Lori Massicot: Choosing Yourself in Midlife: Sobriety, Confidence and Second Chances
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
What does it mean to truly say “enough” and rewrite your own story in the middle of life’s chaos?
This week on The Change Effect, I welcome back midlife sobriety coach Lori Massicot, founder of Team Alcohol Free, for a candid and empowering conversation about embracing change, breaking free from alcohol, and finding deeper peace and purpose in midlife.
After decades of using alcohol to cope with anxiety, doubts, and the demands of daily life, Lori reached her turning point with an unshakeable realization that she was ready for more.
Get 20% off your Day by Daybook® with the discount code NEW20 here.
Lori Massicot is a Midlife Sobriety Coach and founder of Team Alcohol-Free, a global community for women who are ready to redefine their relationship with alcohol and reclaim their lives with clarity, confidence, and purpose. After decades of using alcohol to cope with anxiety, self-doubt, and the pressure to do and be everything, Lori decided to stop drinking and start living.
In 2013, she reached a powerful turning point. She chose to walk away from the numbing cycle of drinking - not because she hit a dramatic rock bottom, but because she was ready for more. More joy. More energy. More life. Now, over a decade alcohol-free, Lori has helped thousands of women navigate the emotional, social, and identity shifts that come with sobriety in midlife.
Through her private coaching, thriving community and top-ranked podcast To 50 & Beyond, She offers a compassionate and empowering approach to sobriety free from labels, shame, or perfection. She believes sobriety isn’t about giving something up, it’s about getting your life back.
In this episode, Lori and I discuss:
- The myth of “rock bottom” and why real change begins with your decision, not a catastrophic event.
- How negotiating and bargaining with alcohol keeps us stuck
- Navigating the unique challenges of quitting alcohol in midlife
- The ways alcohol-free living can bring clarity, emotional freedom, and renewed energy during the perimenopause and menopause transition.
- The importance of accountability, support, and community when breaking free from drinking
- Rediscovering your true self, embracing self-care, and finding peace with “being enough” at every age.
- The ongoing journey of recovery, self-compassion, and redefining success beyond productivity and external achievements.
- Why change is the catalyst for creating the life you deeply desire.
If you’re contemplating your relationship with alcohol, struggling with change in midlife, or simply ready to put yourself at the center of your own story, this honest and inspiring episode is for you.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
CONNECT WITH LORI:
Links referenced:
The Change Effect E24 with Lori Massicot
Lori’s To 50 and Beyond podcast episode with Noelle
Episode #24: High Functioning Alcoholism and Hiding Your Drinking
Recognizing Stress Signals and Simple Techniques for Lasting Calm
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
In a world that never seems to slow down, it's easy to wear busyness like a badge of honor and ignore the subtle signals of stress and anxiety brewing beneath the surface.
This week on The Change Effect, we’re diving deep into the everyday experience of stress and anxiety and more importantly, provides simple, actionable tools to help you regulate, reset, and turn overwhelm into powerful new beginnings.
Get 20% off your Day by Daybook® with the discount code NEW20 here.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The different forms of stress and how they show up physically, emotionally, and behaviorally.
- How stress and anxiety manifest in the body
- Practical tools to regulate stress and anxiety
- The power of mindset shifts and how these create resilience.
- The importance of self-expression and conscious attention to your thoughts
When you learn to understand its language, you gain the power to proactively manage its effects and transform even the most challenging moments into opportunities for positive change.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
Get access to the journaling prompts HERE.
Book: The Body Keeps the Score
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Darla Ridilla: Finding Strength After Surviving Narcissistic Abuse and Toxic Relationships
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
Content Warning: This episode has brief mentions of suicidal ideations.
What does it mean to reclaim your identity after surviving years of trauma and emotional manipulation? For so many women, toxic relationship patterns leave deep marks that quietly shape our future choices, our self-image, and our ability to set healthy boundaries. This week on The Change Effect, I am joined by Darla Ridilla– certified Somatic Trauma Informed Relationship Coach and founder of High Value Women—to talk healing, self-trust, and the power of becoming whole.
After enduring cycles of narcissistic abuse and years of feeling “too much” or “too emotional,” Darla found herself at rock bottom, only to rise again and rebuild her life from the inside out. In this episode, Darla opens up about her path through dysfunctional relationships, breaking generational patterns, and helping other women reclaim their inner power.
Get 20% off your Day by Daybook® with the discount code NEW20 here.
Darla Ridilla is a certified somatic trauma-informed relationship coach who helps high-achieving women stop shrinking themselves in relationships and start showing up as their full, unfiltered selves. After decades of looking successful on the outside while secretly navigating toxic patterns behind closed doors, Darla broke free from emotionally unavailable partners, codependent cycles, and the lie that she had to tone herself down to be loved.
Today, she helps women who are done being told they're "too much" — too intense, too emotional, too successful — reclaim their power and stop settling in any relationship that demands self-abandonment. Whether it’s a partner, boss, friend, or family member, Darla shows her clients how to set radical boundaries, trust their inner wisdom, and build connection without sacrifice. A dynamic speaker, published author, and host of You Have the Power: The Road to Truth, Freedom and Real Connection, Darla equips women with the tools to stop proving and start choosing — so they can create relationships that honor the powerhouse they are.
