Conversations on the Rocks

Send us Fan Mail

This Conversations on the Rocks episode focuses on guest Paul Gosselin and his lifelong passion for soap operas. Paul reminisces about bonding with his mother and grandmother over their favorite soap, Guiding Light. This childhood enthusiasm led Paul to study acting for daytime dramas, hoping to land a role on a soap. While that dream didn't come to fruition, his love for the genre inspired him to write and produce his own web series, Misguided. Paul gets candid about his challenges in developing the series, from navigating the pandemic shutdown to grieving the loss of someone close to him. But through it all, his dedication to honoring soap operas shines through.

Paul's life is not just about his creative pursuits. He also plays a significant role as a caregiver, a 'manny' to two young boys. His experience with one child's diabetes diagnosis and his commitment to their wellbeing are testaments to his compassion. Paul's approach to caregiving is marked by flexibility and understanding, as he shares fond memories of special outings. His priority is to bring joy to the lives of those in his care, a value that shines through his actions.

Paul's story offers a window into his multifaceted world as an artist and caregiver. He thoughtfully reflects on navigating challenges with creativity, family, and compassion—lessons that continue to guide his journey.

About Paul:

Born and raised in small-town Vermont, Paul Gosselin always harbored a passion for acting. After high school, he pursued his dream in New York City, studying at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and apprenticing at the Barrow Group Theater. His first television role on "One Life to Live" fulfilled a lifelong dream, leading to appearances on various TV shows like “Damages,” “Saturday Night Live,” and "The Good Wife." Moving to Los Angeles, he delved into theater and storytelling, performing with Mortified across the country. Now based in LA, Paul is focused on building his production company, Cosmopaulitan Entertainment, which debuted its first series, "MISGUIDED," in 2015.

Connect with Paul:  instagram.com/cosmopaulitan || www.paulgosselin.net || http://YouTube.com/cosmopaulitan || 

http://www.misguidedseries.com || TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrpaulgosselin

Support the show

Interested in possibly being a guest on the show? Click the link to get started!
https://forms.gle/V1yGLH9W9Ck2m4TP7

Let's Connect!
Web
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Send us Fan Mail

This week, I'm chatting with Angela McAfee, a digital marketing business owner, about the midlife phase. We cover topics on aging, relationships, and personal growth during this time. Angela, a 52-year-old agency owner, shares her journey, focusing on empowerment and self-care. We talk about juggling career and family, highlighting the importance of self-care. Also, we touch on managing boundaries in a youth-centric industry and the significance of honest conversations for clear expectations in relationships, both personal and professional.

Throughout the show, Angela and I encourage embracing maturity and wisdom gained from life experiences and stress self-control, boundary setting, and speaking confidently as women in their 50s and beyond.

About Angela:

Angela Shoffner is the co-founder, Webinar Host, and Business Development for the Digital Marketing Agency SEO Rocket

Angela began her marketing career in video and film production at UNC-Chapel Hill. She then moved on to leadership positions in marketing, event coordination, media buying, and campaign creation before joining forces to create SEO Rocket.

Angela likes wearing a lot of hats—fancy and otherwise. Her primary missions are handling the “business of the business” for SEO Rocket and maintaining relationships with clients. Her goal is to be the matchmaker who connects each business with the digital marketing strategy that best fits its needs.

In her off hours, Angela can be found traveling, camping in a retro Shasta, playing with dogs, gardening, dancing, or laughing a little too loudly. 

Her motto - Be a strong leader, a joyful partner and a loyal friend.

Connect with Angela:

LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelasmcafee/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/angelasmac/

website SEORocket.com

Support the show

Interested in possibly being a guest on the show? Click the link to get started!
https://forms.gle/V1yGLH9W9Ck2m4TP7

Let's Connect!
Web
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Send us Fan Mail

This week, I enjoyed chatting with Jason Falls, a social media strategist and digital marketing expert from Kentucky. Together, we’re exploring the intersection of social media, music, and culture. Jason shares his journey from his upbringing in Eastern Kentucky to becoming a trailblazer in social media marketing.

