Penny for your Shots

By Penny Fitzgerald

Welcome to Penny for your Shots, the podcast that uncorks the stories and insights of exceptional female entrepreneurs and leaders. Hosted by Penny Fitzgerald, this show is your front-row seat to e

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FAQs about Penny for your Shots:

How many episodes does Penny for your Shots have?

The podcast currently has 152 episodes available.

Penny for your Shots episodes:

September 18, 2025Presence Over Hustle: Kristi Chaves on Aligned Business
What if your business didn’t run on hustle—but on presence?
This week, I sat down with Kristi Chaves, a business coach who helps women build successful businesses rooted in alignment and authenticity. Raised in a family of coaches, Kristi brings a unique perspective on leadership, embodiment, and growth.
We covered so much good ground, including:
The surprising benefits of growing up in a coaching household
How somatic practices can transform your business
Why “mom guilt” is a story you don’t have to subscribe to
What it really means to live—and work—in alignment
The power of support and community for women entrepreneurs
Key Topics:
Presence over hustle
Business and motherhood
Somatic coaching in entrepreneurship
Alignment as strategy
Community and connection
To connect with Kristi, follow her on Instagram @KristiChaves
Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.
Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call
Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider
Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip
Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com
Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald
...more
41min
September 11, 2025Why Hustle Culture Fails Women—and What to Build Instead
Hustle harder. Push through. Work until you make it.
Sound familiar? For so many women, hustle culture has become a badge of honor—but behind the scenes, it’s leaving us burned out, resentful, and completely disconnected from the work we’re meant to do.
This week’s conversation is all about breaking free from hustle and building something better. You’ll hear the story of a woman who walked away from abuse, built and scaled multiple businesses, lost it all through betrayal, and finally discovered her true calling: helping women align with their soul’s purpose instead of chasing someone else’s definition of success.
Inside this episode:
The reality of rebuilding after loss and betrayal
Why “pushing through” doesn’t actually heal or grow your business
How to tell the difference between ego-driven goals and soul-led ones
What it looks like to build joy, confidence, and community instead of just revenue
Key Topics:
Hustle culture and burnout
Nervous system healing and alignment
Rebuilding after setbacks
Serving from your heart in business
Creating success without ego
Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.
Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call
Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider
Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip
Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com
Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald
...more
57min
September 04, 2025Cheers to 100 Episodes: Stories, Lessons, & Momentum for Women
One hundred episodes. One hundred conversations. Countless lessons, laughs, and reminders that women are powerful beyond measure.
In this milestone episode, I look back on the stories that have shaped Penny for Your Shots—from Kami Guildner’s wisdom on raising our voices, to Larissa Banting’s reinvention story, to Frankie Elder Reedy’s fire for justice, to Shirah Benarde’s scrunchie-turned-nightcap invention that’s keeping women safe.
I also share:
Why you’ll never feel “ready”—and why that’s not a reason to wait
What I’ve learned about courage, clarity, and imperfect action
Why women’s stories matter more than ever
How showing up together makes us unstoppable
Key Topics:
100th episode celebration
Memorable guest moments + lessons
Courage, clarity, and consistency
Women supporting women
Building momentum in business and life
This episode is both a celebration and an invitation—to keep showing up, to keep sharing, and to keep building momentum together.
Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call
Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider
Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip
Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com
Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald
...more
11min
August 28, 2025Reinvention, Confidence, & the Messy Middle with Angel Wilborn
Reinvention isn’t just about starting fresh—it’s about showing up, even when life feels messy.
This week, I’m joined by Angel Wilborn, the vibrant host of the GLOE podcast (God, Life, Organization, & Entrepreneurship). Angel recently rebranded her show and stepped into a new chapter with boldness and faith—and she’s here to share what that process really looked like.
Inside this conversation, we cover:
The courage (and clarity) behind Angel’s rebrand
Why women hold themselves back waiting for “perfect”
Learning to see ourselves the way others do
How to pivot with confidence when plans change
Angel’s playful take on creating joy in business
Key Topics:
Reinvention & confidence
The messy middle of business and life
Overcoming perfectionism & imposter syndrome
Podcasting, PR, and creative support systems
Finding joy, play, and accountability in your work
