From Lemons to Limoncello

This week’s episode is a little different. It’s about taking a deep breath. After 71 consecutive weeks of stories, insights, and connection, I’m pressing pause — just for a bit. Not because I’ve run out of things to say, but because this pause is something worth taking.

Life has tossed a few brass bands into my zen garden lately, and I’m taking a short break to recalibrate, realign, catch up and rest before the next leg of the journey.

I'll be back soon from a new corner of the world, ready to bring you some fresh stories with the energy they deserve.

In the meantime, this is the perfect time to catch up on episodes you might’ve missed—and if you want to follow along with my travels, I’m sharing weekly updates on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: @lisamarieconnections. My next destination reveal is coming soon, so please follow me there so you don’t miss the announcement.  

Until then, keep doing what lights you up. Live your life like it’s happening now—because it is. And if you need to pause? That’s a part of the journey, too.

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow Lisa Marie on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube: https://linktr.ee/lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit that “just getting by” isn’t enough anymore. So many of us stay stuck in the familiar—jobs that deplete us, relationships that shrink us, routines that numb us—because we’re taught to believe that survival equals success. But what if the discomfort you’re feeling isn’t a signal to push harder... what if it’s an invitation to stop settling?

In this episode, we talk about:

• Breaking free from burnout cycles and why overwork is not a badge of honor
• What it really means to leave a toxic job or draining relationship and redefine security
• How rediscovering joy, creativity, and curiosity can lead to a more aligned and fulfilling life
• Why “starting over” isn't failure—and how to turn your reset into a powerful act of self-trust
• How to shift from fear-based decisions to soul-aligned choices
• Why embracing rest, play, and imperfection is a radical act of personal growth
• Practical tips for reclaiming your creativity and reconnecting with your inner voice

If you’ve been searching for motivation to leave what no longer serves you and step into something truer—this is your episode. You don’t have to settle for a life that only looks good on the outside. You deserve one that feels alive on the inside. See you there. Cheers!

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow Lisa Marie on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube: https://linktr.ee/lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Sometimes,“success” comes at the cost of our well-being, creativity, and joy. And when that happens — when making a living costs you your life —you don’t always notice right away. It creeps in quietly, disguised as productivity, masked by ambition, until one day you realize you've traded your passion for survival and your voice for silence.  

In this episode, we talk about:

• Burnout and the emotional toll of overworking, especially in traditional 9-to-5 or corporate settings
• The pressure of financial stability vs. emotional freedom, and how fear can drive our choices
• Letting go of toxic productivity to rediscover joy, identity, and a more aligned daily rhythm
• Choosing intentional living over “default mode,” and the mindset shift that creates room for passion
• 
  

Key takeaways for listeners include:

• How to recognize the signs you’ve been surviving instead of living
• Why small, consistent actions—like revisiting a forgotten passion—can reignite your inner spark
• What living with purpose looks like outside of the traditional career path
• Why joy and creativity aren’t distractions—they’re essential for real balance and fulfillment

If you’re feeling burned out, questioning your work-life balance, or wondering how to rediscover your passion outside the 9-to-5 grind—or navigating a career shift, craving a more intentional life, or simply ready to stop surviving and start living, this episode is for you. 

See you there. Cheers! 

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow Lisa Marie on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube: https://linktr.ee/lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

What does being a digital nomad really feel like? Stepping into a new country as long-term guest is exciting and fulfilling. It can also be lonely. Why? Well, one challenge can  catch travelers off guard—language barriers. Beyond ordering a coffee or asking for directions, language leads to human connection, the kind that turns strangers into friends and everyday interactions into meaningful exchanges. Without it, conversations stay at a surface-level, and really experiencing local culture and human connection ends up feeling just out of reach.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The impact of language gaps on social connections—how not speaking the local tongue can make even simple interactions feel distant and incomplete

• The isolation that comes when when you don’t speak the local language—and the challenge of missing out on conversations and forming deeper relationships

• Creative workarounds to bridge the language divide—from Google Translate to nonverbal cues, there ARE ways to connect

• Why making the effort matters—the importance of trying, even when you're trying isn't perfect, and how locals often appreciate your willingness to learn

We also talk about: 

• What expat life feels like when you’re not fluent in the local language

• Strategies to push past being uncomfortable

• A fresh perspective on the emotional challenges of travel—why missing out on deeper dialogue is one of the hardest parts of adjusting to life abroad

• The truth behind digital nomad life—exploring the less glamorous, often overlooked side of traveling full-time

If you’ve ever felt the frustration of wanting to say more but not having the words, or wondered what being a digital nomad is really like, or wondered what it's like to be on the outside looking in —this episode is for you. We’ll talk about the unfiltered realities of digital nomad life, fitting in in a new culture, and finding connections beyond words.