We chat about the evolution of social media, reminiscing about its more positive and less divisive early days. We also explore Jason's passion for Americana music, particularly his review of Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' album, which skillfully blends country influences with her signature style.

Jason further discusses the unnecessary division in music genres and emphasizes the importance of being open-minded toward artists' experimental works. We engage in a lively debate about the state of country music, highlighting emerging artists who are returning to their roots. Additionally, we touch upon bourbon recommendations, the intersection of celebrities like Taylor Swift in sports culture, and the overarching theme of embracing change and diversity in music and life.

Throughout the episode, Jason also shares insights from his podcast "Roots Music Rambler," where he reviews new albums with a focus on country, bluegrass, folk, and Americana genres. He provides reviews of various new albums, including Beyonce's "Cowboy Carter" album, and recommends other artists and albums that listeners should check out.

About Jason:

Jason Falls is one of the leading thinkers in the digital marketing space with a particular focus on influence marketing. His firm Falls+Partners serves a wide range of clients from major consumer product companies to social technology platforms and beyond. Falls is the author of three books; executive producer of the Marketing Podcast Network; co-host of a music podcast  and loves Americana music, sports, bourbon and his family. Not in that order.

Connect with Jason:

Jason Falls online

Roots Music Rambler online

Jason Falls on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Support the show

Interested in possibly being a guest on the show? Click the link to get started!
https://forms.gle/V1yGLH9W9Ck2m4TP7

Let's Connect!
Web
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Send us Fan Mail

Kristen Daukas and guest Dorien Morin-van Dam, get real about their experiences as parents of young adults transitioning out of the nest. The conversation pivots to the challenges Gen X parents and their Gen Z children face, ranging from economic pressures, the boomeranging trend of adult children returning home, and the significant impact of social media. They discuss the evolving expectations on wedding costs, college education's value, and the importance of trade careers. Highlighting their parenting strategies, they emphasize setting expectations on financial independence, teaching kids about fiscal responsibility, and encouraging them to engage in life experiences over material possessions. The dialogue also touches on the mental health concerns prevalent among Gen Z, attributing factors, and the need for parents to model desired behaviors and engage in meaningful conversations with their children. The episode closes with a call for parents to lead by example, showcasing the belief in instilling practical life skills and values from a young age.

About Dorien:

Dorien Morin-van Dam is a leading expert in organic social media and content marketing with over 13 years of experience. As a Certified Social Media Manager and Agile Marketer, she is well-versed in the latest techniques and best practices for driving engagement and results through organic social media. Dorien is an international speaker, and hosts her weekly livestream show and podcast, "Strategy Talks." on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. You’ll recognize her on stage and online by her always-present orange glasses, a nod to her Dutch heritage.

Connect with Dorien

https://www.linkedin.com/in/moreinmedia/

https://www.moreinmedia.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@DorienMorinVanDam/podcasts

Support the show

Interested in possibly being a guest on the show? Click the link to get started!
https://forms.gle/V1yGLH9W9Ck2m4TP7

Let's Connect!
Web
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we welcome back Sara Munro to discuss overcoming imposter syndrome. We delve into self-doubt challenges and effective strategies for a positive work environment. Sara shares her experiences and stresses open conversations and the need for a safe space to seek support without judgment. We explore workplace culture's impact on imposter syndrome, focusing on fostering psychological safety. 

Sara challenges traditional definitions of success, encourages the setting of realistic goals, and emphasizes self-growth. Practical techniques for building confidence and combating imposter syndrome are shared, including positive self-talk and mentorship. Sara uses personal examples to illustrate strategies, highlighting the importance of self-compassion. Our aim is to provide listeners with insights and tools to overcome imposter syndrome and unleash their potential in a supportive environment.

Support the show

Interested in possibly being a guest on the show? Click the link to get started!
https://forms.gle/V1yGLH9W9Ck2m4TP7

Let's Connect!
Web
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to the show, Sara Munro!! Today's episode explores the realm of imposter syndrome and its disproportionate impact on women. Sara candidly shares her journey with imposter syndrome throughout her career. During one memorable incident, a man questioned Sara's choice to jot down "you are enough" in her bullet journal, revealing a lack of understanding regarding women's struggles with self-doubt.

