The Live Into Your Best Life Podcast

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/

Embracing Change: How Small Choices Lead to Big Transformations

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Welcome back to Live Into Your Best Life! I'm your host, Paulie Skaja, and today, we're diving into one of the most important, yet challenging concepts: change. Many of us crave different outcomes in our lives—more energy, better health, stronger relationships—yet often resist the very changes needed to bring them about. It’s a journey I've personally embraced, especially as I work toward improving my health alongside a naturopathic doctor.
In this episode, I share my own struggles with food sensitivities and the tough realization that I had to make difficult but rewarding adjustments. For me, that means avoiding all products with cow’s milk and American flour. Small slip-ups can mean restarting the process, but it's taught me valuable lessons about commitment, consistency, and self-compassion.
Key Takeaways:
If you want change, you must choose change. Simply put, doing the same things won’t get you different results. Progress requires stepping into the uncomfortable.
Accountability is essential. Whether it's a friend, mentor, or a healthcare practitioner, having someone to keep you accountable can make all the difference.
Self-reflection is a powerful tool. Ask yourself honestly: “What am I willing to do or stop doing to reach my goals?”
Small setbacks aren't failures. They’re just part of the journey, and every new day is a fresh chance to recommit.
Reflecting on our choices, big or small, is essential to moving closer to the life we desire. Think about an area in your life where you want to see change. What adjustments are you willing to make? Take it one step at a time, be gentle with yourself, and allow the journey to unfold. Embrace every choice as a step toward living your best life.
Tune in, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.
 
 

Embracing Change: The Journey of a Digital Nomad

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In this inspiring episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I had the pleasure of speaking with Diane Gombert, an experienced trainer and consultant dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses assess their change readiness. Diane, a digital nomad originally from France, shares her incredible journey of balancing work and travel while emphasizing the significance of self-awareness and intention in achieving personal and professional growth.
Throughout our conversation, Diane highlights the importance of being clear about one’s intentions, which leads to improved outcomes and communication. We delve into her experiences overcoming imposter syndrome and her aspiration to inspire those from small towns who may feel they have little to contribute. She shares her practical approach to setting and achieving goals, while continuously exploring new opportunities.
Diane’s love for languages shines through as she shares her fluency in French, Spanish, English, and Portuguese, and even discusses her unique experience of creating a hybrid language with a friend. She passionately describes her travel lifestyle, typically residing in one location for three to six months, with her current base in Portugal. Despite the challenges of constant relocation, Diane cherishes the connections she makes, celebrating the beauty and kindness of people worldwide.
Diane also stresses the importance of assimilating into local cultures by participating in community events and forming friendships with locals. She acknowledges the privilege of her travel experiences as a European Union citizen while recognizing the disparities faced by others without such advantages.
As we explore her consulting work, Diane reveals her focus on clients who are ready to embrace change and assess their practices. Her greatest lesson from her journey? The importance of listening to oneself and seeking help when needed. She encourages young people to remain curious and challenge assumptions, knowing there are always multiple perspectives.
To connect with Diane, listeners can find her on LinkedIn or visit her website, coachtomanage.com. Join us for an episode filled with insights on living intentionally, embracing change, and fostering continuous improvement in life!

Words Matter

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In this episode of "Live Into Your Best Life," host Paulie Skaja explores the profound impact of our words and actions on others. Paulie shares a personal story from a friend who years later remembered a single impactful message from a podcast episode, illustrating how even small words can resonate long into the future.
Paulie highlights the ripple effect of our communication and behavior, noting that what we say and do can significantly influence those around us, sometimes in ways we might not immediately realize. Whether it’s a chance remark overheard or a thoughtful gesture, these moments can provide the inspiration or answers someone needs.
She encourages listeners to be mindful of their words and actions, aiming to be positive role models. Paulie acknowledges that perfection isn’t attainable, but the key is to continuously strive for improvement, own up to mistakes, and make amends where necessary.
The episode concludes with Paulie urging listeners to reflect on the impact of their words and actions, and how they might help others grow over time. She invites feedback and encourages listeners to share the podcast, subscribe, and keep working towards their best lives.

Magic, Sales, and Resilience: How Magic Brad Turned Setbacks into Success

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In this captivating episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I, Paulie Skaja, have the pleasure of interviewing Magic Brad, a renowned magician and sales expert, who has successfully blended his love for close-up illusions and comedy with effective business strategies. From his early fascination with magic as a child to performing at churches, hospitals, and eventually for major corporate clients like Marriott Hotels and 3M, Brad takes us on an inspiring journey of resilience and innovation.
 
Throughout our conversation, Brad opens up about the pivotal moments in his career, including producing the Great Minnesota Event Show and working alongside his business partner Rick to organize expos and home shows. Brad's journey hasn’t been without challenges—he shares his experiences of overcoming bankruptcy, homelessness, a stroke, and the pandemic that brought the events industry to a halt. Despite these setbacks, Brad adapted and rebounded by diving into digital marketing and creating new opportunities for himself and his clients.
 
Brad emphasizes the importance of forward-thinking strategies, breaking down large visions into manageable, actionable steps using analogies to make complex projects easier to execute. He also highlights the power of niching down and targeting ideal clients by joining specialized associations like BOMA and ASAE. By understanding his audience and focusing on specific markets, Brad became the go-to expert in his field, proving the effectiveness of a focused approach.
 
As we wrap up the episode, Brad offers invaluable insights on leveraging technology for automation and delegation, freeing up time to build meaningful relationships with clients. His story is a testament to persistence, adaptability, and the importance of keeping a positive mindset. To connect with Brad: 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/magicbrad
Web: MagicBrad.com
 
Key Takeaways:
Break down big goals into manageable steps.
Network strategically with key associations.
Niche down to become an expert in your field.
Overcome setbacks with resilience.
Use automation to boost productivity.
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to live into their best life!