On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling celebrates the new year with returning guests Stacia Crawford of Stay Ready Media and business strategist/community builder Keith Spiro.

This conversation is a behind the scenes look at all three of their goal-processes; how they face challenges, recalibrate, and set themselves up for success. The trio shared wins and challenges from last year, goals for this one, and three words for 2026 (hat tip to Chris Brogan), along with mantras for forward motion. Stacia's is "Go back to basics," Keith's is "Flexibility," and Deb's is "Spotlight."

2025 Wins

- Stacia: Leaning into being her own best client; she won two speaking contests with money

- Deb: A building year with the launch of TheBookProposalExpert.com, Substack, and podcast; also the release of 52 Secrets, podcast award for Taste Buds, next book deal, and many client successes 

2026 Goals

- Stacia: Write book proposal and get a book deal; leaning toward the concept of minimalism, decluttering

- Keith: Tangible creation in line with America's 250th anniversary; celebrating the 50th anniversary of realizing a dream

- Deb: At least 4 initiatives/launches, including a new podcast and the release of Active Grandparenting 101 - written with grandfluencer Kristen Coffield - in the fall; get on an exercise schedule

Gifted Goals

- Deb: When you are stuck, clean something. Then cook something

- Stacia: Enjoy a hobby

- Keith: Create something

Learn More About

Stacia Crawford: StayReadyMedia.com

Keith Spiro: KeithSpiro.com

Debra Eckerling: TheDEBMethod.com/blog

52SecretsBook.com

TheBookProposalExpert.com

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On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling talks about Authorhood with April Davila, Sit Write Here; Brenda Knight, Books that Save Lives; and Rob Lange, The Expert Expert. April focuses on fiction - and taking the stress out of writing, Brenda's is on publishing, and Rob - as his title suggests - gaining attention and authority for your book, so there was a wide variety of information and inspiration.

When asked what makes an author or book stand out, Rob says "personality," Brenda's response is "future-thinking," and April believes it's the creativity you bring into your story. The panel shares some of the experiences and activities that put them on their paths, authorhood and author platform tips, and more.

Goals

- April: Start building your list now - of who to invite to your book launch, what shows to pitch yourself as a guest on - for your future book launch

- Rob: Create clarity in how you describe your book - verbally and in text; start developing relationships with media people

- Brenda: Start polishing your speaking chops now - find a topic, come up with a tight talk, and get yourself out there

Bonus from Deb: Get on podcasts

- April: Just keep writing and find your community

- Rob: Just do it; there are more resources - and support - than ever before

- Brenda: Outreach to one person a day; that one little action can make a huge difference

Learn More About

April Davila: AprilDavila.com

Brenda Knight: BooksThatSaveLives.net

Rob Lange: TheExpertExpert.com

Debra Eckerling: TheDEBMethod.com/blog

TheBookProposalExpert.com

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On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling talks about networking with success strategist Robert Butwin and connector Michael Roderick of Small Pond Enterprises. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, you can't reach your goals on your own, you need your people. So set networking goals for the new year!

Goals

- Mike: Write down 2 or 3 people you feel would be open to hearing you share a problem, a challenge, or an issue; practice being real with them so you are ready to be real with strangers

- Robert: Remember to REACH: Reputation Matters, Experience, Authenticity, Clarity, Being Helpful

- Bonus Goal from Deb: Set Networking Goals

Final Thoughts

- Robert: Your success is based on the strength of your network, get comfortable networking

- Mike: They keys to the doors you need to open are in other people's pockets, you have a pocket full of keys

Learn More About

Robert Butwin: LinkedIn.com/in/RobertButwin

Michael Roderick: SmallPondEnterprises.com

Debra Eckerling: TheDEBMethod.com/blog

TheBookProposalExpert.com

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On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling talks about AI and productivity on GoalChat with Anika Jackson, Stan Robinson, and Jason Van Orden. Anika is founder of Your Brand Amplified, Stan is chief coaching  officer at Social Sales Link, and Jason is an AI strategist. AI requires critical thinking, navigating the tools available, and utilizing what works best for your needs and goals.
The panel discusses why they love AI - Anika: first step in any project; Stan: education; and Jason: it's an equalizer - and ways to use it. They also give their takes on where AI has been and where it's going.

