💙 Important Note: Today’s episode contains conversations about suicide. If this topic is sensitive for you, please take care while listening. If you need support, call 988 in the U.S. or reach out to crisis resources near you.

"When you hand your child the world through social media, you're also giving the world access to them."

In this heart-wrenching yet empowering episode, Stacey sits down with Erin Popolo, a courageous mother who shares the devastating story of losing her 17-year-old daughter, Emily, to suicide after relentless cyberbullying. Erin walks us through Emily's life—her gentle spirit, her struggles with mental illness, and the increasing isolation and cruelty she faced online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Erin opens up about the unimaginable grief of that loss, the horrifying experience of her daughter's funeral being targeted by online bullies, and how she's transformed her pain into activism. From founding Emmy's Champions to advocating for the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), Erin is now on a mission to protect children and hold social media platforms accountable. This is an urgent, deeply human conversation about love, loss, and the power of purpose.

What You'll Learn:

Erin Popolo is a devoted mother turned activist following the tragic loss of her daughter Emily to suicide in 2021. Erin is the founder of Emmy's Champions, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about cyberbullying and mental health, offering scholarships, and organizing community events like the annual Kindness Fair. She also works with national organizations such as Parents for Safe Online Spaces (PSOS) and advocates for federal legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). Through her relentless work, Erin is fighting to ensure no other parent has to endure the pain she lives with daily.

Follow & Support Erin:

Resources & Links:

If this episode moved you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and follow the podcast. More importantly, visit the PSOS website to learn how you can support the Kids Online Safety Act. Contact your representatives. Be part of the change. Protect our children. #BeKind #EmmysChampions #PassKOSA

#Cyberbullying #StopCyberbullying #OnlineSafety #DigitalWellbeing #KindnessOnline

"When a woman finds her strength and continues to go, she will eventually succeed."

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Stacey sits down with Wendy Alexander—career coach, activist, and survivor—to explore her extraordinary life journey. Born and raised in apartheid-era South Africa, Wendy shares how early encounters with racial injustice shaped her spirit of resistance and ultimately forged the foundation of her purpose. From leading youth protests to surviving domestic violence and financial ruin, Wendy’s story is one of incredible resilience and radical reinvention.

Listeners will gain intimate insight into Wendy’s transition from surviving trauma to thriving as a successful career strategist, author, and global coach. Along the way, she reveals how midlife women can reclaim their confidence, purpose, and power in a rapidly evolving world—and why it’s never too late to begin again. Wendy speaks candidly about motherhood, mental health, menopause, starting over, and her passion for lifting others into lives they love.

What You’ll Learn:

Wendy Alexander is a globally recognized career strategist, writer, and speaker who empowers midlife professionals to reboot their careers with purpose and passion. Having endured and overcome systemic racism, financial loss, and personal trauma, Wendy brings lived experience and deep compassion to her coaching work. Her business, Happy Career Hub, helps clients across Australia and around the world navigate professional transitions with confidence and clarity.

Connect with Wendy:

If this episode sparked something in you—whether it inspired, challenged, or opened your eyes to new possibilities—don’t forget to hit subscribe, leave a thoughtful review, and share it with someone who could benefit from Wendy’s journey. For more behind-the-scenes moments and a sneak peek at future guests, join us on social media.

"Big and small dreams are worth paying attention to – everyone deserves joy, however they choose to find it."

In this deeply moving and empowering episode, Stacey reconnects with her cousin, Alison Krupnick, whose life story unfolds across continents, careers, and challenges. From her time as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer working on the frontlines of refugee resettlement, to navigating multiple cancer diagnoses, to her bold relocation to Portugal, Alison shares how she continually embraced change, pursued meaning, and reclaimed joy. The conversation traverses topics like international diplomacy, healthcare inequity, the reinvention of identity post-career and motherhood, and the healing power of food and community. With warmth and insight, Alison offers a rare perspective on resilience, adaptability, and making a new life on your own terms.

What You’ll Learn:

Alison Krupnick is a writer, former Foreign Service Officer, education advocate, and expat currently living in Portugal. With a career that has spanned international diplomacy, communications, and community organizing, Alison is also the author of Ruminations from the Minivan: Musings from a World Grown Large, Then Small. Her essays have been featured in publications such as the Harvard Review and The New York Times. Alison writes a Substack newsletter and continues to explore life through travel, cooking, and cultural immersion.

Connect with Alison:

If this episode inspired you to embrace your own evolution, take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Life. Reimagined with Stacey Ray. Share it with a friend who’s ready to step into their power—and don’t forget to follow us for more conversations that ignite reinvention and authenticity. 🌟

“Caregiving isn’t about perfection—it’s about doing your best, choosing to care, and finding ways to keep your own tank full along the way.”