In this episode, Darla and I discuss:
- Signs and cycles of narcissistic abuse and the painful process of breaking free.
- How shame, self-doubt, and grief compound the difficulty of leaving toxic partnerships (and how Darla overcame it).
- The process of self-discovery, learning to embrace her “too muchness,” and setting higher standards for relationships moving forward.
- Key steps Darla now uses to help women recognize brainwashing, rebuild after abuse, and create healthy boundaries without shrinking or settling.
- Why true healing goes deeper than self-love; it’s about becoming whole, accepting yourself as you are, and never apologizing for your innate traits.
If you’ve ever questioned your worth, doubted your judgment, or felt trapped in unhealthy relationship patterns, this powerful conversation will remind you: you are not broken, healing is possible, and the path to self-trust starts from within.
CONNECT WITH DARLA:
LINKS REFERENCED:
The Gaslight Effect by Dr. Robin Stern
Leaving Corporate: Knowing When It's Time & Preparing For What’s Next
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
We've all had moments where our intuition nudges us toward something bigger, whether it's starting a new business, mentoring others, or simply wanting more fulfillment from our work.
But what happens when the desire for change grows stronger than your reasons to stay in a life you've known for so long?
This week on The Change Effect, I’m unpacking one of the most transformative (and scary) decisions you can make: leaving your corporate job to step into a life that's truly your own.
Drawing on my own experience, I share practical insights, mindset shifts, and a roadmap to prepare for this life-changing move. If you’re restless, burned out, or yearning for a new challenge, this episode will help you spot the signs, overcome fear, and plan your exit with confidence.
Get 20% off your Day by Daybook® with the discount code NEW20 here.
In this episode, I discuss:
- My own journey of leaving my seemingly “perfect” corporate job to explore new avenues.
- Tell-tale signs it might be time for you to make a change in your life.
- Essential mindset shifts for leaving the stability of corporate life.
- Step-by-step strategies for planning your exit.
If you’re feeling the nudge to explore life beyond the nine-to-five, I invite you to reach out, share your story, and become part of a growing community of change makers.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
Go HERE to take your Career Readiness Quiz and find out how ready you are for your career pivot.
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Sarah Brown: Failing Forward and Turning Setbacks Into Powerful Transformations
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
Change can upend us in ways we never expect, yet so often, our toughest seasons become the fertile ground for our greatest growth. This week on The Change Effect, I welcome Sarah Brown, whose life’s path has been marked by profound transformation through sobriety, the loss of an 18-year marriage, and a breast cancer diagnosis.
Drawing from her work as an executive coach, her journey along the Camino de Santiago, and her guiding philosophy of amor fati—to love one’s fate—Sarah has emerged not just as a survivor, but as a voice of compassion, wisdom, and hope for others traveling through their own storms.
Get 20% off your Day by Daybook® with the discount code NEW20 here.
Sarah is a seasoned executive coach and People & Culture leader who seamlessly blends therapeutic insights with practical, solution-based business coaching. With a Masters in Clinical Counseling and over three decades of executive coaching experience, she began her career counseling high-risk children before pivoting to work with teams and leaders at Fortune 500 companies, including a major Cincinnati healthcare system.
A firm believer in the philosophy of Amor Fati (loving one's fate), Sarah draws on her personal journey—which includes overcoming alcohol abuse, divorce, and a cancer diagnosis—to foster resilience and potential in others, a theme she explores further on her podcast, Failing Forward.
In this episode, Sarah and I discuss:
- Sarah’s journey of sobriety, the end of her marriage, surviving breast cancer and finding new love.
- Walking the Camino de Santiago as a spiritual pilgrimage that mirrored her own healing.
- The role of intuition and how listening to her body, even amidst doubt and trauma, shaped every pivotal decision.
- Navigating “the gifts inside suffering,” and how adversity became her soil for new beginnings in love, purpose, and work.
- The power of vision boards, synchronicity, and trusting in the unknown when dreaming a new life into reality.
Whether you’re walking through a difficult chapter, seeking to reframe your pain, or searching for wisdom in your own process of becoming, Sarah’s story is a testament to resilience, radical acceptance, and the healing that comes with embracing our story—no matter how it unfolds.
If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
CONNECT WITH SARAH:
Website | Sarah Brown Coaching
STAY CONNECTED WITH NOELLE:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Embracing Your Creative Side for Balance and Resilience
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
Navigating uncertain periods of life can leave us feeling lost, stressed, or disconnected from ourselves. What if the antidote isn’t perfection, but playful, everyday creativity?
In this episode of the The Change Effect, I explore how creative rituals—big and small—can serve as powerful anchors during life’s stormier seasons. We'll break down the science and soul behind creative practices that support emotional resilience and nervous system regulation.
Get 20% off your Day by Daybook® with the discount code NEW20 here.
In this episode, I discuss:
- Why creativity isn’t a talent reserved for a gifted few, but an innate resource we can all access—especially in times of transition.