See you there. Cheers!

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow Lisa Marie on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube: https://linktr.ee/lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Becoming a digital nomad comes with moments of awe and moments of “Oh my God, did I do the right thing?” The truth is, life on the road isn’t just postcard-perfect scenery—it’s an intense process of growth, discomfort, and resilience. From settling into Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — my first stop on my journey — to navigating cultural and lifestyle shifts, this conversation is all about how I’m doing 3 weeks into my digital nomad journey.
I talk about some of the emotional and physical transitions of leaving behind familiarity — and  embracing change with humility, surrender and a little bit of humor.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The deep reset that comes with letting go—how releasing years of stress has triggered an unexpected physical and emotional transformation.
• The physical challenges of going from a sedentary U.S. desk-bound lifestyle to constant movement, including navigating the realities of mobility issues in a city designed for walking.
• The powerful impact of human connection in a foreign place, from learning Spanish with patience and kindness to building a sense of belonging within the local community.
• The benefits of trying to integrate into a new culture, beyond looking for a tourist experience.
• Why discomfort is a gateway to growth, shifting the perspective on challenges as opportunities for self-evolution.
• The unexpected ways a new rhythm changes everything, including our relationships with control, uncertainty, and ourselves.

If you’re curious about what it’s like to live a digital nomad life—the magic and the reality—this episode is for you. Tune in to hear this part of my journey unfolding in real time, including thoughts on transformation, resilience, and the beauty of human connection.

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow Lisa Marie on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube: https://linktr.ee/lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

We live in a world that glorifies hustling—endless work, constant productivity, putting everyone else’s needs before our own. But what happens when that grind catches up with us? When years of pushing through exhaustion lead to weight gain, lost mobility, and declining physical strength? The slow decline sneaks up—until one day, getting off the floor feels impossible, chronic stress wreaks havoc on our bodies, and exhaustion becomes our default state.

Overworking at a desk doesn’t just drain us mentally—it takes a toll on our health, leading to muscle atrophy, joint pain, and a body that just doesn’t feel like it’s on our side anymore.

In this episode I get vulnerable, and talk about how I ended up overweight, out of shape, and ready to take my health back. 

We chat about:

• How hustle culture—at work, at home, and in daily life—contributes to weight gain and mobility loss
• The surprising ways a sedentary lifestyle sneaks up on us—causing muscle weakness, poor circulation, and decreased flexibility
• The emotional burden of losing fitness: frustration, shame, and the fear of starting over when simple, basic movements feel difficult
• A self-sabotaging mindset we often adopt—avoiding exercise because the reality of how much we've lost is overwhelming
• Why self-care has to be non-negotiable, even when life feels chaotic, and how reclaiming our health starts with small, doable steps
• Facing aging, physical discomfort, and the irreversible impacts of prolonged sitting—and what we need to do to minimize long-term damage
• The connection between stress, cortisol overload, and sitting too much — and autoimmune conditions, spinal health, and metabolic dysfunction
• How stress, sitting too much, and neglecting movement lead to muscle deterioration, weight gain, and preventable health issues
• The importance of working toward regaining mobility—even if you’ve been stuck in a sedentary cycle for years
• Shifting your mindset from survival mode to personal empowerment—so you can finally prioritize your well-being

Your body is your foundation, and it deserves to be cared for. If you've been feeling exhausted, weighed down, or disconnected from your health, this conversation is for you. No matter how far you’ve slipped, it’s time to make your way back.  You'll have company. I've just started my work on this, too.

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow Lisa Marie on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube: https://linktr.ee/lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Feeling drained despite getting enough sleep? Sometimes, exhaustion isn’t about needing more rest—it’s about your soul feeling empty, the burnout from neglecting passions, and the fatigue of constantly hustling without true joy. In a society that glorifies productivity over well-being, too many of us find ourselves stuck in a cycle of working, surviving, and barely making room for what truly lights us up. But what if the key to feeling energized isn’t more sleep or caffeine, but reconnecting with the things that make us feel alive? In this episode we talk about how feeding your passion and prioritizing fulfillment can break the cycle of exhaustion.