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Amy Goyer, AARP's National Family and Caregiving Expert, shares her decades-long journey of caring for multiple family members while also working full-time. From supporting her grandparents with Alzheimer's to navigating her parents' complex health issues, and even serving as the primary caregiver for her sister, Amy's story is filled with lessons on resilience, love, loss, and the critical importance of self-care. She and host Stacey explore the emotional realities of caregiving, including guilt, relief, burnout, and the importance of community support. Amy also offers practical resources from AARP, tips on legal and financial planning, and strategies for filling your own “tank” so you can better care for others. This is a must-listen for anyone in the caregiving role or preparing for it.

What You’ll Learn:

Amy Goyer is AARP's National Family and Caregiving Expert, with over 40 years of experience working in the field of aging and caregiving. She has personally cared for her grandparents, parents, and sister, giving her a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience. Amy is the author of multiple books, including Juggling Work and Caregiving, and is a sought-after speaker and advocate for family caregivers nationwide.

Connect with Amy:

Social Media 

If this episode inspired you to embrace your own evolution, take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Life. Reimagined with Stacey Ray. Share it with a friend who’s ready to step into their power—and don’t forget to follow us for more conversations that ignite reinvention and authenticity. 🌟

Hollywood, Hormones & Reinventing Life After 50

In this poignant and wildly engaging episode of Life. Reimagined., host Stacey sits down with the ever-insightful and endlessly witty Constance McCashin. Best known for her role as Laura Avery on the long-running primetime soap Knots Landing, Constance opens up about her bold pivot from Hollywood actress to licensed therapist. Together, they explore themes of aging in the spotlight, the marginalization of mature women in media, the deeply personal influence of her sister with Down syndrome, and the profound power of human connection. This is more than a conversation—it’s a tribute to resilience, humor, and the audacity to reinvent.

What You'll Learn:

Constance McCashin is an American actress and licensed clinical social worker. She gained national fame portraying Laura Avery on Knots Landing for nine seasons and later transitioned into a second career in mental health. Holding multiple advanced degrees, including in psychology and social work, Constance now practices as a therapist specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, and trauma. Her approach blends warmth, humor, and deep empathy—qualities that shine through both her on-screen performances and therapeutic work.

Connect with Constance McCashin:

If this episode inspired you to embrace your own evolution, take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Life. Reimagined with Stacey Ray. Share it with a friend who’s ready to step into their power—and don’t forget to follow us for more conversations that ignite reinvention and authenticity. 🌟

"It’s never too late to find your marvelous."

In this inspiring and laugh-out-loud episode, Stacey sits down with Felicia Madison, stand-up comedian, comedy booker, and the force behind the West Side Comedy Club and FUNY (Funny University of New York). Once a stay-at-home mom who felt like something was missing, Felicia took a leap in her 50s to try stand-up comedy—and never looked back. From her first class to running a top NYC club, Felicia shares how she transformed midlife uncertainty into a thriving comedy career. The two delve into ageism in comedy, the thrill (and terror) of open mics, and the surprising joy of being a late bloomer. Full of wit, wisdom, and real talk, this episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering if it's too late to start over.

What You’ll Learn:

Felicia Madison is a New York-based comedian, producer, talent booker, and founder of Funny University of New York (FUNY). She began her comedy career in her 50s after years as a stay-at-home mom, quickly rising in the scene with her signature observational wit and savvy show production. She now runs the West Side Comedy Club, nurturing rising comedians and bringing diverse voices to the stage. Her YouTube special "Better Than Sex" has garnered thousands of views and she recently appeared on the new pilot of "America's Funniest People."

Connect with Felicia:

If this episode inspired you to embrace your own evolution, take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Life. Reimagined with Stacey Ray. Share it with a friend who’s ready to step into their power—and don’t forget to follow us for more conversations that ignite reinvention and authenticity. 🌟

"Photography creates legacy on both sides of the lens. When it captures your essence, it proves that version of you exists."

In this inspiring episode of Life. Reimagined., host Stacey chats with internationally awarded Master Photographer, educator, and creative entrepreneur Cat Ford-Coates. From a bullied teen to a global visual storyteller, Cat shares her unconventional journey into portrait photography, her brief detour into opera and sake brewing, and how photography ultimately became her soul-aligned calling. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the transformative power of seeing and being seen. Learn how Cat empowers individuals and fellow creatives through powerful imagery and business mentorship, redefining success one portrait at a time.

What You’ll Learn:

Cat Ford-Coates Cat Ford-Coates is one of only a handful of internationally awarded Fellow Master Photographers with The Portrait Masters. As CEO of Atelier Unforgettable in Asheville, NC, Cat leads with artistry and intention—creating legacy-driven portraits and brand campaigns for individuals, families, and entrepreneurs. Beyond the studio, she’s a sought-after speaker, educator, and founder of The Studio Takeover, a business coaching platform empowering photographers to master both craft and commerce. Her work has earned multiple Telly and Communicator Awards and has been featured on FOX, NBC, CBS, and more.

