What does it really take to make a bold life change? In this heartfelt conversation, host LuRae Lumpkin sits down with Sipra Halteman to explore the courage required to transform your life, even when the path is unclear.

Sipra shares her journey from the Midwest to Silicon Valley's Twitter headquarters, and ultimately to founding Shift Society. She opens up life events, navigating burnout, and discovering healing through breathwork and community support.

This is a raw, honest conversation about the messy middle of transformation, the power of finding your tribe, and why it's never too late to ask yourself: What if I did the thing I've been dreaming about?

Perfect for anyone:

• Considering a major career or life transition
• Feeling stuck in burnout or unfulfilled in their current path
• Wondering if it's "too late" to start over
• Needing community and support during times of change

Topics Covered

• From Silicon Valley to purpose-driven work
• Surviving trauma and finding healing
• The power of breathwork and alternative healing
• Building community during transformation
• Why no one transforms alone
• Starting over in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond
• Facing fear and finding courage

Chapters

[00:00:05] Introduction & Welcome

[00:01:00] The Power of Dreaming & Taking Action

[00:02:14] Searching for the Modern Village

[00:03:23] The Journey of Inner & Outer Work

[00:05:34] Growing Up in the Midwest & Dreaming of California

[00:07:00] Breaking Into Silicon Valley

[00:08:54] The Twitter Years

[00:09:39] Living Abroad: Shanghai & Spain

[00:11:15] Never Saying No to a Challenge

[00:12:33] Vulnerability & Hidden Strength

[00:14:03] Community as the Foundation

[00:15:40] The Life-Threatening Wake-Up Call

[00:17:03] Discovering Breathwork & Somatic Healing

[00:18:21] Planting Seeds for Change

[00:19:07] Breaking Free from Workaholism

[00:20:00] The Power of Breathwork & Body-Based Healing

[00:21:05] Living with Purpose: The "What If I Die Tomorrow" Question

[00:22:00] Building Shift Society

[00:23:00] This Is Not a Dress Rehearsal

[00:23:24] The Body Keeps the Score

[00:25:18] The Science Behind Visualization & Manifestation

[00:27:05] Answering the Call to Serve

[00:28:11] Creating Safe Spaces for Healing

[00:30:52] Words of Encouragement: Just Start

[00:32:00] Staying Motivated Through the Journey

[00:33:13] Wisdom from an 8-Year-Old: "What If It Helps One Person?"

[00:34:17] The Power of Empowering Questions

[00:36:07] Leading with Authenticity & The Ripple Effect

[00:37:11] Final Words: Don't Wait to Live Your Life

Links and Resources:

• Shift Society Website
• Shift Society Instagram
• Sipra Halteman on LinkedIn
• Shift Society on LinkedIn
• LuRae Lumpkin on LinkedIn
• You Can Be Free Newsletter
• You Can Be Free on YouTube

Subscribe to And Then I Did This for more stories of courage, transformation, and resilience.

In this episode, LuRae sits down with 25-year-old Milena Dujakovich, the powerhouse behind Laguna Beach’s Wild Strawberry Café.

After graduating with a finance degree and working in a corporate role, Milena made the life-empowering decision to leave the illusion of a steady paycheck to pursue a more intentional and heart-centered life.

She shares how her early exposure to entrepreneurship shaped her values, why she believes in choosing discipline over ease, and the importance of rejecting societal expectations in favor of personal growth.

This episode is a must-listen for young professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone craving a life of authenticity, passion, and purpose.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Why Taking Care of Yourself Is the First Step to Success
• 00:00:32 - Meet Milena Dujakovich: The 25-Year-Old Who Swapped Spreadsheets for Lattes
• 00:01:15 - How Wild Strawberry Café Became More Than Just a Business
• 00:01:29 - Lessons Learned from Scrubbing Drains to Following her Dreams
• 00:03:22 - Hustle, Heart, and the Quest for Balance
• 00:03:59 - Ditching the Script: Saying No to What Society Expects
• 00:09:44 - The Moment Milena Said Goodbye to the 9-to-5
• 00:13:32 - Brewing More Than Coffee: Building a Café That Connects People
• 00:16:17 - Real Talk: What It Really Takes to Chase Your Dream
• 00:20:49 - Final Thoughts: Tune Out the Noise, Trust Your Gut

Links and Resources:

• Milena Dujakovich on Instagram
• Wild Strawberry Café
• LuRae Lumpkin on LinkedIn
• You Can Be Free Newsletter
• You Can Be Free on YouTube

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

See how you can transform your life with the 4,000 Mondays mindset.

