On this episode of Her Best Chapter, Michelle Savage sits down with Sarah Soucie Eyberg, a three-time bestselling author and Social Security Disability Attorney, to explore what it means to realign with your core values when everything shifts. We talk about sobriety, empathy in the legal profession, the courage to share vulnerability through writing, and how women in demanding careers can make intentional choices without burning out.

Sarah is the principal attorney of Soucie Eyberg Law, LLC, where she practices exclusively in Social Security Disability law. Recently named a 2025 Rising Star Super Lawyer and Minnesota Lawyer's Attorney of the Year for Outstanding Service to the Profession, she now serves as Secretary of the Minnesota State Bar Association.

In her most recent book Empathy Impact, Sarah writes that empathy isn't optional, it's the foundation of meaningful advocacy for people navigating dehumanizing systems at their most vulnerable. She brings decades of experience, deep compassion, and an unwavering commitment to seeing her clients fully in their hardest moments.

Key takeaways

• Change is constant. Recalibration isn't failure, it's how we stay aligned with who we're becoming.

• Define your core values. When you know what matters most, decisions become simpler and actions feel authentic.

• You can't do everything well all the time. It's okay to let some things go in service of what truly matters.

• Empathy transforms advocacy. In law and in life, seeing people fully, especially in their hardest moments, changes everything.

• Vulnerability is strength. Sharing your struggles, whether in writing or conversation, creates connection and helps others feel less alone.

Quick links

• Guest: Sarah Soucie Eyberg — Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

• Work with Sulit Press — Apply for the Multi-Author Book Program

• Buy Empathy Impact

Disclaimer: This show is independently produced by Sulit Press. The views shared belong to the hosts and guests. Questions? Email [email protected].

In this episode of Her Best Chapter, host Michelle Savage engages in a profound conversation with bestselling author of Empathy Impact Hilary Graham, PhD, MA. She is a storyteller and strategist passionate about helping people get better answers in moments that matter most to their health. As Senior Director of Marketing for Bio-Techne's Diagnostics Division, she leads portfolio strategy, product management, and marketing while serving as commercial chief of staff. Her career spans diagnostics and life sciences, including leadership roles at Luminex, Syneos Health, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Hilary's superpower is connecting the big picture with the smallest detail. She blends strategic vision with empathy, creating clarity and alignment that drive meaningful, lasting results. And that's exactly what this episode dives into: blending leadership with empathy.

Michelle and Hilary explore the transformative power of empathy in leadership, the importance of intentionality, and the role of community in personal and professional growth. Hilary shares her journey of overcoming challenges with a positive mindset and the impact of empathy as a strategic tool. A fearless force of nature, Hilary brings curiosity, creativity, and joy to every challenge—balancing execution excellence with a genuine belief that how we work together is as important as what we achieve.

This episode is a guide that proves empathy is the most effective and valuable tool for successful leadership and connection.

• Connect with Hilary

• Read her chapter

• Work with Sulit Press — Apply for the Multi-Author Book Program

Disclaimer: This show is independently produced by Sulit Press. The views shared belong to the hosts and guests. Questions? Email [email protected].

If there's one thing we learned from COVID, it's that people need people. As we increasingly turn to our phones rather than each other, genuine connection and community have become harder to find. Sierra Bailey set out to bridge this gap by creating Maeve House, her South Austin social club designed to bring people together.

In this episode of Her Best Chapter, join Michelle Savage in conversation with Sierra Bailey, co-founder of Maeve House, artist, and bestselling author featured in Empathy Impact. They explore Sierra's journey in opening Maeve House, what inspired her vision, and why having a third space to connect with others matters more than ever. If you've been feeling lonely or struggling to build meaningful connections, this episode is for you. Austin locals, be sure to check out Maeve House.

Guest Links: Meet Sierra Bailey - https://www.sulitpress.com/sierrabailey

Introducing, Maeve House - https://www.maevehouse.com/

More from Sulit Press Get Sierra's book Empathy Impact → sulitpress.com/book-store Ready to share your story and become a published author? Learn more → sulitpress.com Follow Sulit Press on Instagram → @sulitpressbooks

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

In this episode of Her Best Chapter, we continue the conversation with Ciji Wagner, CEO and founder of Louder Than Silence and a best-selling co-author in Empathy Impact, shifting from the why behind trauma recovery to the how of supporting survivors in everyday life.

