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Unwritten with Steph
Life doesn’t always go as planned — but it’s never too late to begin again.
Unwritten with Steph is a podcast about reinvention, resilience, and the beauty of starting over. Each week, host Stephanie Shanks sits down for honest, heart-centered conversations with people who have faced life’s unexpected turns — and found their way back to themselves.
Through stories of transformation, courage, and self-discovery, Unwritten reminds us that our past doesn’t define us — it refines us. Whether you’re navigating midlife changes, rediscovering your purpose, or healing from the past, these raw and inspiring conversations will help you reconnect with your truth and remember: it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Keywords: personal growth, transformation, reinvention, authenticity, self-discovery, healing, midlife awakening, empowerment, resilience, self-worth, courage, starting over
Episodes
49 episodes
The Journey of Angels of Dirt: Storytelling, Spirit & the Power of Film
In this episode of Unwritten with Steph, I sit down with filmmaker Wendy Schneider to explore the nearly two-decade journey of creating the documentary Angels of Dirt. The film tells the story of Charlotte Cain a...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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47:55
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A Life Of Creative Expression with Marjorie Cutting
From sewing costumes during the London Blitz to painting watercolors in Baraboo, Marjorie Cutting’s life is a living tapestry of creativity, courage, and reinvention.Born in England in 1933, Marjorie began her journey in the arts during ...
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Season 2
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Episode 28
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56:35
Holding the Frequency of Love with Marielle School
Welcome to another episode of Unwritten with Steph ShanksToday's Guest is Marielle School, you can find out more about her here:https://www.marielleschoolyoga.com/After a divine encounter in a hospital room, Mariela’s life ...
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Season 2
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Episode 27
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47:53
Permission to pivot: Krystle Frey’s Journey of Pivots, Podcasting & Purpose
Krystle Frey didn’t just start a podcast—she built a business. In this episode, we talk about valuing your work, knowing your worth, and how one “yes” can change everything. Whether you're launching a podcast or navigating a new season of life,...
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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1:02:50
Peaceful Choices, Powerful Outcomes: A Conversation on Divorce, Legacy, and Self-Worth with Shaunis Mercer
What if the scariest transitions in life—divorce, death, or starting over—could be handled with peace, clarity, and even empowerment? In this episode of Unwritten, I sit down with family law and estate planning attorney Shaunis Mercer,...
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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45:22
Lessons in Partnership & Pleasure with Christie Bemis
🎙️ Lessons in Partnership & Pleasure with Christie Bemis What does it mean to be truly seen and met in love—especially after 40? In this candid conversation, psychotherapist and women’s empowerment leader Christie...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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45:59
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Digging into Baraboo: Archaeology, Community & Nature with Seth Taft
In this episode, I sit down with Seth Taft—professional archaeologist and director of Downtown Baraboo—for a deep dive into local history, mental health, the power of small towns, and living life with purpose. From sacred effigy mounds to the m...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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44:06
Building A Purpose Driven Business with Andrea Andree
Andrea Andrea went from an overwhelmed corporate achiever to an intuitive leadership coach — and in this conversation, we unpack how. Tune in for real talk about entrepreneurship after 30, healing through breathwork, embodying your inner guidan...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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36:27
You Are Here: Practicing Gratitude, Growth, and Finding Your Place with Nancy Kalsow
“You are here” isn’t just a map marker—it’s a mindset. Nancy shares how journaling, retreat hosting, and learning to speak up helped her go from invisible in the workplace to designing a legacy rooted in alignment. We talk fear, leadership, wri...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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28:25
Permission to Sing: Shawndell’s Story
From gigging musician to psychology grad and beloved teacher, Shawndell Marks shows us what it looks like to honor your creative calling—no matter where you are in life. This conversation is all about giving yourself permission to be heard....