"From Corporate Stapler to 4,000 Mondays: How Death Became Her Life Coach"

Jodi Wellman spent 17 years climbing the corporate ladder until a simple stapler changed everything. After promising herself twice that she'd leave before running out of staples (and breaking that promise both times), she realized she was living in a "self-imposed sentence."

Now the founder of 4,000 Mondays and a TEDx speaker with 1.3M+ views, Jodi reveals: 

• Why "the fear of death is rivaled only by the fear of living"

• How counting your remaining Mondays creates urgent clarity

• The difference between regrets of commission vs. omission

• Why courage doesn't arrive on a platter - you have to create it first

• Her "pre-grets" exercise that prevents future regrets

The breakthrough moment: Realizing most of our barriers are just stories we tell ourselves to stay safe.

If you've ever felt stuck waiting for someone to save you from your own life, this conversation will be the wake-up call you didn't know you needed. Sometimes the smallest moments - like running out of staples - spark the biggest transformations.

🎧 Perfect for anyone ready to stop living small and start designing a life with no regrets.

This episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical advice for anyone looking to make meaningful changes in their life.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction: Embracing the Fear of Truly Living
• 00:00:58 - Meet Jodi Wellman: Founder of 4,000 Mondays
• 00:01:58 - Jodi’s Corporate Journey: The Eye-Opening Stapler Story
• 00:04:54 - A Life-Changing Moment: Seeking Coaching and Discovering Passion
• 00:06:21 - Living Authentically: Conquering Fear and Avoiding Regret
• 00:09:45 - Mortality as a Motivator: Finding Purpose in Life’s Limits
• 00:13:47 - Intentional Living: How to Make the Most of Every Moment
• 00:19:37 - Finding Joy in Everyday Moments: Practical Tips
• 00:21:34 - The Icebreaker That Sparked Transformation
• 00:22:49 - Micro Moments of Change: Small Steps to Big Transformations
• 00:24:50 - Facing and Overcoming the Fear of Change
• 00:28:34 - The Transformative Power of Taking Action
• 00:33:57 - Embracing Life’s Impermanence: Living Fully
• 00:36:22 - Final Thoughts: Inspiration to Live Authentically and Fully

Links and Resources:

• Jodi Wellman
• Four Thousand Mondays
• LuRae Lumpkin
• You Can Be Free Newsletter
• YouCanBeFree.life

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

LuRae sits down with Iain Morrison, co-founder of The Imagination Collaborative, to walk through his remarkable entrepreneurial journey from concert stages to cutting-edge tech.

With over 35 years in global event production, Iain shares how the pandemic influenced a career transition that became his catalyst for reinvention.

He opens up about walking away from financial security to chase scalable impact. He walks us through how immersive 3D technology is reshaping how we plan, sell, and experience events.

If you're navigating a career transition, questioning the status quo, or wondering how to turn your passion into purpose, this candid conversation is for you. It delivers real talk on resilience, persistence, and the future of innovation.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Fail Forward: Why Mistakes Matter Most
• 00:00:14 - Kickoff with LuRae
• 00:00:39 - Meet Iain Morrison: From Backstage to Boardroom
• 00:01:12 - Sparks Fly: A Lifelong Passion Ignited
• 00:03:16 - Fired Up: The Moment He Took Control
• 00:04:06 - Shutdowns and Sell-Offs: A Pandemic Pivot
• 00:06:02 - All In: Betting Big on Tech Innovation
• 00:08:58 - Leadership Unplugged: From Manager to Visionary
• 00:14:34 - See It Before You Build It: Immersive Event Tech
• 00:17:36 - Real Talk: Reinventing Your Career with Purpose
• 00:20:25 - The AI Edge: Stay Ahead or Get Left Behind
• 00:29:57 - Final Word: Start Scared, but Start

Links and Resources:

• Website
• Iain on LinkedIn
• LuRae Lumpkin on LinkedIn
• You Can Be Free Newsletter
• You Can Be Free on YouTube

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

LuRae speaks with transformational Mindset Coach Ruta Stasiunaite, founder of Redefining Success. She provides mentorship and guidance for high-achievers seeking deep fulfillment and those who want to live authentically.