Host Michelle Savage and Ciji unpack what it truly means to be a "safe person," exploring emotional and psychological safety, the impact of well-intentioned but harmful responses, and why listening well is a learned skill, not an instinct. Together, they discuss how survivors are often retraumatized by dismissal or clichés, why being believed matters so deeply, and how each of us can respond with more care when someone trusts us with their story.

This episode offers guidance for navigating hard conversations (whether in friendships, families, workplaces, or communities) and introduces the core principles of trauma-informed spaces.

• What it really means to be a "safe person" for someone sharing trauma

• Why emotional and psychological safety matter as much as physical safety

• How poor responses can deepen harm and prolong trauma recovery

• Why clichés shut conversations down—and what to say instead

• The importance of self-awareness when supporting others

• How to set clear intentions before sharing or receiving heavy information

• What survivors most need to hear: "I believe you"

• Simple grounding techniques for listeners in emotionally charged moments

• How trauma-informed spaces can be created in workplaces and communities

• The trainings Louder Than Silence offers to build safer, more supportive environments

Ciji Wagner, CEO & Founder of Louder Than Silence 🌐 Learn more: louderthansilence.org 📸 Connect with Louder Than Silence: Instagram @louderthansilence

Read Ciji's Chapter in Empathy Impact: https://www.amazon.com/Empathy-Impact-Effects-Kindness-Action/dp/B0G4R4D9DD

Listen to Part 1 with Ciji: https://www.sulitpress.com/podcast/episode/3b582f5a/breaking-the-silence-on-trauma-emdr-and-recovery-with-ciji-wagner

Want to become a published author? Join our multi-author book program → sulitpress.com Follow Sulit Press on Instagram → @sulitpressbooks

In this episode of Her Best Chapter, we're exploring what happens when women stop staying quiet and start telling the truth. Host Michelle Savage is joined by Sandy Stewart for a powerful, honest conversation about womanhood, silence, shame, and the role empathy plays in healing and leadership.

Sandy is a two-time bestselling author, speaker, and founder of Think Big, a coaching and training firm that helps businesses grow through strategic partnerships and referral ecosystems. A respected expert in sustainable business growth, she has spent years helping leaders scale with intention, clarity, and trust. She is also an author in the multi-author book Empathy Impact that publishes… TODAY!

Michelle and Sandy talk about how we learn what it means to be a woman long before puberty, how silence can quietly shape our health and relationships, and why honesty is often the first brave step toward real connection. Sandy also shares parts of her own story, including sobriety, self-advocacy, and the cost of not speaking up.

This episode is a reminder that silence is never neutral, vulnerability is not a weakness, and empathy is a powerful force in both life and business. If you've ever felt the weight of unspoken truths or wondered how honesty can change everything, this conversation will stay with you.

• How lessons about womanhood begin earlier than we realize

• Why silence can lead to isolation, stress, and health challenges

• The connection between shame and secrecy

• How honesty opens the door to empathy and healing

• What vulnerability makes possible in relationships and leadership

• Why empathy is a strategic advantage in business

• How trust is built through open, courageous communication

• The ripple effect of telling the truth, even when it feels scary

Sandy Stewart, Founder of Think Big

Read Sandy's chapter in Empathy Impact: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4NLZJW8

🔗 Connect with Sandy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-stewart-9534a/ https://www.instagram.com/thinkbigprogram/ https://www.youtube.com/@ReferralGrowthAcademy

Want to become a published author? Join our multi-author book program → www.sulitpress.com Follow Sulit Press on Instagram → @sulitpressbooks

DISCLAIMER: This is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the creators and guests. For any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected].

In this episode of Her Best Chapter, we dive into what it really means to move from survival mode into self-led, empowered living. Host Michelle Savage is joined by Shay Michelle Drapeau, bestselling author of Got A Light and Woo Woo certified personal development coach, and founder of She Breathes Life™, a movement and community devoted to helping women and femmes reclaim their voice, worth, and wellness. Shay is also about to be published in our upcoming anthology Empathy Impact.