Connect with Cat:

If this episode inspired you to embrace your own evolution, take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Life. Reimagined with Stacey Ray. Share it with a friend who’s ready to step into their power—and don’t forget to follow us for more conversations that ignite reinvention and authenticity. 🌟

"From academic death sentence to unstoppable resilience, Ellen Busch reveals how she rewrote her life story."

In this powerful and transformative episode, host Stacey sits down with Ellen Busch—author, coach, speaker, and survivor—to explore her remarkable journey of overcoming dyslexia, surviving an abusive marriage, and forging a life of empowerment. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a time when it was poorly understood, Ellen was told she had no future. 

With the unwavering support of her parents, she defied expectations, earning advanced degrees and excelling in healthcare and technology. Her story takes a turn through deep personal trauma, including psychological abuse, before she discovers strength, healing, and transformation through rigorous self-development programs, including training with retired Navy SEALs. Ellen's story is one of hope, resilience, and an unshakable belief that it's never too late to reclaim your power.

What You'll Learn:

Ellen Busch is an American author, coach, and speaker best known for her memoir, (dis)Empowered: How I Turned an Academic Death Sentence Into My Life’s Greatest Adventure. Diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, Ellen overcame tremendous odds to become a champion for dyslexia awareness and domestic abuse survivors. Her professional background includes roles in the medical technology industry, and she holds a bachelor's in Health Science and an MBA. Ellen also trains in elite personal development programs led by Navy SEALs and is a certified Unbeatable Mind coach. She currently lives in Colorado, embracing her love for skiing and the outdoors.

Connect with Ellen:

Loved this episode? Be sure to follow or subscribe to Life. Reimagined for more inspiring stories and actionable insights. If Ellen's journey moved you, leave a review, share this episode, and help us empower more listeners. Your support makes all the difference!

“Reinvention isn’t about starting over—it’s about evolving into the fullest version of ourselves.”

In this illuminating episode of Life. Reimagined with Stacey Ray, Stacey sits down with two-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and creative powerhouse Shannon Malone-deBenedictis. Known for her heart-stirring documentaries like Penguin Town, Secrets of the Whales, and Inside the Mind of a Cat, Shannon opens up about her personal and professional journey—one marked by reinvention, resilience, and radical authenticity.

Together, they explore the emotional depths of wildlife storytelling, Shannon’s transition from high-powered network executive to founder of Padlin Creative, and what it truly means to live—and lead—fully unapologetically. From the sidelines of Little League to the frontlines of wildlife documentary filmmaking, Shannon brings humor, heart, and hard-won wisdom to this honest and empowering conversation.

Whether you’re navigating a midlife pivot, yearning to tell your own story, or simply need a reminder that you’re allowed to take up space, this episode is a masterclass in courage, creativity, and finding purpose through passion.

Shannon Malone-deBenedictis is a two-time Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, creative consultant, speaker, and founder of Padlin Creative. With decades of experience working with Disney+, Netflix, and National Geographic, Shannon has told powerful stories that bring nature’s wonders and human truths to life. Beyond the camera, she empowers individuals—especially women—to step into their fullest, boldest selves through speaking engagements and programs like “Fully Unapologetic” and “Life After TV.”

If this episode inspired you to embrace your own evolution, take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Life. Reimagined with Stacey Ray. Share it with a friend who’s ready to step into their power—and don’t forget to follow us for more conversations that ignite reinvention and authenticity. 🌟

"I put fear below purpose — I did it scared, but the purpose was more important than how I felt."

In this inspiring episode of Life. Reimagined., Stacey welcomes Sarah Pittendrigh, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, mindset coach, motivational speaker, and author, to share her incredible journey from bankruptcy to business triumph and personal fulfillment. Sarah opens up about the life-shattering challenges she faced — from the collapse of a business that left her bankrupt and homeless as a single mother, to overcoming malignant melanoma twice — and how she found resilience, purpose, and success through it all. Together, Stacey and Sarah explore the power of mindset, the importance of doing things scared, and the transformative impact of her signature framework, The I CAN Method. This is a conversation brimming with wisdom for anyone looking to reimagine their life and turn adversity into opportunity.

Learn more about Sarah's story here.

Sarah Pittendrigh is a Northumberland-based entrepreneur, mindset coach, motivational speaker, and author of The 'I Can' Method. After experiencing bankruptcy and personal hardship during the 2008 recession, Sarah founded Simply Bows & Chair Covers, a thriving national business that transformed the events industry through franchising. Sarah now helps others shift from “I can’t” to “I can” through her coaching programs, speaking engagements, and writing. She is also an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust Women Supporting Women campaign and Everywoman.

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