Ruta shares her powerful journey from corporate project manager to traveling the world as a soul-centered coach. She helps others escape societal “shoulds” and discover a purpose-driven life.

Together, they address emotional healing, conscious detachment, redefining success, and the courage it takes to walk away from a life that no longer fits.

If you’ve ever felt trapped in a career or lifestyle that looks good on paper but leaves you unfulfilled, this candid and inspiring conversation is your wake-up call.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Your Thoughts Create Your Reality
• 00:00:28 – Meet Ruta: A Rebel with a Purpose
• 00:00:50 – Escaping the Concrete Jungle: Ruta’s Leap into the Unknown
• 00:03:06 – When the Hustle Cracks: A Wake-Up Call from Within
• 00:03:58 – From Rock Bottom to Reinvention: Birth of a Coaching Mission
• 00:10:01 – What If Success Isn’t What You’ve Been Told?
• 00:23:30 – Real Wealth: The Power of Deep Human Connection
• 00:29:47 – Parting Wisdom & How to Connect with Ruta

Links and Resources:

• Ruta Stasiunaite on LinkedIn
• Redefining Success
• LuRae Lumpkin on LinkedIn
• You Can Be Free Newsletter
• You Can Be Free on YouTube

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to And Then I Did This? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!

LuRae sits down with Charley Johnson, former business mogul turned Chief Consciousness Officer.

They explore how the collapse of traditional systems is creating space for radical clarity, neutrality, and purpose in both work and life.

Charley shares his profound personal transformation, shaped by spiritual mentorship and corporate breakdowns. He makes a powerful case for integrating consciousness into leadership.

Whether you’re a mid-career executive questioning the game, or someone quietly sensing the tectonic shift within, this episode invites you to reflect, realign, and reimagine what success truly means in today’s world.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – The Voice That Won’t Stay Quiet: A Call to Inner Truth
• 00:00:45 – Enter Charley Johnson: Breaking the Mold, Shifting the Game
• 00:01:23 – Rooted and Restless: A Childhood Without a Label
• 00:02:16 – From Teen Hustler to CEO: The Relentless Rise
• 00:04:25 – When Fear Shows Up to Redirect Your Life
• 00:05:22 – Awakening in the Sauna: The Moment Everything Changed
• 00:09:30 – Conscious Leadership Redefined: The CCO Vision
• 00:10:18 – Why Consciousness Is the Greatest Untapped Business Asset
• 00:17:13 – What If Consciousness Has Been All Around You All Along?
• 00:18:54 – Clarity as Currency: How Seeing Clearly Transforms Culture
• 00:22:13 – AI, Uncertainty, and the Human Element We Can’t Lose
• 00:25:04 – Feeling the Pull? Here’s What to Do When the Old Path No Longer Fits
• 00:27:35 – Why One-Size-Fits-All Advice Doesn’t Work Anymore
• 00:32:08 – Embodying a New Era: Consciousness at the Heart of Business
• 00:33:32 – Final Sparks: How to Connect with Charley and Start the Shift

Links and Resources:

• Charley on LinkedIn
• LuRae Lumpkin on LinkedIn
• You Can Be Free Newsletter
• You Can Be Free on YouTube

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

LuRae sits down with Marc Longwith, founder of Evolved Entrepreneur, to unpack what it really takes to shift from autopilot to authenticity.

Marc shares how growing up in Las Vegas, working in nightlife, and becoming a professional MMA fighter shaped his path toward personal development and business mentoring.