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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40:29
You Are Loved, You Matter, You Belong
Kelly Kendall joins me for a heartfelt conversation about identity, healing, and the magic of capturing someone’s soul through photography. We go deep into worthiness, self-acceptance, and what it means to truly be present in your life—on and o...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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45:55
Beyond the Ballot with Brett Topham
Brett Topham believes local government can be where big problems get solved. We dive into his unconventional path—from hospitality to finance to politics—and explore his ideas for smart fiscal planning, public-private partnerships, and why a hu...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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36:00
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Trusting the Whisper: Amber Swenor’s Journey from Strategy to Soul
Amber Swenor trusted the quiet inner whisper—and it changed everything. In this episode, we talk about making bold moves, releasing external expectations, and building a life that feels as good as it looks. Tune in for a heart-centered convo on...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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45:21
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From Skating to Painting with Kyle Martin
Kyle Martin started out in the skateboarding world, running a skate shop and park in Reedsburg, WI. But when a devastating flood washed it all away, he picked up a paintbrush—and never looked back. Nearly two decades later, Kyle has become a st...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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47:16
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From Teaching to Travel: Shelley Mordini’s Journey to a Life of Purpose
What happens when you step away from the career you’ve built for decades? Shelley Mordini shares her incredible transformation—from high school teacher to intuitive medium, travel expert, and guide for those seeking deeper meaning in their live...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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36:27
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Ditching the Rulebook: How Susie Moon Made Authenticity Her Super Power
Susie Moon never saw herself as a leader—until she became one. In this conversation, we unpack how she turned a love of connection into a thriving business, the lessons she learned from corporate life, and why being true to yourself is the best...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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41:01
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The Art of Savoring Life: A Conversation with Andrea Auten
What does it mean to truly savor life, even in the face of uncertainty and grief? My guest, Andrea Auten, is a writer, teacher, and widow who has learned to navigate life’s biggest transitions with grace and courage. We discuss everything from ...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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1:12:21
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The Rhythm of Healing: Dance, Love, and Finding Joy After Loss
What if the way we move through life is just like a dance? In this episode, Amy Torseth-Teelan reflects on her journey of teaching dance, nurturing relationships, and finding meaning after loss. We dive deep into the give and take of relationsh...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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49:09
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Business, Bravery & Breaking the mold with Laura Hulleman
Bravery, Business & Breaking the Mold with Laura HullemanWhat if your business was designed to love you back? 💡 In this episode, I sit down with Laura Hulleman, creator of the Endotype Formula and host...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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53:03
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Healing Through Touch with Tori Putman
In this episode of Unwritten, host Stephanie interviews Tori Putman, a massage therapist and entrepreneur who shares her journey of starting Baraboo Therapeutic Massage. Tori discusses her approach to massage therapy, focusing on chronic pain a...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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43:54
Love, Legacy, and Living Fully with Angie Graham
Welcome to Unwritten, the podcast where we celebrate transformative journeys and uncover the beauty of embracing change. Hosted by Steph Shanks, a portrait photographer, retreat leader, and soon-to-be author, this podcast is dedicated ...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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47:33
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Healing Through Breathwork and Community with Tatsiana
Join us this week on Unwritten as we chat with Tatsiana O’Neill, owner of It’s All About You Yoga. Tatsiana is a yoga instructor and breathwork practitioner who shares her journey of healing, self-discovery, and the transformative powe...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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33:21
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Embracing Mindfulness, Healing, and Reinvention with Dr. Mara Doughty Seals
In this heartfelt episode of Unwritten, Stephanie sits down with Dr. Mara Doughty-Seals, a former veterinarian and business owner, as she transitions into a new chapter of life. Together, they explore the profound topic of pet grief, t...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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43:21
Coping with Grief and Finding Joy with Meghan McGavin
Whether it’s aging parents, anticipatory grief, or navigating family dynamics, this episode with Nurse Meghan McGavin offers heartfelt advice and practical tips to help you survive—and even find joy—this holiday season.
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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39:35
Life, Business, and Friendship with Betsy
From owning a business to appreciating the small joys of small-town life, this episode celebrates gratitude, community, and the power of a good conversation between friends.Learn More Here:https://www.facebook.com/recycledsall...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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43:42
