Welcome to year TWO of the podcast! In this episode, I explore what’s in store for the Live Stoked | Lead Stoked podcast for 2025, and embrace a new video format for the podcast as the episodes will be on YouTube as well. This transition, driven by my desire for authenticity, aims to deepen our conversations through visuals as so many of my guests have been amazing at storytelling. Throughout the year, I will focus on themes of empowerment and the challenges of caregiving, especially in dealing with my mother's Alzheimer's. Additionally, I will address the often-taboo subjects of physical well-being and aging, fostering open discussions to benefit both myself and our listeners. My goal is to facilitate meaningful conversations that resonate deeply and inspire growth and connection.

• Follow on Instagram - @livestoked_leadstoked (business) & @sea2mountains (personal) 
• LinkedIn -  sarahbettman
• Website - www.sarahbettman.com & www.livestoked.com
• Follow on Facebook - CoachBettman

• Kim Thomson Steel

• Allison Nitsch | Podcast Management

In this episode, I chat with Nick Loise, a seasoned sales leader, about the idea of “living stoked” by seizing life's opportunities. We talk about his personal journey, including his battle with prostate cancer, which reshaped his priorities. Nick shares insights on fostering inclusivity in the corporate world, challenging sales stereotypes through empathy and authenticity. We explore the importance of work-life balance and how technology, particularly AI, is transforming sales strategies.

Nicholas Loise has been a salesperson, sales leader, successful entrepreneur, marketing and sales executive, Presidents Club winner, speaker, and author. His third entrepreneurial endeavor is Sales Performance Team, a company focused on helping small—to midsize businesses improve their sales leadership, sales processes, systems, and playbooks. 

His passion is, and always has been, helping entrepreneurs, businesses, and professional practices market and sell better, faster, and more efficiently to help the owners improve profitability and valuations. 

He is an author and co-author of many books on sales and marketing, a sought-after speaker, creator of the GKIC/Magnetic Marketing educational courses Sales Mastery with Dan Kennedy and Dave Dee, Sales Mastery, How to Create a High Impact Sales Team, a contributor to

NO BS Guide to Direct Response Marketing, Magnetic Marketing and the NO BS Letter, Author of Moving the Sales Needle in Your Business, The Ultimate Guide to Managing Your Sales Team, and was the co-presenter of the GKIC/Magnetic Marketing Sales Boot Camps and Marketing Boot Camps focused on helping small- to medium-size businesses sell and market better. He has also been an Adjunct Professor of Marketing at North Park University in Chicago.  

• LinkedIn - nicholasloise
• Facebook - nicholas.loise
• Website - salesperformanceteam.com
• FREE Quota Busting Sales Team Pack

Guest Book Rec: 

• Let’s Get Real Or Let’s Not Play by Maham Khalsa & Randy Illig
• Entitlement by Rumaan Alam
• Creativity by John Cleese
• Professor at Large: The Cornell Years by John Cleese

• Follow on Instagram - @livestoked_leadstoked (business) & @sea2mountains (personal) 
• LinkedIn -  sarahbettman
• Website - www.sarahbettman.com & www.livestoked.com
• Follow on Facebook - CoachBettman

Books Featured on The Live Stoked | Lead Stoked Podcast

• Kim Thomson Steel

• Allison Nitsch | Podcast Management

In this episode, I chat with creative coach Lisa Hopkins, whose journey highlights living intentionally and embracing personal agency. We redefine "being stoked" as a deeper engagement with life and true joy, exploring Lisa's evolution from a shy girl in Canada to an influential figure in dance and coaching. Our discussion focuses on the transformative nature of coaching, the importance of authenticity, and cultivating creative possibilities for everyone, not just artists. We also touch on diverse inspirations for personal growth and the significance of being present to find joy amid challenges. This conversation encapsulates the essence of living stoked—choosing authenticity and growth.

Lisa Hopkins partners with creative people who want to be challenged and energized to explore, recognize and celebrate their potential and break through fears and limiting beliefs that hold them back from being artists in all areas of their lives.

