Pockets of Knowledge

In this transformative conversation, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Lynn M. Bunch, intuitive educator and founder of the Center for Intuitive Education, who has spent nearly 30 years demystifying intuition and teaching people how to trust their inner wisdom without apology.

Lynn shares how she built her life's work around making intuition tangible and accessible—not woo-woo or untouchable, but a normalized tool for navigating life's challenges. She introduces the ID Blueprint™, a framework she developed over decades that functions like "the PhD of your own consciousness"—a roadmap covering six core life areas (relationship, wisdom, support, time, health, and finance) that helps you identify your bottom lines, understand your emotional patterns, and stay aligned with who you truly are.

Throughout the episode, Lynn gets real about emotional regulation and why most people make their emotions wrong instead of using them as information. She shares why the things you don't confront will become confrontations later. She also tackles the hard truth most people aren't ready to hear: you're responsible for how you navigate everything that happens to you—even the worst things.

Lynn opens up about her own journey through cancer, childhood trauma, and life's wounds, explaining the crucial difference between speaking from a wound versus speaking from a scar. And she challenges the victim mindset with fierce compassion, reminding us that our spirit is always bigger than our human circumstances.

Whether you're feeling stuck, ignoring your gut instincts, struggling with emotional patterns you can't name, or ready to stop giving your power away to people and circumstances, this conversation offers both permission and a practical path forward.

Bio:

Lynn M. Bunch is an intuitive educator, spiritual guide, and transformation expert with over 25 years of experience helping individuals connect with their inner wisdom to create lasting change. Through her unique ID Blueprint™ curriculum and one-on-one coaching, Lynn empowers her clients to break free from emotional blocks, align their energy, and manifest their desires with clarity and confidence.  

 Lynn’s bold, direct approach has helped thousands worldwide overcome emotional obstacles and create real-world results. Whether through private sessions, group events, or her ID Blueprint™ certification program, Lynn offers practical tools and intuitive guidance to help individuals transform their lives, heal emotional wounds, and unlock their full potential.  

 Known for her no-nonsense teaching style, Lynn is passionate about helping others embrace their intuition as a powerful tool for personal empowerment. She believes everyone has the ability to live a life of purpose and alignment, and she is dedicated to helping her clients achieve that through clear action steps and intuitive insights.  

 With a mission to help people take responsibility for manifesting their desires, Lynn’s approach blends emotional healing with intuitive practices to create a harmonious, empowered life.  

Connect with Lynn:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

Resouces:

Intuitive Insights Event

———

Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!

———

This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

This is not intended to treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are suffering from any medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.

In this empowering conversation, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Kelly Schuknecht, founder of Two Mile High Marketing and host of Beyond the Bestseller podcast, who shares her journey from 17 years in publishing and marketing to building her own agency—and helping professional women do the same.

Kelly opens up about the two and a half years she spent preparing for a job loss she could feel coming when her company was acquired. Instead of panicking when it finally happened, she went all in on her business dream. 

Throughout the episode, Kelly breaks down the difference between personal branding (how people perceive you) and thought leadership (what people come to you for expertise on)—and why you need both to stand out, especially in an AI-saturated world. She gets tactical about promoting a book without beating people over the head with "buy my book," leveraging podcast interviews for content repurposing, and building a 30-day content strategy around your expertise. She also shares why authors need to show their human side, not just their work.

Kelly explains her unique approach to fractional marketing: starting with a two-hour workshop that results in a go-to-market funnel with actionable tactics, not just abstract strategy. She also discusses her Author Power Circle, writing retreats, and her upcoming book, “The Authority X Factor”.

Whether you're an author struggling to promote your book, an entrepreneur who knows you should be "out there" but don't know how, or a professional woman ready to step out from behind someone else and build your own platform, this conversation offers both inspiration and a practical roadmap.

Bio:

I’ve spent over 17 years in marketing, helping entrepreneurs and professionals elevate their brands and grow their businesses. But my journey wasn’t a straight line—it was shaped by the challenges of navigating leadership, motherhood, and a deep desire to do meaningful work. 

