Pockets of Knowledge

In this inspiring episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes Jane Barlow Christensen—author, master herbalist, and founder of Barlow Herbal Specialties—for a rich conversation about the healing power of nature and how we can reclaim our health with simple, time-honored remedies. Jane shares her unique upbringing, growing up with a father who was a medicinal botanist, and how that early exposure to herbal medicine shaped her lifelong passion for plants and natural healing.

Jane and Desiree dive into the fascinating world of herbal remedies, discussing why trusting natural medicine is more important than ever and how small, everyday choices—like incorporating fresh herbs and spices—can make a significant difference in our overall well-being. Jane also talks about her book, Be Your Own Shaman, a modern guide inspired by her father’s work, designed to make herbal wisdom accessible and empowering for everyone.

The conversation touches on why modern lifestyles have distanced us from nature’s pharmacy and how returning to simple practices—like growing your own herbs and cooking at home—can lead to better health and a deeper connection with the world around us.

If you’re curious about plant medicine, holistic wellness, or simply looking for inspiration to take better care of yourself, this episode is packed with encouraging insights and actionable advice.

Bio:

Jane Barlow Christensen is a master herbalist known for her work with herbal remedies and natural healing.  She is the owner of Barlow Herbal Specialties, a company that focuses on offering herbal products.  Jane has a passion for teaching people about the benefits of medicinal herbs and how they can be integrated into daily life for health and wellness.  Her knowledge and expertise come from both her personal experiences and her family legacy in the world of herbal medicine.

She is the author of “Be Your Own Shaman,” a book dedicated to teaching people how to easily utilize plant medicine in our everyday lives.

She believes that each of us is responsible for ourselves and the love, joy, spiritual and physical health that we experience. 

She is the 2nd oldest of 14 kids and grew up in rural Idaho.  Jane has two grown sons and two grandchildren.

Connect with Jane:

Website: https://barlowherbal.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtq9uAZnU8ay7y2e8Xl2mGQ

Books mentioned:

Pivot, A Memoir by Machaelle Wright - https://amzn.to/43KjcYz

Anastasia (The Ringing Cedars, Book 1) by Vladimir Megre (Author), Leonid Sharashkin (Editor), John Woodsworth (Translator)

The Trap: What it is. How it works. And how we escape its illusions by David Icke (Author) - https://amzn.to/4jp2tzF

The Dream: The Extraordinary Revelation Of Who We Are And Where We Are by David Icke (Author) - https://amzn.to/4mMm147

The Reveal: The next stage of human awareness by David Icke (Author) - https://amzn.to/3Su5e84

Podcasts mentioned:

 Gregg Braden

 Bruce Lipton

 Joe Rogan and Tucker

YouTube mentions:

Next Level Soul 

 The Inspired Channel

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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!

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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 thought-provoking and candid episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with author Christina Braver for a conversation as insightful as it is inspiring. Christina shares her winding journey from clinical psychologist and healthcare tech professional to becoming a romance novelist with a mission: to bring sex positivity, emotional depth, and real-world complexity into the stories we love to read. Christina talks about how her background in psychology informs the deeply human characters in her books, and how she weaves authentic experiences—including topics like endometriosis, sexual agency, and communication in relationships—into her stories. Desiree and Christina dive into the evolving world of romance novels, exploring how today’s stories shift away from outdated tropes to include diverse bodies, experiences, and sexualities—all while normalizing consent, vulnerability, and emotional healing. Whether you're a romance fan, a curious listener, or someone navigating your own journey of sexual wellness and self-discovery, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and a whole lot of heart.

Bio:

Christina Braver writes steamy, small-town, contemporary romance usually set in the Pacific Northwest. Her stories are about strong heroes with softer sides, independent heroines with a bit of sass, and the guaranteed happily-ever-after we all need.

She has a master’s degree in clinical psychology and uses that knowledge to create well rounded character driven stories described as “a little bit nerdy and a little bit dirty.” Influenced by books and information from prominent sex therapists, her novels bring toe curling spice and real-life sexy tips, as well as address deeper issues such as women’s sexual health and sex positivity for everyone.