She has lived and worked alongside inspiring creative people her whole life. Lisa has experienced first hand what it means to lead with passion and to follow her heart . She knows what it feels like to perform at the highest level and leave it all on the dance floor (literally & metaphorically). Lisa understands that success is often the very thing that stands in the way of becoming all that she can be in this world. She refuses to be defined by what she’s done, or to make choices based on what she thinks she should be doing next.  Lisa believes that the journey is the thing, that life is a gift and that possibilities exist in every moment if we choose to open our minds and hearts.

• Instagram - @wideopenstages
• Website - wideopenstages.com
• Book - The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating a Life of Creative Possibilities
• Podcast - Stoptime: Live in the Moment

Guest Book Rec: 

• Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day by Jay Shetty
• Keep It Moving: Lessons for the Rest of Your Life by Twyla Tharp
• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
• Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values by Robert M. Pirsig

Cassandra Speaks: When Women Are the Storytellers, the Human Story Changes by Elizabeth Lesser

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• LinkedIn -  sarahbettman
• Website - www.sarahbettman.com & www.livestoked.com
• Follow on Facebook - CoachBettman

• Kim Thomson Steel

• Allison Nitsch | Podcast Management

Today I have leadership development coach, Kristeen Barth on the podcast to talk about living authentically and empowered. We explore the balance between professional expectations and personal fulfillment, emphasizing agency and self-discovery. Kristeen shares her journey from a corporate IT career to coaching, explaining the key moments and the influence of mentors on her path. Her coaching philosophy centers on helping clients find their inner voice while navigating societal pressures. We also discuss the significance of community, curiosity, and personal identity in defining success, particularly for women in male-dominated fields. Kristeen's reflections inspire listeners to embrace their own journeys toward fulfillment and authentic leadership.

Kristeen Barth is a career and leadership coach and mentor dedicated to helping individuals and teams foster a healthier relationship with their work. By identifying and overcoming limiting beliefs and inner saboteurs, she helps clients build a mindset for sustained success and happiness. With compassion, creativity and honesty, Kristeen guides clients to explore their core identity and clarify their priorities. She challenges current thinking to identify what is working and what needs to evolve. Committed to personal growth, she assists clients in becoming the most expressive version of themselves. Her experience spans IT project and product management, post-acquisition cultural integration, leadership development, employee experience and engagement programs, coaching at all organizational levels, team culture work, and DEI initiatives. Kristeen is trained through The Coaches Training Institute and the Agile Coaching modality and holds a BS in Technology Management and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Outside of work, she enjoys the outdoors, documentaries, kettlebells, walking her dog Toby, traveling with her husband, Matt, and oat milk lattes.

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• www.kristeenbarth.com

Guest Book Rec: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

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• LinkedIn -  sarahbettman
• Website - www.sarahbettman.com & www.livestoked.com
• Follow on Facebook - CoachBettman

• Kim Thomson Steel

• Allison Nitsch | Podcast Management

In this episode I have an amazing conversation with Bibigi Haile, a dedicated coach and advocate for women’s visibility. We explore the concept of living through choice and personal agency, as Bibigi recounts her journey towards embracing freedom, shaped by her diverse cultural background and supportive upbringing. Our discussion highlights the significance of creating spaces for women to express themselves authentically, highlighting the connection between visibility and personal fulfillment. 

Bibigi Haile founded The Beauvoir Group to give women the license to be Unapologetically Visible, make bold moves, and stop apologizing for what they want from their professional lives.

As a sought-after keynote speaker and strategic advisor to women in leadership, Bibigi has rightfully owned spots on national and international stages sharing her refreshingly fierce approach to women’s visibility, imposter syndrome, and personal branding.

With a background in organizational transformation and change, her career expands over several industries including finance and investment management. She holds an M.Sc. in Strategy and an undergraduate degree in Women’s Studies. She applies a research and evidence-based approach to guide her clients through transformational change.

When she isn’t on stage, she’s still speaking – her 5-star rated, award-winning podcast Speaking with Women explores the experience of women as they navigate the complexities of crafting a career and brand that feels right for them.