Like many women, I wanted to build a career I was proud of without sacrificing my family or my values. That’s when I discovered the power of thought leadership: sharing your expertise and story in a way that inspires others and drives real growth. 

Today, I run Two Mile High Marketing, where I specialize in fractional marketing and thought leadership development. I also host the Beyond the Bestseller podcast, where I empower women to share their stories, build their platforms, and make an impact. 

I’m passionate about helping professionals—especially women—navigate the messy middle of leadership, entrepreneurship, and visibility. Whether we’re talking about marketing strategy, personal branding, or the nuances of remote work, I love sharing insights that help others take actionable steps toward their goals. 

Connect with Kelly:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

TikTok

Resouces:

https://kellyschuknecht.com/resources#free-downloads

Books mentioned:

Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life by Shannon Russell - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9798992075403

https://amzn.to/477X0ci

Podcasts mentioned:

Beyond the Bestseller with Kelly Schuknect - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bestseller/id1780870099

Shannon Russell Ep #158 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pockets-of-knowledge/id1647662137?i=1000732973105

———

Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!

———

This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

In this brain-science-backed conversation, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Dorota Kosiorek, AI startup leader, brain-based coach, and former management consultant who combines neuroscience and sport psychology to help high performers stop burning out and start winning sustainably.

Dorota shares her journey from high-pressure consulting to discovering that working on her own terms unlocked both productivity and joy—but also revealed our brains aren't built for constant information bombardment and always-on culture.

After a decade climbing the corporate ladder, she realized the higher she went, the less aligned she felt. When a startup opportunity appeared, she made the leap—discovering that working on her own terms unlocked both productivity and joy. But it also revealed something crucial: our brains aren't built for constant information bombardment and always-on culture.

She introduces the "Strategic Off-Season"—borrowing from elite athletes who build recovery into performance cycles—and gets practical with environment design, recovery routines, and visualization techniques for high-stakes situations.

Whether you're running on fumes or want to perform at your best without sacrificing well-being, this conversation offers a science-backed roadmap for sustainable success.

Bio:

Dorota Kosiorek—AI Startup Leader, Brain-Based Coach, and former management consultant (PwC, BCG). My work sits at the intersection of Neuroscience, Sport Psychology, and Hospitality. She combines business strategy with athlete psychology to help you stop grinding and start winning.

While most coaches focus purely on "grinding harder," I focus on Environment Design. I help leaders curate a high-performance lifestyle that includes a "Strategic Off-Season"—the intentional recovery required to sustain elite decision-making over the long term. 

I am currently living a dual reality: By day, I lead international teams at a tech scale-up. By night, I am building a portfolio career and "scouting" the world to launch a future hospitality brand. 

Connect with Dorota:

Website: https://dorotakosiorek.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorota.kosiorek.56/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindbydorota/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorotakosiorek

Substack: https://thestrategicoffseason.substack.com/

Books mentioned:

The Power of Systems: How to Create a Life that Works by Steve Chandler Trevor Timbeck - https://amzn.to/3Pva1Yg

Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--and How to Think Deeply Again

by Johann Hari - https://amzn.to/4bgQbXZ

Books by  Joe Dispenza 

Podcasts mentioned:

Huberman Lab - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/huberman-lab/id1545953110

What if the distance you feel from others actually starts with the distance you feel from yourself? In this reflective conversation, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Kristan Swan, M.Ed., a former business coach turned life and spiritual guide who helps people come home to themselves.

Kristan shares her non-linear journey from business coach to spiritual guide, and how the pandemic's depletion led her to ask: what's one small way I could bring people together? Her answer: help people close the gap within themselves first. When we slow down enough to get curious about ourselves, we create space for authentic connection with others.

She explores the three buckets of stories we carry—the ones we tell ourselves, the ones we've inherited, and the ones we're willing to share—and challenges the idea that our pasts define us. Every day presents choices to write a new chapter. Kristan tackles why changing your mind isn't a character flaw (it's what thoughtful people do), the practice of non-judgmental observation, and why slowing down is an act of kindness.

She also introduces "mapping hope"—the idea that if we're skilled at imagining worst-case scenarios, we owe ourselves equal time exploring best-case possibilities. And she shares her journaling tools like "Spaghetti on the Wall" for daily awareness and "Heart Mapping" for when words fail.

Whether you're feeling stuck, exhausted from proving yourself, or disconnected from who you are beneath the noise, this conversation offers permission to slow down, get curious, and remember: your story is still being written.

Bio:

Kristan Swan, M.Ed. is a business coach turned life and spiritual guide devoted to helping people come home to themselves. After years spent guiding entrepreneurs and leaders to build successful businesses, she now uses that same strategic insight to help people build lives that feel deeply aligned with who they are. Kristan’s work invites you to explore your deepest truths, question the beliefs you’ve inherited, and reconnect with the inner wisdom you may have been taught to ignore. She believes that curiosity is one of the most powerful tools we have — a way to approach our lives with openness, creativity, and compassion.

Her work is rooted in the belief that our pasts do not define us — they inform us. And when we learn to honor where we’ve been, we create space to shape where we’re going. Kristan’s mission is simple yet profound: to help you see that your story is still being written — and to give you the courage, clarity, and creativity to write it on purpose.

Connect with Kristan:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://kristanswan.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristan.swan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristanbrowne/

Books mentioned:

The Book of Awakening-Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have by Mark Nepo - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781590035009

A Year with Hafiz: Daily Contemplations by  Daniel Ladinsky - https://amzn.to/479aAwZ

Podcasts mentioned:

The Treatment with Elvis Mitchell - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-treatment/id73330616

What if the depression, anxiety, or feeling of "not enough" isn't who you are—but just your body trying to tell you something? In this transformative conversation, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Dr. Anna Marie Frank, the “Mindset Doctor”, to explore how our thoughts literally shape our biology and why healing starts with listening to your body.

Dr. Anna Marie shares her journey that moment launched a 20-year journey into holistic health and brain science—leading her to walk away from an 18-year six-figure career at 40 to build Happy Whole You, her thriving wellness practice.

She breaks down the science of epigenetics—how your environment (what you see, eat, listen to, touch) tells your cells how to behave—and explains how your brain's "Google search engine" filters reality to validate whatever you're looking for, and why a dysregulated nervous system is behind most struggles with health and decision-making.

Dr. Anna Marie gets practical with tools like deep breathing techniques and pressure points to calm your nervous system. She also dives into her book "Stop Bullying Yourself: Identify Your Inner Bully, Get Out of Your Own Way & Enjoy Greater Health, Wealth, Happiness and Success," sharing how that relentless inner voice of "not good enough" can be silenced when you learn to lead with soul instead of ego.

Whether you're battling that "not good enough" voice, stuck in a soul-sucking job, or exhausted from proving yourself, this conversation offers hope and a roadmap. You have more control over your biology than you think.

Bio:

Dr. Anna Marie, known as the Mindset Doctor, is a visionary leader with over two decades of expertise in human health and mindset, committed to transforming lives. Armed with a Ph.D. in Natural Medicine and certifications in Brain Health, Chinese Medicine, Traditional Naturopathy, and Herbology, she is a respected author, keynote speaker, and the host of "The Happy Whole You Podcast." As the founder of Happy Whole You, she leads the charge to destigmatize mental health and guide individuals toward holistic well-being.

Dr. Anna Marie's groundbreaking brain-nutraceuticals, mindset rewiring techniques, and holistic practices are reshaping mental health. Her diverse background—from teaching to corporate wellness to CEO and business owner—provides a relatable perspective on how to live an extraordinary life for optimal health and happiness. Anna Marie healed her brain after years of depression and challenges with dyslexia and ADHD. Anna Marie walked away from an 18-year career at 40 years old to pursue her desire to help people become happy and whole by rewiring the mind and body that hold them back.