From dismantling subconscious programming to defining success on your own terms, this conversation dives deep into the connection between self-worth, fulfillment, and the courage to evolve.

Whether you're feeling stuck in a soulless job or teetering on the edge of a bold new chapter, this episode offers a powerful reminder: your best life starts the moment you stop playing small.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - A Mirror to Yourself: Kicking Off with Deep Self-Reflection
• 00:00:40 - Meet Marc Anthony Longwith: From Vegas Roots to Global Vision
• 00:01:18 - From Bartender to Legacy Builder: The Evolved Entrepreneur Origin Story
• 00:01:43 - Success Isn’t Enough: Chasing Fulfillment on a New Level
• 00:02:40 - Inner Work Is the Real Work: The Path to Authentic Success
• 00:05:12 - Upgrade Your Mind: Rewiring the Brain for High Performance
• 00:10:02 - Black Belts & Business: How MMA Built Marc’s Mental Toughness
• 00:12:23 - Push Past Your Limits: Why Great Coaches Don’t Coddle
• 00:13:44 - Forget What They Say - It’s All About What They Do
• 00:14:09 - Trapped in a Job You Hate? Here's Your Wake-Up Call
• 00:15:38 - Daily Discipline, Real Results: Inside the Evolved 100 Challenge
• 00:16:45 - Fear Is Inevitable—Courage Is the Difference Maker
• 00:17:16 - Breaking the Chains: Escaping the Illusion of Comfort
• 00:19:40 - Living Abroad, Living Free: Lessons from Life in Colombia
• 00:21:09 - Want to Win? Bet on Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It
• 00:24:15 - You Can’t Do This Alone: Community, Coaches, and the Power of Support
• 00:26:03 - Want to Work with Marc? Here’s Where to Find Him
• 00:27:00 - Stop Waiting. Start Living: Marc’s Final Message for Dreamers

Links and Resources:

• Marc Anthony Longwith on LinkedIn
• Evolved Entrepreneur
• LuRae Lumpkin on LinkedIn
• You Can Be Free Newsletter
• You Can Be Free on YouTube

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Ever feel like you’re trapped in a life that no longer serves you? In this episode, Alana Light shares her journey from corporate burnout to a life of deep fulfillment. 

After years of saying yes to things that drained her, Alana faced a health crisis that forced her to reconsider everything. 

She discovered the power of positive psychology, self-inquiry, and radical alignment—and now helps others navigate their own transformations. 

This conversation explores the societal conditioning that keeps us stuck, the power of listening to our bodies, and why freedom begins with remembering who you truly are. 

If you’re feeling the nudge to change but don’t know where to start, this episode is for you.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - The Journey Begins: Breaking Free from the Life That No Longer Serves You
• 00:00:38 - Meet Alana Light: From Corporate Hustle to Conscious Living
• 00:01:14 - The Wake-Up Call: When Burnout Becomes Impossible to Ignore
• 00:02:34 - Rewiring Your Mind: How Positive Psychology Transforms Your Life
• 00:03:44 - Redefining Success: Creating a Life That Feels Good, Not Just Looks Good
• 00:04:34 - The Power of Saying No: Setting Boundaries and Taking Back Your Energy
• 00:05:10 - When Your Body Speaks: The Health Scare That Changed Everything
• 00:06:29 - Choosing Freedom Over Fear: Stepping Into the Unknown with Confidence
• 00:10:15 - The Future of Work: How AI Can Help You Build the Life You Actually Want
• 00:14:02 - Finding Your True Path: Practical Steps to Reconnect with Your Purpose
• 00:30:25 - Your Next Step: Giving Yourself Permission to Start Today

Links and Resources:

• Alana Light on LinkedIn
• Alana's Birth New Earth Podcast
• Alana's TEDx Talk on Shaping Your Life for Wellbeing
• LuRae Lumpkin on LinkedIn
• You Can Be Free Newsletter
• You Can Be Free on YouTube

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Leaving a stable corporate job can feel terrifying, but what if it was the best decision you ever made?

In this episode, Casey Hald shares his journey from being a senior product designer at NASDAQ and Experian to becoming the founder of Birdstreet.co.