This one’s for anyone who’s been waiting for the “right time.” Angel reminds us the time is now.
Connect with Angel:
https://www.instagram.com/themodcosc/
The Podcast Hub
Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.
Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call
Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider
Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip
Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com
Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald
...more
1h
August 21, 2025How Sara Vezensek Went from Yacht Chef to a Life of Freedom
From yacht kitchens to coaching women around the world, Sara Vezensek has never played by the rules—and in this episode, she shares how courage (not confidence) shaped her journey.
Sara’s story takes us from waitressing in Slovenia to risking it all on a yacht job she technically wasn’t “qualified” for, to building a business that helps women claim true freedom: time, money, and location.
In our conversation, we cover:
Why chasing freedom is worth more than chasing a paycheck
How to reframe failure as nothing more than a roadblock
Why women hold the keys to real change in the world
The uncomfortable truth about comfort zones
Courage > confidence: what it really takes to start
Key Topics:
Travel and early career risks
Redefining failure
Courage, visibility, and taking risks
Building freedom as a business model
Women, wealth, and empowerment
Connect with Sara, and access her free Resources:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saravezensek/
Website: https://www.saravezcoach.com
Free Resources: https://sara-vezensek.mykajabi.com/freedownloadshere
Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.
Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call
Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider
Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip
Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com
Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald
...more
1h 2min
August 14, 2025Chicago Boudoir with Liz Hansen: Safe, Empowering, Unapologetically You
Chicago boudoir photography meets radical self-confidence in this conversation with photographer Liz Hansen. If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens during a boudoir session—and why so many women call it life-changing—this episode is your backstage pass. “Sexy is a vibe, not a size” sets the tone for a body-positive, age-inclusive approach to portraits that feel like you.
About Liz:
Liz Hansen is the owner and photographer at Chicago Boudoir Photography, a boutique studio that empowers women to feel confident in their bodies, relationships and lives. Liz opened her commercial studio in 2018 and has since photographed more than 2,000 women. She has been featured on the TEDx stage, on National Public Radio and with the Association of International Boudoir Photographers. Liz holds a BA in Art and an MA in Education. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two teenage daughters.
Takeaways:
How a guided boudoir session rebuilds self-trust and visibility
What safety, consent, and privacy look like in a real studio
Wardrobe, hair/makeup, and posing tips for real bodies
Retouching ethics and why “perfect” is not the point
Why midlife is the perfect time to step in front of the camera
Index of Key Topics:
Chicago boudoir | client experience | safety & consent
Wardrobe planning | hair/makeup | posing micro-coaching
Body neutrality vs. body positivity | retouching ethics
Midlife visibility | self-image | legacy portraits
Liz's Website: https://chicago-boudoir.com/
Social Media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagoboudoir
VIP Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VIPChicago
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicago.boudoir/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chicagoboudoir
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-hansen-9aab35173/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChicagoBoudoirPhotography
TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9bkhCXpmIE
Free e-book: https://chicago-boudoir.com/free
Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.
Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call
Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider
Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip
Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com
Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald
...more
46min
August 08, 2025What Really Happens at Wine Camp...
What do you get when you mix sunshine, sisterhood, a few bottles of rosé, and a whole lot of heart? Wine Camp 2025—and it was pure magic.
This solo episode is part recap, part invitation, and 100% a celebration of what happens when women gather with intention. Whether you were there in Virginia or watching from afar, this peek behind the curtain will give you all the feels—and a little FOMO (don’t worry, 2026 is calling).
Inside this episode:
What made Wine Camp 2025 a weekend we’ll never forget
Why caftails, rainstorms, and retro dance parties = core memories
Real camper stories that had me tearing up (in the best way)
What’s coming for Wine Camp 2026 in the Finger Lakes
How to save your spot before the good rooms are gone
Key topics:
• Community and connection for women 40+
• Creating soul-nourishing retreats and experiences
• Behind-the-scenes of hosting a retreat
• Friendship, fun, and wine-fueled joy