Shay shares her personal story of shrinking herself inside a long marriage, losing connection with her own desires, and the powerful return to self that followed. From learning how to set boundaries without guilt to rediscovering joy through solo dates, journaling, and community, Shay offers grounded, compassionate wisdom for women navigating midlife transitions, emotional burnout, and identity shifts.

This conversation is equal parts practical and soulful, exploring trauma, leadership, empowerment, and what it truly looks like to step into the CEO role of your own life. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at Shay's newest offering, Survival to CEO, a transformational coaching experience for women who are externally successful but internally drained.

• How old trauma and triggers silently shape our daily reactions

• Why Shay reframed the Hero's Journey into the She-Ro's Journey

• What it really takes to move from survival mode to empowered leadership

• How boundaries protect your energy, creativity, and relationships

• Why "dating yourself" is a powerful first step in reclaiming your identity

• How to spot early signs of emotional burnout and misalignment

• Why receiving support is essential for both life and business growth

• A preview of Shay's upcoming Survival to CEO coaching program

Guest Links Shay Michelle Drapeau, Founder of She Breathes Life™ 📸 Connect with Shay:

Instagram: @shebreatheslife Website: She Breathes Life™

More from Sulit Press 📚 Want to become a published author? Join our multi-author book program → sulitpress.com 📖 Follow Sulit Press on Instagram → @sulitpressbooks

DISCLAIMER: This is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the creators and guests. For any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected].

In this episode of Her Best Chapter, we explore what it truly takes to communicate with more ease, intention, and emotional intelligence. Host Michelle Savage, founder and CEO of Sulit Press, is joined by Dayne Whitehurst, a communication and leadership specialist and a contributing author in the upcoming Sulit Press anthology Empathy Impact, launching December 16.

With more than two decades of experience across sales, education, and team development, Dayne teaches precision communication and de-escalation strategies that help people reduce friction, strengthen relationships, and speak with clarity and confidence. Her work centers on appreciation, validation, and understanding another person's reality, even when emotions are high.

The episode begins with Michelle and Dayne discussing why our instinct to defend ourselves often intensifies difficult moments instead of easing them. From there, they explore the power of leading with appreciation, why validation is non-negotiable, and how empathy can completely shift the outcome of a tough conversation.

If you are navigating conflict at work or at home, Dayne's words will help you feel more grounded and prepared for whatever conversation comes next.

• Why appreciation is the most effective way to begin de-escalation

• How validating someone's feelings can transform a difficult moment

• How defensiveness can quietly escalate conflict

• The role empathy plays in creating productive dialogue

• How emotional intelligence supports healthier communication

• Why perspective is essential in building relationships

• How to approach tough conversations with clarity and calm

Connect with Dayne: https://linkedin.com/in/dayne-whitehurst https://instagram.com/daynewhitehurst

Want to become a published author? Join our multi-author book program → sulitpress.com Follow Sulit Press on Instagram → @sulitpressbooks

This is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the creators and guests. For any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected].

What do you do when your body is screaming for help, but no one seems to hear you?

In this episode of Her Best Chapter, Michelle sits down with Avery Toomes, a poet, playwright of Your Power, soon to be Empathy Impact author, assistant editor at TRIBEZA, and… the editorial assistant here at Sulit Press!

Avery talks openly about what inspired her chapter in Empathy Impact: the years she spent in severe pain, the fear of not knowing what was happening inside her body, and the way she was constantly brushed off by doctors and her community.

Everything changed the day she learned the truth. Avery was diagnosed with a rare disease called acromegaly, caused by a benign tumor on her pituitary gland secreting growth hormone. That diagnosis explained the years of pain, the physical changes she saw in the mirror, and the sense of losing herself long before she knew why.

Avery shares what it felt like to finally be believed, her journey of diagnosis to brain surgery, her writing process as she wrote her chapter, and why she now leads with empathy in a world that often rushes to judge. Her story is brave and honest, and it speaks to anyone who has ever felt overlooked, misunderstood or alone inside their own experience.