Sara sheds light on the historical backdrop of imposter syndrome. She dives into research showing its varied impact on marginalized groups, who often perceive the systems themselves as flawed rather than just feeling out of place. Sara advocates for the reconstruction of these systems to foster true equity and combat imposter syndrome effectively.

Moreover, Sara shares her encounters with implicit bias and toxic behaviors in certain work environments following verbal missteps. Drawing from her scientific background, she has cultivated resilience and acknowledges that setbacks are a natural aspect of any endeavor. She emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfections and taking risks to overcome the sense of not belonging.

Support the show

Interested in possibly being a guest on the show? Click the link to get started!
https://forms.gle/V1yGLH9W9Ck2m4TP7

Let's Connect!
Web
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Kristen sits down with Lisa Danforth, the forward-thinking founder of tonique, a company at the forefront of the alcohol-free cocktail movement. Lisa dives into her venture into mindful mixology, inspired by the noticeable increase in alcohol consumption during the COVID pandemic. She shares her passion for creating tonique, an alcohol-free bar service that caters to the growing acceptance of sober lifestyle choices. The conversation covers the landscape of the alcohol-free beverage industry, touching on the challenges, innovations, and the importance of community support and accessibility for those looking to reduce their alcohol intake.

Lisa is a vocal advocate for the destigmatization of sobriety and introduces listeners to her unique, flavorful creations. Using unconventional ingredients like coffee, peppers, and teas, she crafts complex mocktails that aim to stand out rather than mimic traditional spirits. Her efforts through tonique offer sophisticated alternatives and encourage a broader movement towards inclusive and wellness-oriented social drinking cultures.

The episode concludes with Lisa sharing her aspirations for tonique, including expanding the alcohol-free community and potentially opening a brick-and-mortar alcohol-free lounge. Through her story and tonique's mission, the episode highlights a shift towards more mindful, judgment-free beverage choices, underscoring a future where sobriety and choice are celebrated within the social drinking landscape.

About Lisa

tonique was founded by Lisa Danforth, an experienced caterer, and 30-year entrepreneur passionate about mindful mixology and creating fun, flavorful, and elegant alcohol-free cocktails. Lisa is also a leadership and work-life wellbeing coach and founder of Lisa Danforth Coaching.

We’re an alcohol-free bar service in beautiful Burlington, Vermont, offering a fun and robust menu of craft cocktails, beer & wine, along with shrubs, bitter and functional beverages for your events.

All of our house syrups and shrubs are crafted using fresh ingredients. Our citrus juices are always freshly squeezed for our craft cocktails.

tonique’s mission is to redefine social experiences by keeping the ritual and shifting our collective relationship with alcohol.

Whether sober, sober-curious, pregnant, an athlete, or looking for ways to improve your mental health and wellbeing, we provide an extensive selection of non-alcoholic options for your event.

Our love for community building, sustainability, delicious drinks, and creating beauty is at the heart of who we are and at the core of every decision we make.

Connect with Lisa:

toniquemobilebar.com

Instagram

Facebook

Support the show

Interested in possibly being a guest on the show? Click the link to get started!
https://forms.gle/V1yGLH9W9Ck2m4TP7

Let's Connect!
Web
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Send us Fan Mail

This week, we’re knocking the dust off this show with the help of Suzanne Vaughan! 

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of Suzanne Vaughan, a visionary who had the foresight to see the COVID-19 pandemic coming due to an unusual spike in demand for protective supplies at her workplace back in early 2020. Fast forward to today, Suzanne has hung up her work boots and is fully indulging in the freedom of retirement. This new chapter in her life is filled with her passions - from the dramatic allure of theater and the magic of lighting design to the meaningful pursuit of advocacy work.

Suzanne gives us a sneak peek into the exciting theater projects she's currently steering in the Winston-Salem area, painting a vivid picture of her creative endeavors. But it's not all curtains and spotlights; she shares the poignant challenges of caring for her mother during her final years and navigating the complex maze of grief after her passing. These experiences have shaped her, giving depth to her story.