When she isn’t writing, Christina can be found laughing too loudly with friends, sipping wine, or reading. She lives outside Seattle with her husband who shares his bourbon, and two teenagers who don’t tell their friends what Mom writes.

Connect with Christina:

Email

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Books mentioned:

Your Two Lips: A Steamy Small-Town Contemporary Romance (Perry Harbor Book 1) by Christina Braver (Author)

Formula One Noel: A Steamy Contemporary Holiday Romance (Perry Harbor Standalone) by Christina Braver (Author)

Vegas Baby: A Steamy Contemporary Holiday Romance by Christina Braver (Author)

Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent, and Navigating the New Masculinity by Peggy Orenstein (Author)

Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape by Peggy Orenstein (Author)

Coming Together: Embracing your Core Desires for Sexual Fulfillment and Long-Term Compatibility by Danielle Harel PhD (Author), Celeste Hirschman MA (Author)

Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections by Emily Nagoski Ph.D. (Author)

Magnificent Sex: Lessons from Extraordinary Lovers 1st Edition, by Peggy Kleinplatz (Author), A. Ménard (Author)

Better Than I Ever Expected: Straight Talk About Sex After Sixty by Joan Price (Author)

Podcasts mentioned:

Shameless Sex Podcast

Ask A Sex Therapist

Pillow Talks

Please Me Podcast with Eve

Trigger Warning: In this episode, we discuss experiences related to molestation and sexual abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, consider reaching out to RAINN or your local support services.

In this profound and thought-provoking episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Denise G. Lee, healing and leadership coach, podcast host, and advocate for authentic self-expression. Denise shares her powerful journey from misaligned career to deeply impactful coach, offering a raw and insightful look at what it means to truly heal, redefine success, and lead from a place of self-awareness.

Together, Desiree and Denise explore how healing isn’t just about overcoming pain—it’s about reconnecting with who we are at our core. Denise opens up about her personal path of transformation, emphasizing that healing is rarely linear and often messy, but essential for growth. She breaks down what boundaries really are (and what they’re not), how to honor your own energy without guilt, and why self-awareness is key to setting meaningful limits in both personal and professional relationships.

They also unpack the difference between authenticity, vulnerability, and transparency—three powerful but often misunderstood concepts—and how we can share our stories with intention rather than performance. Denise shares practical tools for navigating difficult emotions, setting healthy boundaries, and using lived experiences to empower ourselves and others.

This episode is rich with wisdom and straight talk. Denise’s compassionate yet no-nonsense approach will inspire anyone ready to reclaim their voice, heal old wounds, and show up more powerfully in life and leadership.

Don’t miss this empowering conversation that reminds us: healing is personal, growth is messy, and true leadership begins with knowing ourselves.

Bio:

Denise specializes in helping leaders and solo entrepreneurs transform their challenges into breakthroughs. With over a decade of experience, I offer clear, actionable strategies that simplify decision-making and accelerate success. My coaching blends no-nonsense advice with empathetic support tailored to empower business owners to tackle their unique obstacles and lead with confidence.

Connect with Denise:

Website: https://info.deniseglee.com/learnwithdenise

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deniseglee/

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

Resources:

 deniseglee.com/blog

Books mentioned:

Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud (Author), John Townsend (Author) - https://amzn.to/43oOpQX

Mary Kay on People Management by Mary Kay Ash (Author) - https://amzn.to/45gM5Og

Miracles Happen: The Life and Timeless Principles of the Founder of Mary Kay Inc. by Mary Kay Ash (Author) - https://amzn.to/4mpv1Mg

Feeling Good: Overcome Depression and Anxiety with Proven Techniques by David D. Burns (Author) - https://amzn.to/4dvkzPo

Podcasts mentioned:

The Introverted Entrepreneur with Denise G Lee - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/introverted-entrepreneur/id1493189674

In this empowering and insightful episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Elle O’Flaherty, founder of Interlace Solutions, executive coach, and ADHD specialist, to discuss how professionals—especially those with ADHD—can thrive in their careers without compromising their mental energy or sense of self. Elle shares her personal journey from nearly two decades as an attorney to becoming a certified coach helping people understand and work with their unique brains instead of against them.