Connect with Dr Anna Marie:

Email

Website: https://drannamarie.com/

https://happywholeyou.com/

Facebook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.anna.marie/

https://www.instagram.com/happywholeyou/

LinkedIn

YouTube

Books mentioned:

Stop Bullying Yourself - Identify your inner bully, get out of your own way & enjoy greater health, wealth, happiness and success by Dr Anna Marie

Books by 

Louise Hay

Dr. Daniel Amen

Dr. Bruce Lipton

Dr. Joe Dispenza 

Podcasts mentioned:

Happy Whole You with Dr Anna Marie Frank

———

If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!

———

This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

This is not intended to treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are suffering from any medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.

Getting fired two months into what was supposed to be your job until retirement sounds like a nightmare—but for Merry Korn, it became the catalyst for building one of the world's most successful for-profit social enterprises. In this powerful conversation, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Merry, founder of Pearl Interactive Network, Inc., to talk about transformation, resilience, and what happens when rock bottom becomes your foundation.

As a terrified single mother with two teenagers, Merry didn't crumble—she negotiated five months of severance for a two-month position and made a deal with God: show me what to do, and I'll dedicate my life to helping others. What followed was a company that grew to employ over 1,300 people across 30 states, with hiring priority given to disabled veterans, people with disabilities, and those in economically challenged communities.

Merry shares her years of "imposter syndrome"—having the title and paycheck but no passion—and why being fired could be the best thing that ever happens to you. She gets brutally practical about negotiating severance, protecting yourself during termination, and rewriting your story so you don't show up as a victim in your next interview.

Whether you've been fired, are stuck in a soul-sucking job, or feel disconnected from your purpose, this conversation offers both inspiration and real-world strategies. Merry's story proves that sometimes the worst thing that happens to you can lead to the most meaningful work of your life.

Bio:

Merry Korn is the visionary founder of Pearl Interactive Network, Inc., one of the world’s most successful for-profit social enterprise firms. After 20 years of pioneering innovation in social entrepreneurship, Merry now shares her expertise through nationally recognized content, speaking engagements, and advisory services for business owners seeking transformation and those ready to break free from career stagnation.

As a single parent with two teenagers heading to college, I was terrified. That rock-bottom moment became my foundation. In the depths of my despair, I remembered the two most powerful influences in my life: my mother, a Holocaust survivor who escaped both a death train and a death march, and Oscar Schindler, who proved that creating meaningful work could literally save lives.

Inspired by their examples, I launched a for-profit social enterprise specifically designed to hire people with the greatest barriers to employment—disabled veterans, veterans, military spouses, people with disabilities, and people living in the most economically challenged parts of the U.S. Within months, this venture grew to employ over 1,300 people across 30 states.

Getting fired forced me to finally listen to the voice inside that had been screaming at me for years—and to honor the legacy of resilience and purpose I'd inherited.

This experience inspired my book "Fired to Inspired" and my work helping thousands navigate career transitions.

Connect with Merry:

Email

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Resources

Books mentioned:

Fired to Inspired

Feel the Fear... and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers

The Artist’s Way by  Jules Cameron

 The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Podcasts mentioned:

The Mel Robbins Podcast

Brene Brown Dare to Lead

The Oprah Podcast

———

If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!

———

This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

What if you're not broken—just misaligned? In this conversation, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Stefanie Carlstedt, a Certified Human Design Business Coach who helps entrepreneurs and teams ditch one-size-fits-all strategies and build success that actually fits. After 13 years of entrepreneurial trial-and-error, Stef discovered Human Design and everything changed. Now she helps others build businesses and lives that honor who they truly are—without the burnout and confusion.

Stef shares her personal journey from corporate burnout to building a six-figure business that left her feeling empty. When her father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, she walked away from her social work career to be with him and started fresh. After his passing, a text from her sister-in-law about Human Design finally gave her the clarity she'd been searching for—and transformed her business, her relationships, and her understanding of herself.

So what is Human Design? Unlike personality tests that rely on a conditioned mind, Human Design uses your birth date, time, and location to create a personalized chart showing how you're meant to move through the world. Stef breaks down the five energy types and explains why some people thrive with hustle while others burn out, why following someone else's blueprint rarely works, and how understanding your unique decision-making process can help you stop saying yes when your body is screaming no.