Retirement for Suzanne isn't about slowing down; it's about chasing the next adventure, from exploring Pittsburgh to marveling at Niagara Falls, and tracing the scenic East Coast. Even as she juggles various projects, Suzanne dreams of future travels, awaiting the right moment when she's ready to leap into the next big adventure post a significant period of personal loss. This episode isn't just Suzanne's story—it's a testimony to resilience, passion, and the art of moving forward.

About Suzanne:

​​A native North Carolinian, Suzanne Vaughan has called Winston-Salem home for about twenty-five years. She spent most of her career working for consumable supply distributors, utilizing her customer service, sales, and marketing skills. Now untethered, she is pursuing her passions, which include writing, theatrical lighting and set design, and performing. She also advocates for marginalized communities, animals, and climate change and tries to use her platform to inspire others to break free from the status quo.

Connect with Suzanne:

Instagram: suzvaughan12

TikTok: suzvaughan11

Support the show

Interested in possibly being a guest on the show? Click the link to get started!
https://forms.gle/V1yGLH9W9Ck2m4TP7

Let's Connect!
Web
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Send us Fan Mail

While Gen Z may be wizards at technology, teachers and professors admit that the one thing they're lacking is an aptitude at soft skills - things such as face to face interaction and communication, critical thinking, conflict resolution, etc. 

In this episode, I'm joined by Glynis Bell who has been teaching college students these skills for the past few years. Some of the points we cover are:

• Teaching young adults that not everything can be handled on a smartphone - sometimes you have to pick up the phone to call someone or send an actual email
• Parents and adults need to start "offshoring" life tasks to them before they leave the nest. Tasks such as making Drs appointments, simple car maintenance, etc.
• Role-playing with them about potentially hot topic conversations so that they're better prepared for conflict when confronted with them in the real world

Also mentioned in the show is Glynis' book, Fierce and Fabulous: A Young Lady's Guide to Inspiration and Positive Self-Image, which you can purchase by clicking the link!

Support the show

Interested in possibly being a guest on the show? Click the link to get started!
https://forms.gle/V1yGLH9W9Ck2m4TP7

Let's Connect!
Web
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever wanted to flex your creative muscles and start something new but weren't sure how to start? This week, I'm chatting with Paul Gosselin and we discuss how to get started on whatever your creative dream may be. 

Paul and I met years ago on Twitter because we both loved the longest-running soap opera, Guiding Light. When the show was canceled, Paul decided that this was the chance for him to live his dream AND keep the light burning and he launched his own version of the soap called Misguided. 

Following high school, Paul moved to New York City and attended the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. He continued to study with actress, Maggie Reed, following his graduation from the two-year program. Paul also was selected as an apprentice at the Barrow Group Theater and studied under Lee Brock and Seth Barrish.

The first television audition Paul had in New York City was for One Life to Live, and he booked the role, fulfilling a lifelong dream to appear on a soap opera. The day his episode aired, Paul was immediately invited back for another episode. Before leaving for Los Angeles in 2011, Paul appeared on several TV shows including Damages, The Good Wife and Saturday Night Live, to name a few.

Shortly after moving to Los Angeles and becoming involved in the theater community, Paul took up storytelling, with the live stage show of Mortified. With Mortified, Paul has traveled the country appearing in several of the chapters, sharing the shame and entertaining audiences.

Currently, in Los Angeles, Paul is hard at work developing his own production company, Cosmopaulitan Entertainment, which launched its first mini-series, MISGUIDED, in 2015.

You can follow Paul and the show, Misguided at the links below!

https://www.paulgosselin.net/
https://www.youtube.com/user/cosmopaulitan/featured
http://www.twitter.com/cosmopaulitan
http://www.facebook.com/Mr.PaulGosselin
http://www.instagram.com/cosmopaulitan
https://www.instagram.com/misguidedseries/

Support the show

Interested in possibly being a guest on the show? Click the link to get started!
https://forms.gle/V1yGLH9W9Ck2m4TP7

Let's Connect!
Web
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok