Critical Conversations

Brie Sodano is a nationally recognized Personal Finance Expert, founder of Cash Confident™, and author of Cash Confident: Practical Money Management For The Modern Women.

Brie teaches women how to build wealth and financial freedom. This inspires full life sovereignty and abundance. Her methods are holistic and fantastically effective because they address the root cause of common money problems.

Welcome to the conversation.

Karissa Dean

You can learn more by visiting her website: https://www.cashconfident.com or email: [email protected]

This one’s a spicy deep dive into the big three: drugs, sex, and alcohol.

I unpack how these elements can influence our lives—whether they’re helping us grow or quietly holding us back. It’s not just about judgment; it’s about awareness, choices, and the impact these factors have on our personal and professional alignment.

If you’re curious about redefining your relationship with these topics or just want to explore a fresh perspective, this episode is for you.

Can we want something more for our lives while still being fully present with what is? Absolutely—and it’s a game-changer.

In this episode, I explore the balance between desire and presence, and why learning to be okay with what is can unlock a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment. When we stop fighting the present and start embracing it, everything begins to shift.

If you’re ready to feel better by finding peace in the now, this one’s for you.

Carrie Lingenfelter is a former elementary educator, early childhood interventionist, speech therapist, and mother of two. She is passionate about living life fully, raising her children to be the best versions of themselves, and connecting to other parents going through this season of life. She mentors parents in how to connect with their children, how to raise conscious kids, parent from their hearts, and better support their gifted, spirited, and highly sensitive children.

Welcome to the conversation.

Karissa Dean

Check her out at:https://hearttoheartlife.com

https://instagram.com/hearttoheartparentspodcast

Breakups are messy, painful, and anything but perfect—and that’s exactly what I’m diving into today.

In this episode, I share my journey through two recent breakups and the lessons I’ve learned about confronting imperfection, softening the blow, and finding a way forward. It’s raw, real, and all about debunking the myth that we have to handle everything perfectly.

If you’re navigating heartbreak or just want to hear how I’m embracing growth (messiness and all), tune in for this honest and heartfelt conversation. 

Ever wondered why clients choose coaching with me? In this episode, I spill all the tea about the incredible people I work with, what makes coaching so powerful (and how it differs from therapy), and why this journey lights me up! I also share some personal stories, drop a few book recommendations 📚, and give you a glimpse into what makes this work so transformative. Whether you're curious about coaching or just looking for a fun, insightful listen, this one's for you!

Michele DeFilippo has more than 50 years of experience in book publishing. 

Her company, 1106 Design, makes it easy for authors to release a top-quality book, keep control of it, and earn more money every time they sell a copy. Michele is on a mission to help authors ask the right questions, avoid scams, and make informed decisions when they search for publishing service providers.

Welcome to the conversation.

Karissa Dean

https://1106design.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2771108/ 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/1106design 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1106Design 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@micheledefilippo/videos

This one’s raw, real, and straight from the heart.

I dive into how the universe works like an algorithm—reflecting back on what we focus on—and how I’ve come to see my past relationships and experiences in a new light. 

This is my apology for the moments I judged too harshly, the people I misunderstood, and the opportunities I didn’t fully embrace.

In this vulnerable share, I explore how my own judgments were blocking my growth, even in my business, and what shifted when I started paying attention to the energy I was putting out.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or wondered how to align your life with what you truly want, this episode is for you.

A few years ago, her life took a turn that she never saw coming. Within three short years, she lost her mom, her little brother, and her husband. She felt like the world around her went dark. Grief hit her hard, and with it came a deep sense of loneliness that she struggled to shake. But through her journey, she realized something powerful: she wasn’t alone in this. Many other women were going through similar struggles. 

With a PhD in human behavior and decades of experience in coaching, Lynn knew she had the tools to help others. That’s why she created Widows Rising Together - to help individuals like you overcome loneliness and rediscover joy and purpose in life.

Welcome to the conversation.

Karissa Dean

Website

app.widowsrisingtogether.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-banis-36987b2aa/

This week, I had the absolute joy of being interviewed by my dear friend Elton, a full-time coffee farmer in Nicaragua. Elton has an incredible story—he broke free from the hustle of American corporate life and embraced a slower, more intentional pace in Nicaragua with his partner. Along the way, he’s cultivated some of the best coffee you’ll ever taste. 

In this episode, Elton and I dive into all things Nicaragua:🌴 The unparalleled natural beauty🌊 The peaceful lifestyle🤍 The magic behind The Escape—the retreat I’m hosting this March!

The Escape | March 10-15, 2025Reconnect, recharge and relax in Nicaragua’s breathtaking landscape. From luxurious accommodations and daily yoga to horseback rides on the beach and a private boat trip, this retreat is designed to help you fully unwind.

We answer questions about what makes Nicaragua the perfect destination and share insights on how this retreat could be your perfect reset.

Oh, and if you're a coffee lover? You need to check out Elton’s coffee. Trust me—it’s next-level delicious. DM me for his details, and you’ll be sipping on the best brew in no time. 

Welcome to the conversation.

Karissa Dean

https://www.instagram.com/emenselogic/

https://www.emensecoffee.com/

Let’s talk retreats, coffee, and crafting a life that feels truly aligned.