- The science of how creative activities like doodling, writing, and crafting help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
- Easy, approachable creative rituals to try, from daily doodling and free-writing to assembling memory boxes, collage, and photo walks.
- Deeper immersive practices like gratitude photo journals, memory voice memos, or letters to your past or future self.
- How reframing creativity as play, meditation, and connection makes it less about achievement and more about authentic self-expression.
- A simple exercise: splitting a page into “What Drains Me” and “What Lights Me Up” to discover activities that nurture your spirit.
Whether you identify as “creative” or not, this episode will give you tools and encouragement to weave more creativity into your daily routine and discover how self-expression can help ground, heal, and reconnect you to your own strength
STAY CONNECTED WITH NOELLE:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Jaime Townzen: Surviving Life’s Tidal Waves: How Creativity Transformed Her Experience
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
When life hands us tidal wave after tidal wave of loss, change, and uncertainty, it can feel impossible to find solid ground again—let alone rediscover joy.
On this week’s episode of The Change Effect, I’m joined by Jaime Townzen, a writer, artist, and caregiver who found solace, healing, and self-rediscovery through unexpected creative outlets after years of profound personal tragedy and caretaking.
In this deeply moving and inspiring conversation, Jaime and I talk about her transition from nonprofit fundraiser and hands-on mom to suddenly facing the deaths and serious illnesses of her closest loved ones, all while keeping her family afloat. Through it all, Jaime’s journey led her to embrace watercolor painting and writing—not as a pursuit of perfection but as a vital lifeline back to herself.
Get 20% off your Day by Daybook® with the discount code NEW20 here.
Jaime Townzen is a Southern California-based writer and professional artist whose watercolor paintings have earned international recognition. Her essays and microfiction have been published in Light magazine and Fairfield Scribes. Jaime’s debut novel, Absorbed was released in early 2025. Jaime is an internationally recognized watercolor painter who captures the beauty of everyday life. As a storyteller across mediums, Jaime's relatable experiences as a mom, artist, and debut author have shaped her perspective on motherhood, identity, and navigating life’s unexpected seasons.
In this episode, Jaime and I discuss:
- How a string of personal losses and caregiving demands left Jaime feeling depleted and the breaking point that led her to seek something just for herself.
- Why discovering watercolor painting during the pandemic became her meditation, daily ritual, and source of inner calm amidst anxiety and grief.
- The incredible power of creativity as both a grounding force and a tool for transformation during turbulent times.
- The importance of granting ourselves permission to make time for joyful, creative pursuits (even in small doses), and the impact this has on resilience and family dynamics.
- How Jaime’s practices of painting, journaling, and writing fiction serve as ongoing acts of self-discovery and empowerment—for herself and as a model for her daughters.
- Tangible tips for setting boundaries and carving out guilt-free creative time, even in a busy home.
- Jaime’s upcoming work on a new novel inspired by very real family experiences with online scams and her process for developing rich, authentic characters and stories.
Jaime’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest seasons, prioritizing what fills us up isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for healing, resilience, and unlocking new beginnings.
If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
CONNECT WITH GUEST:
STAY CONNECTED WITH NOELLE:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
The Power of Reinvention: Stories and Strategies for Evolving Into Your True Self
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
Have you ever felt a quiet restlessness inside, a nudge that there must be more to life than what you’re currently experiencing?
On this week’s episode of The Change Effect, I unpack the misunderstood concept of reinvention—not as becoming someone new, but as becoming more of who you truly are. I walk you through why we feel the pull to reinvent at pivotal moments, and how embracing life as a process of ongoing development opens doors to freedom, joy, and new possibilities.
Get 20% off your Day by Daybook® with the discount code NEW20 here.
In this episode, I discuss:
- Why reinvention isn’t about erasing your past, but carrying what you’ve learned into your next chapter.
- The most common triggers for reinvention
- How seeing life as a continual evolution builds resilience and creates chances for expanded impact.
- Real examples of reinvention, from household names to the everyday woman stepping boldly into a new purpose.
- The benefits of choosing evolution over stagnation—more freedom, adaptability, and alignment with your values.
- A self-reflection exercise to pinpoint the area of your life most ready for reinvention.
Whether you’re craving a big change or a subtle shift, this episode will inspire you to look at your own journey through a lens of curiosity and courage.
If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
STAY CONNECTED WITH NOELLE:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
LINKS REFERENCED:
Lorna York: Living Her Dream by Creating a Beautiful Space for Art and Inspiration
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
Please note: You may notice a few sound fades in this episode due to the acoustics of the art gallery.
When we think about reinventing ourselves or starting over, especially later in life, it can feel daunting—like stepping into a world of unknowns with nothing but a dream to guide us.
This week on The Change Effect, I sat down with Lorna York to talk about her incredible journey from humble beginnings and personal upheaval to becoming a powerhouse in the contemporary art scene. At 65, Lorna is the owner of Madison Gallery, a globally recognized art space in Solana Beach, California. Her story is one of passion, resilience, and the power of betting on yourself—even when you have to do it without a safety net.
Get 20% off your Day by Daybook® with the discount code NEW20 here.
As owner of Madison Gallery, a Solana Beach-based contemporary art gallery known for introducing global artists to the Southern California art scene for the first time, Lorna built a $50 million business from scratch - no small feat in the ultra-competitive and male-dominated art industry. Proudly woman-owned and operated, Madison Gallery is globally renowned for their curatorial vision and personalized collector experience. As a leading voice in SoCal's contemporary art scene, Lorna's gallery has an established track-record as a platform for budding talent to launch their careers.
In this episode, Lorna and I discuss:
- How Lorna built a $50 million business and became a leading authority in contemporary art without a formal education, starting with nothing but determined passion.
- Navigating major life transitions
- The challenges Lorna faced breaking into and rising within the male-dominated art industry
- The importance of pursuing work that is driven by joy and passion rather than fear
- Cultivating community in and around the gallery:
- Embracing reinvention at any age, and why Lorna believes the “golden years” are the perfect time to be creative, energetic, and committed to making a difference.
- The role of mentorship, intuition, and believing in your vision even when success isn’t guaranteed.
Whether you’re on the brink of a major life change or simply looking for inspiration to fuel your own passions, Lorna’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the willingness to step boldly into the unknown.
If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
CONNECT WITH GUEST:
IG: Madison Gallery
CONNECT WITH ART:
STAY CONNECTED WITH NOELLE:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
The Art of Following Through: Self-Trust, Accountability, and Success
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
We all know that change is hard, but what if the real challenge isn’t knowing what to do, but actually trusting ourselves to see it through?
This week on The Change Effect, I’m breaking down the underestimated art of self-trust, setting intentions that truly stick, and why following through is the ultimate act of self-respect. With practical strategies and honest insights, I’ll guide you through setbacks, self-sabotage, and the habitual stories we tell ourselves so you can finally build the confidence to change for good.
Get 20% off your Day by Daybook® with the discount code NEW20 here.
In this episode, I discuss:
- Why vague intentions set you up to drift and the power of crystal-clear goals.
- How old patterns and limiting beliefs sabotage your attempts before you even begin.
- The importance of making your intentions deeply meaningful and how to connect them to your bigger “why”.
- Creative ways to hold yourself accountable, from daily self-check-ins to finding an accountability partner.
- The domino effect of setbacks and how to reframe them as evidence of change, not failure.
- Powerful, practical exercises: the Self Trust Journal prompt and “If I Respect Myself” questions to help you keep your promises to yourself.
- Introducing the Self Trust Builder worksheet
Change doesn’t begin with perfection, but with consistent, self-honoring action. Tune in for a compassionate, actionable look at how you can start showing up for yourself—one intentional step at a time.
If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
STAY CONNECTED:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Facebook: Journeys Through Change
LINKS REFERENCED:
Alexis Kay: Reclaiming Your Power, Owning Your Story, and Becoming the Prize
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
When we think about creating a life and career we love, it’s easy to get caught up in external validation. But true transformation starts from within, and reimagining our lives often means letting go of outside approval so that we can rediscover our own brilliance.
This week on The Change Effect, my guest Alexis Kay and I dive deep into her journey from rising star in the corporate creative world to founder, freelance storyteller, and coach. Alexis shares what led her to step off the “expected” path, her lessons learned from powerhouse brands like Apple, IDEO, and Hulu, and how launching her own creative studio and the podcast "You Are the Prize" honors the stories and greatness within us all.
Get 20% off your Day by Daybook® with the discount code NEW20 here.
Alexis Kay is a creative director and writer with a Masters in Psychology from Columbia. Combining her love of words and human behavior, she’s spent most of her 15+ year career at Apple, Hulu, method, and IDEO, writing about design and tech, leading multidisciplinary teams, and mentoring young creatives. She recently co-founded STAB, a coaching-based creative studio that helps founders connect their vision to their values. Her favorite (work) quote: fun is a performance-enhancing drug.
In this episode, Alexis and I discuss:
- How Alexis pivoted from pursuing a career in psychology to launching into the world of design and copywriting at places like IDEO, Method, and Apple.
- The burnout and personal sacrifices that come with chasing external validation, and the bold choice to prioritize purpose, freedom, and authentic joy.
- Discovering confidence and self-worth as a founder and how coaching plays a transformative role in helping leaders “own their prize.”
- Her new podcast, “You Are The Prize,” is aimed at centering our unique worth, sharing real stories of moving from doubt and insecurity to deep confidence.
- Practical strategies for embracing change, building your support network as a solopreneur, and designing both work and life on your own terms.
Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell me what resonated with you.
CONNECT WITH ALEXIS KAY:
IG: Lexplease
STAY CONNECTED:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Support The Change Effect Here
The Change Effect: How One Bold Decision Can Unlock The Life You Want
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
What if instead of just surviving change, you could partner with it as a catalyst for reinvention, truth, and personal power?
This week on The Change Effect, I’m diving into the profound impacts of change and turning life’s pivotal moments into new beginnings. We’re going to break down the foundational mindset shifts, practical strategies, and empowering exercises that can help you not only navigate but deliberately create meaningful changes in your life, career, relationships, and beyond.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The concept of the “Change Effect” and how one bold, authentic decision can ignite a ripple of transformation throughout every area of your life.
- The internal cues that signal it’s time for a change and how to begin trusting your inner wisdom even before the world around you shifts.
- Why transformational change is challenging and why it’s still worth pursuing despite fears, doubts, and resistance from both yourself and others.
- The most common reasons we resist change and how to move past them.
- Key grounding truths to remember before leaping into the unknown, including the importance of support and inner regulation.
- Practical exercises to activate your next-level self
If you’re ready to stop asking for permission, trust yourself, and step into a life that feels authentically yours—from the inside out—this episode will inspire and equip you to answer the call.
Get 20% off your Day by Daybook® by using the discount code NEW20 here.
If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
STAY CONNECTED:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
LINKS REFERENCED:
Karen Hager: Navigating Profound Loss: Lessons From Grief, Love, and Resilience
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
When we think about change, we usually imagine positive transitions. But sometimes, life delivers a transformation we never wanted.
This week on The Change Effect, Karen Hager, intuitive guide and spiritual teacher, returns to the podcast to share her experience after the loss of her beloved partner, Kathy, following a seventeen-month battle with cancer. In a conversation both deeply tender and inspiring, Karen and host Noelle Van discuss the reality of grief, the upheaval it brings, and the surprising places where love and strength reveal themselves in the midst of heartbreak.
Get 20% off your Day By Daybook® by using the discount code NEW20 here.
Karen Hager is an intuitive guide and psychic channel known for her compassionate, no-nonsense approach to the spiritual journey. She conducts more than 1,200 private intuitive sessions each year with people from around the world looking for Spirit-led guidance. Karen is a passionate advocate for intuitive development, and her classes and events focus on empowering students to connect with their own natural intuitive awareness, deepen their spiritual practice, and open themselves to abundance.
In this episode, Karen and I discuss:
- Karen and Kathy’s journey from college sweethearts to raising a family together for nearly 40 years.
- Navigating Kathy’s rare cancer diagnosis and her sudden passing.
- Coping with loss while managing logistics, boundaries, and grief.
- Karen’s path to resilience and redefining life after loss.
- The truths of grief: no one-size-fits-all process and non-linear healing.
- Practical and emotional prep for loss—and the power of self-compassion.
Karen's story of transformation through loss is a powerful reminder that even in its most painful forms, change can reveal the enduring force of the human spirit and the ways love continues to shape us.
Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here.
If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Email: Karen@karenhager.com
Grief Support Resources:
https://thenatureofgrief.com/workbook
https://www.griefdaybyday.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GriefSpeaksOut
CONNECT WITH NOELLE:
IG: Noelle Van
Facebook: Day by Day
Facebook: Noelle Van
Inspiration on Pinterest: Here
Watch Us on YouTube: Here
The Change Effect: Big Announcement!
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
Starting in August, Journeys Through Change will become The Change Effect! Same great podcast, now hyper-focused on turning inspiration into actionable strategies you can implement into your life, career, or business.
I can't wait for this new journey with you!
Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here.
STAY CONNECTED:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Facebook: Journeys Through Change
Overcoming Stories That Keep You Stuck
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
We all have stories about who we are and what’s possible for us, but what if those stories are the very thing keeping us stuck? This week on Journeys Through Change, I’m diving into the powerful narratives we tell ourselves, why they so often keep us living by rules we never agreed to, and what we can do to flip the script.
Get 50% off the Change Maker Series if you sign up now AND use the discount code NEW20 for 20% off your Day by Daybook® here.
In this episode, I discuss:
- How most of our limiting stories come from the past and are rooted in fear, shame, or outdated beliefs.
- The sneaky ways these stories “feel” like facts, even though they’re often just old interpretations and protective responses.
- Common symptoms of being stuck in an unhelpful story
- A step-by-step process to uncover the underlying pattern, track your emotions, and reframe the script you’re living by.
- Real examples of old vs. new stories, and how changing your internal narrative can change your entire experience of growth and fulfillment.
Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here.
If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
STAY CONNECTED:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Facebook: Journeys Through Change
Not Waiting for a Crisis to Make a Change
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
When it comes to change, our wake-up calls too often arrive as crisis, breakdown, or loss, forcing us to move from comfort - only when we have no other choice. But why do we wait for pain or external pressure before taking the steps we know we need?
This week on Journeys Through Change, I’m exploring the subtle stories we tell ourselves about why we endure situations that no longer fit, and how to shift from changing by force to embracing change on purpose.
Get 50% off the Change Maker Series if you sign up now AND use the discount code NEW20 for 20% off your Day by Daybook® here.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The psychology behind why we’re conditioned to avoid discomfort and cling to familiarity, even when it does not serve us.
- How to recognize the early whispers of dissatisfaction before they escalate into a full-blown crisis.
- Simple ways to create “intentional disruption” in your life to spark growth before life forces your hand.
- Why you must stop waiting for outside permission or validation and start granting it to yourself.
- A simple, powerful challenge: Identify one area where you’re waiting for validation, and choose to self-validate and act. Plus tips for taking bold, tiny steps toward change right now.
Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here.
If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
STAY CONNECTED TO NOELLE:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Facebook: Journeys Through Change
How to Uncover What’s Blocking Your Breakthrough
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
Ready to make a change but keep hitting a wall? You know you’re ready for more; more purpose, more visibility, more freedom, but you can’t seem to get there? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a career shift, launching that business, leaving a relationship, or finally speaking up, I want to help you find what’s actually blocking you and give you the tools to move through it. This week on Journeys Through Change, I’m talking about how to uncover what’s blocking your breakthrough!
Get 50% off the Change Maker Series if you sign up now AND use the discount code NEW20 for 20% off your Day by Daybook® here.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The most common invisible barriers women face when pursuing change.
- Reflective questions and journaling prompts to help you identify your unique roadblocks.
- Why normalizing your fear and taking small, micro actions are the keys to breaking free.
- A simple, powerful challenge: name your invisible block, decide on one micro move, and share it for accountability.
Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
STAY CONNECTED:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Facebook: Journeys Through Change
Meg Kissinger: The Power of Writing in Breaking the Silence of Mental Health and Addiction
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
Content Warning: While this episode does not contain explicit details, it has a heavy focus on mental health and mentions of suicide.
When we think about our childhood, we often remember both the joys and the silent struggles that shaped us. But what happens when generations of silence around pain, mental illness and addiction surface?
This week on Journeys Through Change, my guest Meg Kissinger, Pulitzer Prize finalist, nationally acclaimed journalist, and author, shares the courageous journey of how her family’s experience with mental illness and loss ultimately led her to write her groundbreaking memoir, While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence.
Meg Kissinger, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and author, will help you see and think about people with mental illness in a new light. Her best-selling memoir, “While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence,” has been praised for its incisive reporting, boundless compassion and surprising humor. It was named as an Outstanding Work of Literature winner and an editors’ choice by the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Amazon, Goodreads and Independent Booksellers Association. Audible chose it as the Best of the Year.
Meg spent more than two decades traveling across the country for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to report on our nation’s failed mental health system, winning more than a dozen national honors, including two George Polk Awards and the Robert F. Kennedy National Journalism Award. She taught investigative reporting at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and is a trainer for the school’s Dart Center on Trauma and Journalism.
In this episode, Meg and I discuss:
- How Meg’s journalist instincts helped her both explore and process the family trauma of losing two siblings to suicide, and why she ultimately decided to turn that investigation into a memoir.
- The overwhelming challenge of unearthing family secrets and gathering records while honoring everyone’s unique perspective and place in the grieving process.
- Why giving readers “permission” to talk about mental health and family pain is so vital, and the profound stories readers have shared about how Meg’s book helped them finally break their own silence.
- The importance of acknowledging both the light and dark in family history, and how compassion deepens when we see our parents and ourselves as fully human.
Meg’s story is a testament to the resilience of family, the power of truth-telling, and the healing that happens when we let go of silence and step into the light.
Get 50% off the Change Maker Series if you sign up now AND use the discount code NEW20 for 20% off your Day by Daybook® here.
CONNECT WITH MEG KISSINGER:
LINKS MENTIONED:
The Memoir Project by Marion Roach Smith
STAY CONNECTED TO NOELLE:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
The Art of Letting Go
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
Letting go of something sounds so simple… until you actually have to do it. It can feel a lot like you’re surrendering, but it doesn’t have to! Whether you’re sending a child off to college, leaving a long-term career, or saying goodbye to the version of life you always imagined, letting go is not about loss, but about making space for something new to grow. This week on Journeys Through Change, I’m talking about the art of letting go!
Get 50% off the Change Maker Series if you sign up now AND use the discount code NEW20 for 20% off your Day by Daybook® here.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The psychological factors that keep us clinging to old roles and stories, even when they no longer serve us.
- Practical steps to let go, reclaim your identity, and set the vision for your next chapter.
- A mini practice you can do to reframe your situation, find the joy in the moment, and embrace what’s to come.
Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here.
If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
STAY CONNECTED:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Facebook: Journeys Through Change
Alethea Clarke: Lessons in Patience and Transformation: Building a Dream in the French Countryside
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
Have you ever dreamed of dropping everything and starting anew in a beautiful foreign land, but felt unsure how to make it happen? Today’s guest shares her inspiring journey of transformation—leaving behind life in the Netherlands after the pandemic to take on the challenge of restoring a centuries-old property in the French countryside. This week on Journeys Through Change, my guest Alethea Clarke and I are talking about lessons in patience and transformation: building a dream in the French countryside.
Get 50% off the Change Maker Series if you sign up now AND use the discount code NEW20 for 20% off your Day by Daybook® here.
Alethea Clarke is a seasoned communications professional with over 30 years of experience working with international clients across a wide range of industries, from fashion to healthcare. A serial organiser and events pro, she’s known for bringing bold ideas to life with precision and flair. But that’s just one side of her story. With an international background and a habit of throwing everything up in the air to start afresh, Alethea is also a self-confessed accidental renovator. She’s taken on projects across three countries and is now in the midst of her most ambitious challenge yet: transforming a beautiful 1730s property in the French countryside into both a home and a business. She sets out to share her hard-won lessons, smart tips, and lots of inspiration for anyone seeking guidance or dreaming of a fresh start, whether small, a new country, or a big, brave, life-changing pivot.