Whether you're an entrepreneur struggling to find your footing, a leader trying to support your team, or someone who's tired of feeling like life has to be so hard, this episode offers practical tools and a refreshing reminder: when you align with your true design, everything shifts.

Bio:

Stefanie Carlstedt is a Certified Human Design Business Coach for Entrepreneurs and Teams. After 13 years of trial-and-error in entrepreneurship, she discovered the power of Human Design to turn burnout and confusion into clarity and sustainable growth. Today she helps business owners and teams ditch one-size-fits-all strategies and build success that actually fits, by design.

Connect with Stefanie:

Website: http://stefcarlstedt.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefanie.carlstedt.2025

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefaniecarlstedt/

Resources:

http://stefcarlstedt.com/hdreport

https://www.stefcarlstedt.com/magneticbusiness

Books mentioned:

Outlive - The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia MD - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9780593236598

https://amzn.to/4trX2qa

The Gene Keys Embracing Your Higher Purpose by Richard Rudd - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781780285429

https://amzn.to/46sPtFB

Podcasts mentioned:

The Human Design Advantage with Stefanie Carlstedt - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-human-design-advantage/id1818861491

Be Magnetic Podcast with Tara Fischer - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-magnetic-podcast/id1660554761

———

Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!

———

This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

 Next Level Soul Podcast with Alex Ferrari - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-soul-podcast-with-alex-ferrari/id1560904383

In this expansive and energizing episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with award-winning author, speaker, and high-performance coach Cortney McDermott for a conversation that blends science, soul, and strategy. With a career that spans executive roles in global corporations, bestselling books, and appearances on stages like TEDx and Mindvalley, Cortney shares how real transformation starts from within—and how we can all access deeper alignment, joy, and purpose by tuning into our own innate wisdom.

Cortney opens up about her personal journey from being miserably successful to becoming a conscious creator of a more aligned life and business. She and Desiree explore topics like intuitive decision-making, rewiring subconscious beliefs, and why “hustle culture” often leads us away from the very success we’re chasing. Cortney introduces the neuroscience behind change, the power of permission, and how curiosity can be a guiding force when we're stuck or in transition.

Throughout the conversation, Cortney encourages listeners to stop outsourcing their power and start designing a life that actually feels good—not just looks good on paper. Whether you're a high-achieving professional, a curious seeker, or someone craving more clarity and calm in your life, this episode offers practical tools and soulful insights to help you return to your center, trust your inner voice, and create from a place of true alignment.

Bio:

Cortney McDermott is an award-winning author and speaker and celebrity coach. Her work in self-development and business strategy has been featured in Inc., Women’s Health, NBC, The Huffington Post, MindBodyGreen, and SUCCESS, and her talks on human potential have been shared on stages including TEDx, Mindvalley, Oxford Saïd Business School, and Richard Branson’s private island, Necker.

With a Master of Science from the London School of Economics, Cortney blends academic rigor with real-world experience to help individuals and organizations reach their highest potential. Her career highlights include executive roles at Vanity Fair Corporation, Vice President at Sustainability Partners Inc., and successfully running her own businesses, where she has worked with brands such as Universal Music Group, Nike, Kickstarter, and Google.

Connect with Cortney:

Website: https://www.cortneymcdermott.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortneymcdermott/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortneymcdermott/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@cortinc

Resources:

https://youtu.be/L2f8w1v-Hzo?si=e_Pu3GFB5w9YXGLS

Books mentioned:

Give Yourself Permission. Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You. Cortney McDermott - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781736357019

https://amzn.to/3ZS7Vnf

 Change Starts Within You: Unlock the Confidence to Lead with Intuition

Cortney McDermott - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9780998955209

https://amzn.to/4qi10Pl

 Think and Grow Rich Napoleon Hill - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781585424337

https://amzn.to/4rqn1w5

Books by:

Alan Watts

Wallace Wattles

———

Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!

———

This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

This is not intended to treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are suffering from any medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.

In this insightful and empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes Dr. Robin Buckley—clinical psychologist, executive coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Marriage, Inc.: The Boardroom Blueprint to Lasting Love—for a thought-provoking conversation about applying business strategies to romantic relationships. With her background in cognitive behavioral psychology and executive coaching, Dr. Buckley brings a unique and strategic lens to improving communication, conflict resolution, and connection in both personal and professional partnerships.