Elle breaks down what it really means to have ADHD, debunking outdated misconceptions and emphasizing its creative strengths, especially in today’s fast-paced, distraction-heavy work culture. From tackling productivity challenges and burnout to designing workspaces that reduce distraction and promote flow, she offers practical, down-to-earth advice on how to build success by leaning into your strengths—not forcing yourself into systems that don’t fit. Desiree and Elle also talk about the rise in ADHD diagnoses among women, particularly during midlife transitions, and the emotional impact that realization can have.

Whether you’re navigating career changes, struggling with procrastination, or trying to thrive in a workplace that wasn’t built for neurodivergent minds, this episode offers smart, actionable tools and compassionate validation. Elle explains how interest-based brains operate differently, why traditional productivity tips often fail ADHD minds, and how methods like “body doubling,” task bundling, and leaning into creativity can radically improve how we work and live.

If you’ve ever felt like the standard career playbook doesn’t work for you, this episode is packed with encouragement and useful strategies to help you reclaim your time, energy, and confidence. ADHD or not, Elle’s insights are a powerful reminder that success looks different for everyone—and that’s something to celebrate.

Bio:

Elle O'Flaherty is a performance optimization and career satisfaction speaker and coach who helps audiences accelerate their growth. She delivers fun presentations, interweaving the life-changing with the practical. Elle founded Interlace Solutions, an executive coaching firm with an ADHD subspecialty. In her previous life, she was an attorney for 17 years and knows how to help others make a career pivot.

Connect with Elle:

Email: [email protected]

https://linktr.ee/interlacesolutions

Website: https://www.interlacesolutions.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012939309898

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

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

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

https://www.interlacesolutions.com/contact

Books mentioned:

ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction-from Childhood through Adulthood by Edward M. Hallowell, John J. Ratey - https://amzn.to/3RX3tQq

YouTube:

How To ADHD with Jessica McCabe - https://www.youtube.com/c/HowtoADHD

Episode #64 featuring Moni Castaneda from Fung Shui 4 Us- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pockets-of-knowledge/id1647662137?i=1000639209774

In this warm and inspiring episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Susan Hensley, transformational coach, speaker, and author of The Art for Your Sanity, to explore how the simple act of play—through art journaling—can help us navigate chaos, reconnect with ourselves, and unleash unexpected joy. Susan shares her deeply personal story of stumbling into art journaling during a busy corporate career and how that playful “accident” became a powerful tool for emotional processing, creativity, and self-discovery.

Susan explains how picking up crayons, watercolors, or a glue stick—without any pressure to create something “perfect”—can offer a safe and healing outlet for our most complex emotions. Whether you're managing anxiety, feeling stuck in a life transition, or battling perfectionism, she encourages listeners to drop the pressure, reconnect with their inner child, and embrace curiosity over mastery. Desiree and Susan also explore the idea of using art to navigate emotional duality, build resilience, and even uncover hidden inner wisdom through symbols and imagery.

From honoring messy feelings to giving yourself permission to simply play, Susan makes the case that art journaling isn’t about being artistic—it’s about giving yourself space to feel, reflect, and grow. She also shares why this practice is especially powerful during life transitions, and how color, shape, and collage can tell us more than words alone. With a refreshingly down-to-earth tone, she reminds us that creativity is accessible to everyone—and that healing doesn’t have to be heavy or complicated.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, creatively blocked, or stuck in perfectionism, this episode offers a hopeful nudge to try something new—without the pressure to get it right. Grab a crayon, let go of judgment, and rediscover the joy of creating just for you.

Bio:

Susan Hensley is a transformational coach, speaker, and author dedicated to helping people navigate life’s transitions with joy, creativity, and resilience. With decades of experience as a corporate executive and leadership coach, Susan deeply understands the challenges and opportunities that come with major life changes.

Drawing on her extensive background in HR, coaching, and journalism, Susan’s mission is to empower people to unlock their inner wisdom, creativity, and sense of play during times of uncertainty and change. She guides clients through workshops, speaking engagements, and one-on-one coaching to rediscover their authentic selves and infuse their lives with more color, meaning, and joy.