Goals

- Stan: Try NotebookLm from Google; you feed it information and it can give you the Cliff's notes version in text, podcast, or video form 

- Anika: Play with AI's capabilities: write a song on Suno, go to Sora and create a video, create a digital clone

- Jason: Go for a walk and spend a 1/2 hour talking into your notes or AI app. Tell it what's on your mind, give it context, and ask AI to organize it for you

Final Thoughts

- Stan: Try AI tools with an open mind

- Jason: There's a lot of good that can come from AI. Learn to use it well

- Anika: Some AI tools can be used to delegate tasks that would otherwise take your time and energy; then, you can use that found time in more human ways

Learn More About

Anika Jackson: YourBrandAmplified.com

Stan Robinson, Jr: SocialSalesLink.com

Jason Van Orden: JasonVanOrden.com

Debra Eckerling: The DEBMethod.com/blog

TheBookProposalExpert.com

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On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling starts 2026 in DEBcember with returning guests Chris Cherian, Math @ MoMA; Annie P. Ruggles, founder of the Non-Sleazy Sales Academy; and business strategist and community builder Keith Spiro. Debra et al find it fun and meaningful to check in, support, and cheer on one another.

Gifted Goals

- Keith: Change one word! Instead of saying or writing “but” use “Yes, and” instead and watch what happens!

- Chris: Be curious. Allow yourself to be bad at something

- Annie: Practice self-forgiveness

Final Thoughts

- Keith: Say "Yes!" If you curious about things, you will be successful

- Chris: You can "yes, and" your own identity

- Annie: If you get stuck, remember there are people having a worse time then you. Actively help them!

Learn More About

Chris Cherian: Linkedin.com/in/christophercherian

Annie P. Ruggles: AnniePRuggles.com

Keith Spiro: KeithSpiro.com

Debra Eckerling: TheDEBMethod.com/Blog

TheBookProposalExpert.com

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On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling talks about Giving with Rachel Berezin, Genna Rosenberg, and Rick Nahmias. Rachel is CEO of MyZuzah, change maker Genna is CEO of GennComm, and fruit-anthropist Rick is CEO and founder of Food Forward. All three are devoted to bringing good into the world... and not just in giving season!

Rachel, Genna, and Rick share philanthropy stories, offer tips for embracing the fun in fun-lanthropy, talk about their favorite giving activities, and more.

Define Philanthropy

- Rick: Giving without expecting to receive

- Genna: Bringing joy to others

- Rachel: Knowing what someone loves and giving them what is meaningful to them

Goals

- Rick: Take something your value - a jacket or something else that has some meaning for you - and give it to someone who really needs it

- Rachel: Find someone who can benefit from your knowledge. Be a mentor

- Genna: Set intentions around giving and doing good

- Bonus from Deb: Introduce two people you believe need to know each other

Learn More About

Rachel Berezin: MyZuzah.org

Genna Rosenberg: GennComm.com

Rick Nahmias: FoodForward.org

Debra Eckerling: TheDEBMethod.com/blog

TheBookProposalExpert.com

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On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling talks about Passion Pursuits with PR strategist and storyteller Kathy Berardi; Linda Fisk of LeadHERship Global, which empowers women to pursue their passions; and Lawrence Loh, a doctor, educator, and writer. All three come at passion pursuits from a place of excitement and enthusiasm.