Together, Desiree and Dr. Buckley explore how high-achieving individuals and couples can use tools like goal-setting and strategic planning—traditionally reserved for the workplace—to build healthier, more intentional relationships at home. Dr. Buckley shares how she helps couples move from autopilot to clarity by identifying shared visions, setting expectations, and having proactive conversations about topics that are often avoided until they become problems.

The conversation also touches on handling resentment, building emotional equity, and why couples therapy isn’t just for when things are broken—it’s a performance tool for growing stronger together. Dr. Buckley emphasizes that relationships are not “soft” or second-tier compared to career ambitions—they deserve structure, attention, and investment too.

Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, navigating marriage, or simply curious about how to bring more intention to your partnerships, this episode offers a fresh approach to love and connection.

Bio:

Dr. Robin Buckley earned her PhD in clinical psychology from Hofstra University, with specialized training in cognitive behavioral methodology and executive coaching. Her work as an expert in the field has been featured on multiple media platforms, including Entrepreneur, Chief, Authority Magazine, Nike, and on the 2023 TED stage. As an international speaker, Robin focuses on applying cognitive behavioral strategies to mental wellness in the workplace and to women’s equity and empowerment. As a coach, Robin applies cognitive behavioral tactics to help organizations, couples, and individuals create strategic plans for professional and personal success.

Connect with Dr Robin Buckley:

Website: https://drrobinbuckley.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/findingthepowerwithin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrobinbuckley/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robin-buckley/

Books mentioned:

Marriage Inc The Boardroom Blueprint to Lasting Love by Dr Robin Buckley- https://amzn.to/3K9MLx1

Coupon: Marriage20

 Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781594634727

https://amzn.to/4r0shHf

Podcasts mentioned:

unPAUSED  with Dr. Mary Claire Haver - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unpaused-with-dr-mary-claire-haver/id1846701533

 Wiser than me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus/id1678559416

———

Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!

———

This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

This is not intended to treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are suffering from any medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.

In this empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes career strategist and coach Rachel Spekman for a grounded and inspiring conversation about redefining work, purpose, and what it means to build a soul-aligned career. As the founder of Made For More Coaching—with a background in both startups and therapy—Rachel shares her unique approach to helping high-performing professionals move from “soul-sucking” jobs to careers that light them up.

Rachel and Desiree explore the emotional and practical realities of navigating career transitions, especially for women in midlife who feel stuck, burned out, or disconnected from their work. Rachel offers tangible tools like the “three Cs” framework (community, contribution, and challenge), career audits, and a fresh take on how to balance financial needs with emotional fulfillment. They also discuss the value of clarity, the myths around income and success, and why quitting with a plan is more powerful than just walking away.

Whether you're feeling disconnected in your current role, considering a major pivot, or simply seeking more meaning in your professional life, this episode is filled with thoughtful insights, practical strategies, and soul-level encouragement to help you step into a career that feels aligned, sustainable, and truly your own.

Bio:

Rachel Spekman is a veteran coach who helps professionals who are unfulfilled in their careers identify how to tap into their unique potential. After 15 years in marketing brands, 10 years helping startup founders, and 5 years as a therapist, she has helped hundreds of people to reinvent themselves and their careers. 

Rachel now focuses all of her time and energies on helping high-performing professionals go from high pay, miserable, and unhealthy in their careers to applying their gifts and talents in ways that make them great incomes by aligning with their values and purpose.

Connect with Rachel:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.rachelspekman.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelSpekmanCareerConsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelspekman/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MadeforMoreCoach

Resources:

https://www.rachelspekman.com/high-stakes-career-audit

Books mentioned:

Meaningful Work How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee By Wes Adams, Tamara Myles  - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781541704534

https://amzn.to/49y4UOZ

Podcasts mentioned:

 The Midlife Chrysalis with Chip Conley - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-midlife-chrysalis/id1817695682

———

Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!

———

This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.