He reveals how an unexpected layoff pushed him to take control of his career, the challenges of freelancing, and why the fear of instability is often an illusion.

From setting routines to mastering the power of saying no, Casey offers real-world advice for anyone looking to transition into self-employment.

If you’re considering making the leap or are deciding your next move, this episode is a must-listen.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Turning Fear into Freedom: Taking Control of Your Career
• 00:00:31 - Meet Casey Hald: From Corporate Designer to Entrepreneur
• 00:01:20 - From Web Design to UX Leadership: Casey’s Career Evolution
• 00:03:38 - The Unexpected Layoff That Opened New Doors
• 00:05:56 - Life Without a Boss: The Highs and Lows of Self-Employment
• 00:10:48 - Making the Leap: Practical Steps for Aspiring Freelancers
• 00:17:39 - The Power of Networking and Finding the Right Mentors
• 00:19:23 - Growing Beyond Corporate: How Casey Built His Own Path
• 00:23:50 - Final Takeaways: Advice for Those Ready to Break Free

Links and Resources:

• Casey Hald on LinkedIn
• Casey's Company Birdstreet.co
• LuRae Lumpkin on LinkedIn
• You Can Be Free Newsletter
• You Can Be Free on YouTube

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

What if the key to transformation wasn’t outside of you, but within your words, thoughts, and mindset?

Chris O’Brien shares his remarkable journey from personal health crises to financial independence, uncovering life-changing insights about resilience, conscious living, and the power of language.

From overcoming illness as a professional athlete, to guiding thousands through personal and financial growth. Chris dives deep into what it truly means to “Come Out Better.”

Whether you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for a breakthrough, this conversation will challenge you to rethink your beliefs, embrace discomfort, and step into a more empowered life.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Finding Peace in Chaos – How to stay grounded when life throws challenges your way.
• 00:00:21 - Welcome to the Show! – Meet Chris O’Brien and get ready for a mindset shift.
• 00:00:49 - Chris O'Brien’s Transformation – The journey from struggle to self-mastery.
• 00:02:37 - Self-Care is Non-Negotiable – Why prioritizing yourself changes everything.
• 00:03:24 - The Five Pillars of True Success – Unlocking physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial health.
• 00:03:36 - Water That Changed Everything – Chris’s shocking health transformation with one simple change.
• 00:03:59 - Breaking Free from Mental Loops – How to rewire your mind for clarity and confidence.
• 00:05:04 - Spirituality & Money Can Coexist – Aligning faith, purpose, and financial freedom.
• 00:07:16 - Chris’s Wake-Up Call – The life-altering experience that changed his path forever.
• 00:25:50 - The Power of Storytelling – How sharing your truth can create real impact.
• 00:29:24 - Reprogramming Your Reality – Why the words you speak dictate your life.
• 00:30:10 - The Hidden Power of Words – How language influences your health, wealth, and happiness.
• 00:31:02 - Small Word Swaps, Big Results – How upgrading your vocabulary can change your mindset instantly.
• 00:32:15 - The Science of Speech – How your words affect your brain, nervous system, and energy.
• 00:34:36 - Speak Your Way to Success – Simple yet powerful language shifts to elevate your life.
• 00:35:32 - Growth Isn’t a Straight Line – Embracing the ups and downs of personal transformation.
• 00:36:36 - Healing Through Conscious Language – How your words can help you overcome pain and self-doubt.
• 00:39:13 - The Key to Inner Peace – How to use language to create balance in your life.
• 00:44:24 - Feeling Stuck? Do This. – A powerful reframe to break free and move forward.
• 00:51:24 - Stay Connected with Chris O'Brien – Where to find Chris and continue your journey to freedom.

Links and Resources:

• Chris O'Brien on Instagram
• Chris (Come Out Better) O'Brien on LinkedIn
• Chris O'Brien Website
• Chris O'Brien Come Out Hydrated Site
• COBcast with Chris O'Brien
• LuRae Lumpkin on LinkedIn
• You Can Be Free Newsletter
• You Can Be Free on YouTube

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!