• An inside look at Wine Camp 2026
Ready to join the fun? Reserve your spot at pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call
Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider
Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip
Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com
Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald
...more
11min
July 31, 2025From Bartender to Brand Builder: April Wachtel’s Cheeky Pivot
What happens when a cocktail educator, brand strategist, and former Bacardi ambassador decides to launch her own product line—in the middle of a global crisis? You get Cheeky Cocktails…and one seriously inspiring journey.
April Wachtel didn’t just stumble into entrepreneurship. She tested, pivoted, and reimagined her way into it—learning from failure, navigating trolls, and bottling mixers by hand to meet demand. In this candid conversation, April gets real about what it takes to build a brand from scratch, and why separating your ego from your business is one of the most liberating things you can do.
In this episode, April shares:
Why her first business wasn’t “it”—and how she knew when to walk away
How launching during COVID actually worked in her favor
What it really looks like to bootstrap and scale (she’s still her only full-time employee!)
The mindset shift that changed everything: market feedback > perfection
How one 30-second lime-cutting video exploded to 150K views—and why she’s doubling down on digital
Whether you’re pivoting, planning, or just craving a better way to build, this convo will light a fire under you (and maybe your next happy hour).
Key Topics:
Entrepreneurship during a pandemic
Pivots, product testing, and growth mindset
Overcoming imposter syndrome and perfectionism
Visibility fears, trolls, and social media strategy
Building brand credibility with limited resources
For 15% off your order from Cheeky Cocktails, use this link: cheekycocktails.co/PENNY15
The discount will apply and show in your cart. Cheers!
Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.
Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call
Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider
Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip
Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com
Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald
...more
1h 1min
July 24, 2025From CEO to Coach: Terri Levine’s Joy-First Business Shift
Dr. Terri Levine spent years climbing the corporate ladder, eventually becoming CEO of a national healthcare company with nearly 3,000 employees. But behind the title, she felt exhausted, disconnected, and deeply out of alignment. So she walked away—without a backup plan—and said yes to coaching, authenticity, and a business built around service.
In this episode, Terri shares how she:
Went from speech pathologist to multi-million dollar entrepreneur
Quit her CEO job with nothing but 5 weeks’ pay and a ton of faith
Built a business by helping other women do the same
Ditched hustle culture and found clarity through action
Learned to lead with heart—not ego
Whether you’re craving more freedom, stuck in analysis paralysis, or trying to figure out your next chapter, this one’s for you.
Connect with Terri:
🌐 heartrepreneur.com
Topics we cover:
Reinventing your life in midlife
The power of collaboration over competition
Unlearning corporate conditioning
Creating a business that fits your life
Why “just start” is better than “get it perfect”
Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.
Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call
Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider
Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip
Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com
Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald
...more
56min
July 17, 2025PR with Heart: How to Be Visible and in Integrity
What if being more visible didn’t mean being more “salesy”?
Rachel Van Dolsen built a thriving PR agency in her twenties, but it wasn’t until she became a mom that she fully stepped into the kind of work that lights her up. Now a sought-after media strategist and soulful storyteller, Rachel helps female founders pitch themselves in a way that’s rooted in purpose—not pressure.
In this episode, we dive into:
How to pitch yourself without sounding like a walking résumé
Why visibility is service (and how to make it feel that way)
Boundaries as a non-negotiable for growth
The woo-woo side of PR—including Rachel’s past life regression
What happens when we stop trying to fit in and finally show up
Whether you’re craving more confidence, more clarity, or just a gentler way to grow your reach—this one’s for you.
Key Topics:
PR and thought leadership for soulful brands
Energetic alignment and boundaries
Building visibility with ease and intention
Personal stories from entrepreneurship and motherhood
Creative rediscovery + past life regression
Find Rachel on LinkedIn, or via her website: https://www.rachelvandolsen.com/
Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.
Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call
Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider
Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip
Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com
Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald
...more
56min

FAQs about Penny for your Shots:

How many episodes does Penny for your Shots have?

The podcast currently has 152 episodes available.