• What acromegaly is and why it is so hard to diagnose

• How chronic pain affected every part of Avery's life

• What it feels like to be dismissed by doctors and family

• The moment she found out she had a brain tumor

• How writing helped her process everything she went through

• Why empathy can change the way we show up for each other

Connect with Avery → https://www.instagram.com/averylaaa Read more of her personal writing here → https://substack.com/@averylaaa Find her on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/avery-toomes

Become an author with us → https://sulitpress.com Follow us on Instagram → @sulitpressbooks

This show is independently produced by Sulit Press. The views shared belong to the hosts and guests. Questions? Email [email protected].

In this episode of Her Best Chapter, we are exploring the emotional and spiritual transformation that can happen when a woman finally gives herself permission to tell her story. Host Michelle Savage is joined by Deanna Cox, a consultant and the owner of Premier Business Consulting. With more than 30 years of experience, Deanna has dedicated her career to empowering women and uplifting businesses across Texas.

Deanna shares her experience writing in Pieces to Purpose and again in Woo Woo, where she opened up about returning to her faith after years of distance. Through the process of writing, she discovered a deeper sense of peace, purpose and self-trust. She explains how putting her truth on paper helped her move through old wounds, reconnect with herself and strengthen her relationship with God.

This conversation is heartfelt, honest and generous. Whether you are considering writing your own story or simply curious about the connection between creativity, faith and emotional wellbeing, this episode offers a beautiful look at what can happen when women choose to write their truth.

• How writing becomes a tool for emotional and spiritual healing • Why Deanna chose to share her story publicly for a second time • The connection between faith, courage and creative expression • What shifted in her life after becoming an author • How storytelling builds confidence, clarity and deeper self-belief • Why community support and vulnerability matter in the writing process • Deanna's advice for women who feel called to write but feel afraid to begin

Deanna is a consultant and the owner of Premier Business Consulting, bringing more than 30 years of experience in helping businesses grow while empowering the women who lead them. She is a passionate public speaker and a best-selling author. Deanna is an active member of the Austin chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. She is also involved in Texas Women in Business, the Christian Business Women's Network and the Texas Restaurant Association. Her work is grounded in faith, purpose and a commitment to creating positive change.

Website: https://www.sulitpress.com/deannacox

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deannacoxtexas

More from Sulit Press

Want to become a published author? Join our multi-author book program → sulitpress.com Follow Sulit Press on Instagram → @sulitpressbooks

After a life-altering accident at age three, Jo Albertson came back with a clear knowing: the body is intelligent, loving, and always communicating. On this episode of Her Best Chapter, Jo shares how she blends touch therapy, energy work, and cellular memory to help clients hear their inner guidance, move stuck emotion, and reconnect with their authentic selves. We talk intuition vs. the "monkey mind," body image, near-death experiences, women's healing, and what to expect on Jo's table.

Since 1986, Jo has helped clients understand the science of the body-mind connection and the spiritual guidance available within. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in physical education and health, is a former licensed massage therapist and instructor, and a certified Reiki III practitioner. Her mission: help people trust the loving inner voice that offers guidance, comfort, and inspiration—anytime. Jo is a best selling author in the recently released, Woo Woo.

• Your body is your walking autobiography. It retains events, and how you reacted to them. Healing often happens when the reaction is witnessed and released.

• Intuition is quiet; ego is loud. Turn down the chatter with simple practices (walks, gardening, showers) that make space for subtle signal.

• Touch matters. Even in energy work, soothing the nervous system opens access to deeper information and change.

• Women's leadership is rising. Reconnecting to the body helps women step into clarity, compassion, and authentic power.

• Come curious, not attached. Jo's rule: "Expect nothing." The body will reveal what's most needed today; deeper layers come with ongoing work.

• Guest: Jo Albertson — joalbertson.com | Facebook: All things Jo

• Book: Woo Woo: True Stories of Magic, Miracles & Infinite Possibilities — Get your copy ➜

• Work with Sulit Press — Apply for the Multi-Author Book Program

Disclaimer: This show is independently produced by Sulit Press. The views shared belong to the hosts and guests. Questions? Email [email protected].