Goals

- Kathy: Consider what you wish to pursue, read about it, and look for a way to do it in a community online or in person

- Linda: Be playful about your goals. Stop navigating alone

- Lawrence: Take something you are stuck at - reframe your perspective, do something, share it with others

Final Thoughts

- Lawrence: Get started

- Kathy: A life worth living is a passion worth pursuing

- Linda: The holidays provide a beautiful time to slow down, pause, and reflect

Learn More About

Kathy Berardi: LinkedIn.com/in/KathyBerardi

Linda Fisk: LeadHERShipGlobal.com

Lawrence Loh: LawrenceLohMD.com

Debra Eckerling: TheDEBMethod.com/blog

TheBookProposalExpert.com

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On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling talks about Comfort Food with food writer, baker, and novelist Aaron Hamburger (Hotel Cuba); Natalie Kalmar, founder of Fitness Foodie STL, and Marissa Rothkopf, author of The Secret Life of Chocolate Chip Cookies and host of The Secret Life of Cookies. They cover community, cookies, food advocacy, and so much more.

Goals

- Natalie: Stop shaming yourself for enjoying things that bring you comfort. Enjoy it! Also remember moderation

- Marissa: Share with others, if you are able to, whether it's bake, bring canned food to the local food pantry, or donate to World Central Kitchen

- Aaron: Have a great pantry at home, so you always have good food at your fingertips. You will be more likely to want to cook

Final Thoughts

- Aaron: Make an extra effort to be extra kind to others

- Natalie: Wishing everyone a stress free enjoyable holiday season. Find the joy!

- Marissa: Anybody can make pie crust. It's only a meal; if it doesn't turn out the way it's supposed to, it's fine. Always keep chickpeas in the kitchen

Learn More About

Aaron Hamburger: AaronHamburger.com

Natalie Kalmar: FitnessFoodieSTL.com

Marissa Rothkopf: MarissaRothkopf.Substack.com

Debra Eckerling: TheDEBMethod.com/blog

TheBookProposalExpert.com

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On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling talks about creating and maintaining a Healthy Outlook with intuitive artist Heather Eck and transformation expert Nikki Green. It's the end-of-the-year marathon, and it's important to take stock of your goals - personal and professional - as well as your priorities throughout the holidays and beyond.

Heather and Nikki offered  tips for setting boundaries, prioritizing balance, and staying optimistic. They also shared their end of the year goals/future wins, what grounds them (Heather: creativity, Nikki: being outside)  and their specialties: color (Heather) and the chameleon mindset (Nikki).

Goals

- Heather: Make a daily or weekly win list. Find time for creativity in your day - something with your hands - will relax you and give you space to feel better

- Nikki: Play with this writing prompt: think back to one of your favorite holiday experiences - tap into your senses - and write about it.

- Deb's Bonus Goal: Make up a holiday. Create your own rules to get you through the end of the year

Final Thoughts

- Heather: Healthy outlooks are something you can practice and get better at

- Nikki: This should be a time of year of fun! Enjoy it! 

Learn More About

Heather Eck: HeatherEck.com

Nikki Green: TheNikkiGreen.com

Debra Eckerling: TheDebMethod.com/blog

52SecretsBook.com

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On this episode of GoalChat host Debra Eckerling does a deep dive into Storytelling with Paul Chitlik,  author of The Screenwriting Sensei, and Terrie Silverman, founder of Creative Rites. Paul is an award-winning television, film, novel writer, and educator. Terrie is a story and creativity coach, writer, and performer. Storytelling is all about listening, empathy, and communication.

Paul and Terrie talk about their passion for storytelling, along with their storytelling. They also share practical - and inspirational - advice for those who want to do more writing and/or are ready to tap into their story.

Goals

- Paul: Set writer goals: do you want to publish, write for film of TV. Set a goal. And then do it!

- Terrie: Allow yourself to write messy, don't worry about structure and editing while you are creating.

- Terrie: Be curious. Tap into wtouches you, what makes you laugh, what fills you with awe and wonder.

Final Thoughts

- Paul: Writers write. If you want to be a writer, write

- Terrie: Fear and courage are intrinsic parts of the creative process; allow for both of them. Remember, everyone is born storyteller

Learn More About

Paul Chitlik: PaulChitlik.com

Terrie Silverman: CreativeRites.com

Debra Eckerling: TheDEBMethod.com/blog

52SecretsBook.com

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