In this episode, Alethea and I discuss:
- Building a dream: her vision for turning a 1730s farmhouse into a creative retreat space for guests from around the world.
- The logistical rollercoaster of French renovations—managing 100+ artisans, language barriers, and unexpected issues.
- The emotional journey: overcoming moments of overwhelm and isolation, and finding joy in community, daily routines, and the beauty of rural life.
- The importance of patience, letting go of perfection, and savoring the transformation as it unfolds.
- Practical advice for anyone considering a similar leap—whether to France or another dream destination.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
CONNECT WITH ALETHEA CLARKE:
Sign up for the Newsletter: Adventures & Ateliers
Vacation Rental: La Petite Maison
STAY CONNECTED WITH NOELLE:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Facebook: Journeys Through Change
Procrastination Hacks to Finally Get Stuff Done
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
Let’s face it: We all procrastinate. Fortunately, procrastination is not a personality flaw but an outdated coping strategy that helps no one. That’s why I wanted to take the time this week to break down the real reasons we procrastinate and share my strategies and advice to help you stop stalling and start moving forward, one (tiny) step at a time. This week on Journeys Through Change, I’m giving away my procrastination hacks so you can finally get stuff done!
Get 50% off the Change Maker Series if you sign up now AND use the discount code NEW20 for 20% off your Day by Daybook® here.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The real reasons behind procrastination– and why it’s more about emotion than time management.
- Common procrastination triggers that you might not realize are affecting you.
- Three simple hacks to help you overcome procrastination.
- Tips for rewiring your mindset around big, intimidating tasks so you can get stuff done.
Procrastination loses its power the second you break it down, make it social, visualize the finish line, and ritualize the start. It’s all about getting your time– and your power– back.
Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here.
If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
STAY CONNECTED:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Facebook: Journeys Through Change
Laura Jawad: Her Path to Helping Others Find Online Success by Demystifying SEO
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
They say necessity is the mother of invention, and as we all know, regardless of how predictable we like our lives to be, this journey is ever evolving and more of a path than a straight line. One of my favorite parts about interviewing guests on this podcast is hearing the honest stories of people following their passions and taking charge to fill a need– without waiting around for someone else to do it. Today’s guest is no different as she left her PhD behind to step into several roles that she herself needed and continues to help other women along the way. This week on Journeys Through Change, my guest Laura Jawad shares her path to helping others find online success by demystifying SEO.
Get 50% off the Change Maker Series if you sign up now AND use the discount code NEW20 for 20% off your Day by Daybook® here.
As an SEO strategist for female service providers and female-founded small businesses, Laura Jawad helps entrepreneurs attract more clients through the power of their websites. Laura built two successful businesses through SEO, demonstrating firsthand the transformative power of well-executed SEO in competitive markets. Armed with a PhD and a deep passion for helping women-owned businesses thrive, Laura is the go-to expert if you’re ready to make your website the hardest-working member of your marketing team.
In this episode, Laura and I discuss:
- Her journey from PhD scientist to birth doula, pregnancy/ postpartum personal trainer, and now SEO strategist for women entrepreneurs.
- How algorithms have changed over time, requiring a multi-pronged visibility strategy to gain visibility.
- Actionable advice for anyone looking to grow their business or brand without relying on social media.
- Choosing the platforms that align with your energy, goals, and audience– and letting go of the pressure to “do it all."
Whether you're feeling stuck in your current path, looking for new ways to market your business, or just love hearing how multi-passionate women design careers on their own terms, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace change and follow the next right step for you.
Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here.
If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
CONNECT WITH LAURA:
STAY CONNECTED:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Facebook: Journeys Through Change
4 Mistakes To Avoid When Creating A Personal Brand
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
The first step in my Power Pivot Method is to identify your success story and create a magnetic personal brand, but it’s not what you might think. Many people think of personal branding as something influencers build to stand out on the internet, BUT the personal branding I’m talking about is so much more than that. It’s about how you build a reputation and presence offline that reflects who you are, what you stand for, and the contribution you want to make in the world. This week on Journeys Through Change, I am sharing the 4 mistakes to avoid when creating a personal brand!
Get 50% off the Change Maker Series if you sign up now AND use the discount code NEW20 for 20% off your Day by Daybook® here.
In this episode, I discuss:
- What it means to have a personal brand.
- 4 Mistakes to avoid when crafting your personal brand.
- The magic that happens when you build a brand that is authentic to who you are.
Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
STAY CONNECTED:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Facebook: Journeys Through Change
Pivoting with Purpose and Stepping Into Your Personal Power
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
In celebration of my 100th podcast episode, I wanted to bring back a past podcast guest to talk about something near and dear to both of our hearts: personal power. Not just what is it, but how it manifests in our lives and how we can harness more of it to navigate changes and challenges with resilience and vision. This week on Journeys Through Change, Lisa Conners returns to the podcast as we discuss how you can pivot with purpose and step into your personal power!
Sign up for my FREE Create a Magnetic Personal Brand Masterclass on April 25th, 2025!