Bibigi is also and especially the mother of a wise 9-year-old, third culture kid, podcast and book nerd, and a CrossFit enthusiast.

• LinkedIn - bibigi-haile
• visiblewomenconference.com
• Podcast - Speaking With Women

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• LinkedIn -  sarahbettman
• Website - www.sarahbettman.com & www.livestoked.com
• Follow on Facebook - CoachBettman

• Kim Thomson Steel

• Allison Nitsch | Podcast Management

In this final 29029 Trail series episode, I explore the contrasting approaches to life: viewing it through the lens of expectations versus embracing it as a series of personal choices. Drawing from my own experiences, particularly the challenges faced during the 29029 ultra-endurance event, I reflect on the lessons learned about growth, agency, and the importance of community. I discuss how shifting my perspective on struggles can transform them into valuable learning experiences rather than obstacles. As I look forward to future challenges and the excitement of new goals, I invite you to embark on your own journeys, celebrate personal growth while fostering connections with supportive communities. 

• 18. Becoming More of Me
• 35. Conquering 29029 Everesting and How it Has Affected My Life
• 36. 29029 Trail: The Path to Get There
• 37. 29029 Trail: What Happened
• 39. 29029 Trail: The Deep Sh*t

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• LinkedIn -  sarahbettman
• Website - www.sarahbettman.com & www.livestoked.com
• Follow on Facebook - CoachBettman

• Kim Thomson Steel

• Allison Nitsch | Podcast Management

Today my guest, Courtney O’Brien and I are diving deep into the complex world of work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and the empowering journey toward authentic living. Courtney has recently transitioned from a 22-year career in beverage marketing to embarking on an entrepreneurial path with her new venture, The Outlier Initiative.

In this episode, we explore the often-unappreciated toil that comes from acting based on perceived responsibilities, as Courtney reflects on her past experiences. We'll look at distinguishing tasks that align with personal values versus organizational demands, touching on the grieving process that leaving a job can feel like. Courtney shares poignant insights on balancing family life, shedding the "supermom" persona, and breaking free from the cycle of linking productivity to self-worth.

Courtney O’Brien is a seasoned marketing leader with 22 years of experience driving the success of iconic brands at global powerhouses like Coca-Cola, Danone, and E&J Gallo Winery. With a track record of turning under-the-radar products into household names—like launching Coke Zero into a $1 billion brand and leading Apothic Red to dominate its category—Courtney knows what it takes to win in the competitive beverage market.

As the founder of The Outlier Initiative, Courtney brings her expertise to growth-stage brands, helping them cut through the noise and achieve breakout success. Her approach is rooted in creating deep human connections between brands and consumers, clearly defining how a brand will win, and activating a bold ecosystem around it that is unconstrained by category norms. Courtney’s passion lies in helping brands beat the odds and scale successfully in a landscape where only a small fraction manage to sustain long-term growth.

Courtney earned her MBA in Marketing and Strategy from the Anderson School at UCLA, and her BA in Government and Economics from Dartmouth College. She lives in Oakdale, CA with her husband and three young children.

• LinkedIn - @courtney-obrien
• Website - theoutlierinitiative.com
• Guest Book Rec: We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers

• Follow on Instagram - @livestoked_leadstoked (business) & @sea2mountains (personal) 
• LinkedIn -  sarahbettman
• Website - www.sarahbettman.com & www.livestoked.com
• Follow on Facebook - CoachBettman

• Kim Thomson Steel

• Allison Nitsch | Podcast Management

Today we have a truly inspiring episode because we are joined by Caterina, host of the "Life Around the World" podcast and an enthusiastic advocate for DEI. Caterina's journey has taken her through six diverse countries, from the UK and Netherlands to Mexico, Swaziland, Angola, and back to her home in Italy. Together, we'll talk about her rich experiences and insights on integrating diverse cultures, leading with curiosity, and fostering authentic living. We'll explore her transformative work with NGOs, her passion for creating inclusive spaces in the workplace, and the challenges and rewards of living a globally conscious life. Whether you’re navigating your own cultural integration or seeking to understand the true impact of diversity in the workplace, this episode is filled with thought-provoking discussions that you won't want to miss. 

