 45: Buy Yourself - Adele Kamel Whitley
Ep 46: Navigating your journey to professional happiness
Ep 47: Building resilience & redefining success - Lucy Davis
Ep 48: Mastering success - Cliff Skaja
Ep 49: Unlocking intuition, astrology & empowerment - Rev. Joanne Angel BarryColon
Ep 50: Finding focus, fulfillment & the power of serendipity - Steven Puri
Ep 51: Trusting intuition, embracing authenticity & breaking free from the past - Elizabeth Peak
Ep 52: The power of resilience, family & finding purpose - Crystal Skaja

The Power of Resilience, Family, and Finding Purpose

Special Guest: Crystal Kokal
Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1
 
In this heartfelt episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I sit down with my sister, Crystal Kokal, for a deeply personal conversation about our childhood, the values instilled in us, and the way those experiences have shaped our adult lives. We reminisce about growing up on a remote farm, where our tight-knit family of four created unbreakable bonds. Those formative years taught us the importance of resilience, adaptability, and connection—qualities that continue to guide us today.
Crystal shares how her love for planning and travel led her to a career in the travel industry, driven by a desire to help our parents reconnect with distant family. But life, as always, had its twists and turns. She opens up about raising two incredible sons—one who navigated complex systems due to his brilliance and another who overcame medical challenges to thrive. Through it all, she remained steadfast in her commitment to giving back, recalling a major fundraising effort where she helped collect thousands of blankets for Project Linus to support children in need.
We also explore how our mother’s love for cooking influenced Crystal’s entrepreneurial journey. She candidly shares her transition from being a full-time caretaker to rediscovering her passion and skills in a new way. The challenges of major career pivots—especially after global events like 9/11 and COVID—led her to embrace entrepreneurship, launching Sassy Frost, a thriving business specializing in custom sugar cookies and decorating classes. What started as a creative outlet has blossomed into a fulfilling venture that blends artistry, teaching, and community building.
Throughout our conversation, we reflect on the ways childhood experiences shape our mindset, the impact of strong family values, and the importance of allowing children to explore their strengths without rigid expectations.
Key Takeaways:
Childhood experiences and family values shape lifelong resilience.
Career pivots can be opportunities for self-discovery and reinvention.
Parenting requires adaptability—every child has a unique journey.
Giving back to the community can be deeply fulfilling.
Entrepreneurship can emerge from passion and necessity.
Check out Crystal’s beautiful cookies at Sassyfras Cookies
Follow her on Facebook and Instagram