Lisa Conners is an Executive and Leadership Coach, keynote speaker, and the creator of Generative PowerTM, a program for individuals and teams to elevate their impact by developing internal power and resilience. An authorized Partner for Everything DiSC Assessments and Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, Lisa uses these tools to help individuals and teams become more aware of their own communication styles and behaviors and better relate to others. Her podcasts, Ever Better® Today, and Founders and Startups, are currently on hiatus. However, her shows can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other popular podcast platforms.
In this episode, Lisa and I discuss:
- Harnessing personal power means to set a vision, work towards it, and develop resilience along the way.
- Lisa’s “Generative Power” program aims to help individuals tap into their power and apply it to their personal and professional goals.
- The importance of community and connection in building and sustaining personal power.
- My own upcoming “Power Pivots” masterclass, which focuses on helping women navigate change, both internally and externally.
Thank you again for cheering me on for 100 podcast episodes. I am truly grateful for all of my guests and listeners for being along on this journey with me. I look forward to the next 100 episodes and all of the amazing conversations I will continue to have.
Get 50% off the Change Maker Series if you sign up now AND use the discount code NEW20 for 20% off your Day by Daybook® here.
CONNECT WITH LISA CONNERS:
Ever Better Coaching and Consulting
STAY CONNECTED:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Facebook: Journeys Through Change
LINKS REFERENCED:
Ep 5: Lisa Conners: How Seismic Life Shifts Led to a Thriving Leadership and Executive Coaching Practice
Ep 22: The Road Trip: 8 Signs to Look for When Making a Big Change
Building a Supportive Professional Network
The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
The key to unlocking the next level of your career isn’t just about working harder; it’s about connecting smarter. Last week on the podcast, I talked about stepping up in your career, and today, I want to talk about one of the ways to do that: building supportive relationships. In today’s world, networking goes beyond merely exchanging business cards or LinkedIn connections. It’s about building meaningful, strategic relationships that open the doors to new career possibilities. This week on Journeys Through Change, I am talking about building a supportive professional network.
Get 50% off the Change Maker Series if you sign up now AND use the discount code NEW20 for 20% off your Day by Daybook® here.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The shift from transactional to transformational networking and how adding value to others can benefit you long-term.
- Identifying those "next level" connections that align with your career goals and strategies.
- Innovative ways to show up where your dream connections are, including industry conferences and online communities.
- The "give first" approach to strengthening relationships by offering value before making requests.
- Mastering the art of warm outreach to foster effective and genuine connections.
- Using content as a magnet for the right connections and nurturing your network consistently to ensure it's strong and beneficial when opportunities arise.
Strong networks are built before you need them. Keep relationships warm by checking in with people regularly. Even in the smallest of ways, a well-maintained network ensures you're top of mind when the right opportunity arises.
Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.
LINKS MENTIONED:
Ep 98: Reenergizing Your Professional Journey and Stepping Up in Your Career
STAY CONNECTED:
IG: Noelle Van
IG: daybyday
Facebook: Day by Day
Facebook: Journeys Through Change
Lori Massicot: Choosing Yourself in Midlife: Sobriety, Confidence and Second Chances
38:28
Recognizing Stress Signals and Simple Techniques for Lasting Calm
11:23
.png)
Darla Ridilla: Finding Strength After Surviving Narcissistic Abuse and Toxic Relationships
34:13
Leaving Corporate: Knowing When It's Time & Preparing For What’s Next
11:07
Sarah Brown: Failing Forward and Turning Setbacks Into Powerful Transformations
37:57
.png)
Embracing Your Creative Side for Balance and Resilience
6:50
.png)
Jaime Townzen: Surviving Life’s Tidal Waves: How Creativity Transformed Her Experience
41:23
The Power of Reinvention: Stories and Strategies for Evolving Into Your True Self
6:43
Lorna York: Living Her Dream by Creating a Beautiful Space for Art and Inspiration
33:09
.jpg)
The Art of Following Through: Self-Trust, Accountability, and Success
9:55
.jpeg)
Alexis Kay: Reclaiming Your Power, Owning Your Story, and Becoming the Prize
47:29
The Change Effect: How One Bold Decision Can Unlock The Life You Want
10:27
Karen Hager: Navigating Profound Loss: Lessons From Grief, Love, and Resilience
43:41
The Change Effect: Big Announcement!
1:45
%20(1).jpg)
Overcoming Stories That Keep You Stuck
6:53
Not Waiting for a Crisis to Make a Change
6:51
How to Uncover What’s Blocking Your Breakthrough
6:47
Meg Kissinger: The Power of Writing in Breaking the Silence of Mental Health and Addiction
33:57
The Art of Letting Go
8:32
Alethea Clarke: Lessons in Patience and Transformation: Building a Dream in the French Countryside
43:59
Procrastination Hacks to Finally Get Stuff Done
11:29
Laura Jawad: Her Path to Helping Others Find Online Success by Demystifying SEO
35:29
4 Mistakes To Avoid When Creating A Personal Brand
4:29
Pivoting with Purpose and Stepping Into Your Personal Power
36:42
Building a Supportive Professional Network
8:08