With nearly a decade of experience across six countries, Caterina Manzi specializes in intercultural communication and inclusive practices. Holding a MSc in International Relations and an MBA in Food & Wine, her career spans roles from NGO project management in eSwatini and Angola to consulting on innovation and sustainability in Italy.

Caterina Manzi combines her hands-on experience with a deep sense of empathy, creating spaces where diverse voices thrive and organizations unlock their true potential. Fluent in multiple languages, she offers EDI training in Italian, English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, dancing with her husband, and cuddling her cats.

• LinkedIn - caterina-manzi
• Email - [email protected]
• Website - caterinamanzi.com
• Podcast - Life Around the World

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• LinkedIn -  sarahbettman
• Website - www.sarahbettman.com & www.livestoked.com
• Follow on Facebook - CoachBettman

• Kim Thomson Steel

• Allison Nitsch | Podcast Management

Welcome to part four of my 29029 series (the first three are linked below). In this episode, I share my deep thoughts on the journey during the 29029 event, where I pushed myself to complete three marathons over three days. I reflect on the dual perspectives we can adopt in life—one of rigid expectations versus one of embracing growth through our choices. My personal struggles during the event show the unique nature of challenges and the importance of resilience. I candidly discuss a pivotal moment of doubt at mile 17, where I learned that quitting not only affects how I view myself but also limits my potential. The support from fellow participants and coaches reinforced the value of community in overcoming obstacles. Crossing the finish line, I ponder the narratives we construct around failure and success, aiming to cultivate a mindset that celebrates personal growth. My journey serves as a metaphor for life’s challenges, promoting resilience and the power of support as I plan for future adventures.

• 18. Becoming More of Me
• 35. Conquering 29029 Everesting and How it Has Affected My Life
• 36. The Journey to 29029 Trail Marathon
• 37. 29029 Trail: What Happened

• Follow on Instagram - @livestoked_leadstoked (business) & @sea2mountains (personal) 
• LinkedIn -  sarahbettman
• Website - www.sarahbettman.com & www.livestoked.com
• Follow on Facebook - CoachBettman

• Kim Thomson Steel

• Allison Nitsch | Podcast Management

In this episode, I have a special guest, Matthew Spence, on for an engaging conversation about balance, personal growth, and pursuing one's passions. Join us as we unpack the Blessing White model for employee engagement, discuss the thrill of participating in the 29029 Everesting Challenge, and explore how setting audacious goals can transform both business and life. Don't miss this insightful episode filled with authentic stories, practical advice, and a reminder to live and lead "stoked." 

Matthew is a strategic, creative and supportive Executive Coach and Consultant who has dedicated his life and career to helping leaders drive high performance organizations while becoming the best versions of themselves. He has over 25 years of experience in internal leadership roles. He’s led talent management / talent development strategy and execution at an enterprise level in some of the world’s most iconic and successful global organizations: Meta (Facebook), Levi Strauss & Co., Nike, and Gap Inc.

He’s led teams both large and small in highly unique cultures and complex high-growth global businesses, and was most recently an executive at Collibra, a late-stage SaaS startup navigating significant economic headwinds in a rapidly changing software industry.

Matthew lives with his wife and two teenage sons in the San Francisco Bay Area. He’s a former marathon runner and triathlete who now finds his challenges on the mountain. He’s an avid hiker and recently successfully completed the 29029 Everesting challenge, hiking the equivalent of Mt. Everest (29,029 vertical feet) in 34 hours in Sun Valley, Idaho in June 2024.

• LinkedIn - matthewtspence
• Website - www.mtscoaching.com

Nick Cave - Wild God

NF Music

• Follow on Instagram - @livestoked_leadstoked (business) & @sea2mountains (personal) 
• LinkedIn -  sarahbettman
• Website - www.sarahbettman.com & www.livestoked.com
• Follow on Facebook - CoachBettman

• Kim Thomson Steel

• Allison Nitsch | Podcast Management