We cover:

• The hidden exhaustion caused by neglecting creativity, adventure, and personal fulfillment
• The impact of grind culture, which conditions us to prioritize work over joy
• How our identities have become tied to job titles, making it harder to step away
• The guilt associated with taking time for hobbies, and why it’s essential to reclaim that joy
• Real-life examples of how stepping outside the grind can restore energy and emotional well-being
• Support in reconnecting with passions without sacrificing responsibilities
• Encouragement to redefine success, shifting the focus away from work-centric fulfillment and toward holistic well-being
• The importance of breaking free from toxic productivity to reclaim personal joy, and infuse passion back into your daily life

If you’ve ever felt drained despite doing everything "right," this episode is for you. See you there. Cheers!

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow Lisa Marie on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube: https://linktr.ee/lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Playing it safe might feel comforting, but it could be the very thing keeping you from the life you truly want. Whether it’s staying in an unfulfilling job, avoiding financial sacrifices, or holding onto relationships that no longer serve you, fear and discomfort can convince us that change is too risky. But what if everything you're dreaming of is waiting just beyond that fear? If you’ve been asking yourself, Should I take the leap or stay where I am?—this episode is for you.

We chat about:

• How fear distorts decision-making and keeps us stuck in unfulfilling situations
• Why stepping outside your comfort zone is necessary for real progress
• The psychological barriers that make change feel impossible—but aren’t
• How temporary discomfort leads to long-term fulfillment and success
• The power of calculated risks and how they lead to breakthroughs
• The role of sacrifice in achieving financial stability, career shifts, and personal happiness
• Why avoiding discomfort leads to stagnation in career, relationships, and personal growth
• Self-sabotaging thought patterns that hold you back
• Reframing fear and use it as a tool for transformation
• How to recognize and move past negative social influences that keep you stuck

If you've ever felt stuck, hesitant, or afraid to make a change, now’s the time to shift your mindset. Don’t let fear dictate your future—step beyond your comfort zone and start making bold moves toward your goals. Tune in now for insights and encouragement. See you there. Cheers!

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow Lisa Marie on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube: https://linktr.ee/lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Losing someone—a friend, a romantic partner, or even a family member—can shake you to your core. When you’re the one left behind, it’s easy to spiral into self-doubt, questioning your worth and whether the relationship meant anything at all. But here’s the truth: rejection does not define you. In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional aftermath of being left behind, exploring what it really means when someone chooses to walk away.

We chat about:

• Navigating heartbreak and the emotional impact of rejection
• Understanding why people leave and the different reasons behind their decision
• Finding strength in the aftermath and reclaiming your own self-worth
• The connection between childhood wounds and how they shape our adult relationships
• How to let go without losing yourself or internalizing someone else’s decision
• How to stop internalizing rejection and see it as a moment for growth rather than a focus on failure
• The difference between healthy love and conditional love (and why you never have to "earn" love in the first place)
• Why no relationship, no matter how painful the ending, is ever truly a waste of time
• 
  

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling abandoned or wondered why someone left without warning, this episode is for you. Tune in as we unpack the pain, process the lessons, and help you shift from heartbreak to healing.  See you there. Cheers!   🍋🥂

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow Lisa Marie on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube: https://linktr.ee/lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Letting go of a relationship—whether it’s a friendship, romance, or even a family tie—is never easy. But what happens when staying in that relationship does more harm than good? When love turns into obligation, respect transforms into resentment, and emotional exhaustion outweighs connection? In this episode of From Lemons to Limoncello, we talk about a tough but necessary reality: sometimes, walking away is the healthiest choice.

This week, we chat about:

• Signs of a toxic relationship—how to know when it’s time to leave

• Emotional boundaries and why setting them is essential for self-respect
• The grief of letting go and what comes after ending an unhealthy relationship
• Breaking free from relationship guilt—why choosing yourself isn’t selfish
• Overcoming the fear of being alone to embrace a future of emotional freedom
• Recognizing relationship red flags so you don’t stay stuck in them
• Shifting from guilt to self-empowerment and making space for better connections
• Leaving toxic relationships with confidence to reclaim your happiness

If you’ve ever felt trapped in an unhappy relationship, emotionally drained, or unsure whether to hold on or let go, this episode is for you. Tune in for a conversation about breaking free, rebuilding your self-worth, and stepping into a life where your relationships lift you up instead of depleting you. The moment you stop hanging on to what’s breaking you, your hands and heart are open to grab onto what truly deserves to stay.

I hope you’ll join me. See you there. Cheers!

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes. 

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow Lisa Marie on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube: https://linktr.ee/lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.