Connect with Susan:

Website: https://susan-hensley.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-hensley-63a4753/

TEDx Talk: Dare to Be Bad: A Path to Joy and Wisdom - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl0CVLgBZHk&t=77s

Books mentioned:

Art for Your Sanity: How Art Journaling Can Help You Manage Chaos and Unleash Joy by Susan Hensley (Author) - https://amzn.to/4gV14kd

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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 & empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com.

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This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. This episode may contain advertisements for products and services. 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 heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes Jewel Hohman, a coach, connection enthusiast, and expert on building meaningful friendships. Jewel shares her personal journey of overcoming emotional loneliness, high-functioning social anxiety, and the struggle to find deep, fulfilling connections—experiences that ultimately led her to become a coach dedicated to helping others cultivate authentic friendships.

Jewel dives deep into the science of friendship, explaining why connection is essential to our mental health and how factors like shame, social media, and modern isolation culture have made true connection harder to find. She introduces a powerful model—the "Friendship Triangle"—to help listeners understand how meaningful friendships are built through meaningful moments, vulnerability, and consistency. Jewel also offers practical advice for navigating the "social avoidance" cycle, deepening existing friendships, and creating new connections, even if you're feeling anxious, shy, or out of practice.

Together, Desiree and Jewel explore how simple changes like unplugging from your phone and embracing small social risks can reignite connection, and why building "social fitness" is vital for long-term well-being. Jewel’s compassionate, actionable strategies remind us that creating deep friendships is possible at any stage of life—and that connection is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer and receive.

If you've ever longed for deeper friendships, struggled with overthinking social interactions, or felt unsure about how to reconnect with others, this episode is packed with hopeful, practical tools you can start using today to build a more connected and fulfilling life.

Bio:

As a connection enthusiast with a degree in psychology and sociology, over 4000 hours of friendship coaching, and a pending master’s in social work, Jewel combines Evidence-Based self-help and the latest friendship research to help women build friendships that actually nourish them. In a post-pandemic world where millions are lonelier and more disconnected than ever, this conversation is urgent but mostly ignored, and I’m on a mission to change that!

Connect with Jewel:

Website: https://www.connectionwithjewel.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jewel-hohman/

Resources:

https://www.connectionwithjewel.com/authentic-connections-freebie

Podcasts mentioned:

The Socially Delightful Podcast with Jewel Hohman https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-socially-delightful-podcast/id1752724241

In this practical and empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes Morgan Adams, holistic sleep coach and founder of Morgan Adams Wellness. Morgan shares her personal journey from battling years of insomnia and reliance on sleeping pills to becoming a certified coach who now helps women reclaim their rest naturally. She opens up about her struggles with Ambien, how the pandemic triggered a renewed interest in sleep health, and what ultimately inspired her to launch her wellness business.

Morgan breaks down the real reasons so many of us struggle with sleep, including stress, circadian rhythm disruption, hormonal shifts, and environmental factors. She also explains how our mindset, daily routines, and even nutrition play a role in getting restful sleep. From building consistent wake-up times to getting early morning sunlight, she shares simple, science-backed strategies that can make a huge difference.

Desiree and Morgan dive into everything from sleep trackers and their potential downsides to the truth about waking up at 3 a.m. and why you shouldn’t always believe the thoughts you have in the middle of the night. Morgan also offers practical advice on creating a better sleep environment, using movement and nutrition to support sleep, and how to stop labeling yourself as a “bad sleeper.”

Whether you’re someone who wakes up groggy, lies awake with racing thoughts, or just wants to improve your sleep hygiene, this episode is filled with helpful tips, real talk, and compassionate support. Tune in to learn how small shifts can help you sleep better, feel better, and show up more fully in your life.

Bio:

Morgan Adams is a transformative holistic sleep coach who empowers women to conquer their battle with sleepless nights, without reliance on sleep medications. With her powerful sleep toolkit, Morgan not only ensures that women experience a profound enhancement in their sleep quality, but she also guides them in rekindling their relationship with sleep, paving the way for less stressful and more fulfilling days.

Having struggled with insomnia and dependency on prescription sleeping pills for almost a decade, Morgan intimately understands the profound impact sleep has on one’s quality of life.

Morgan’s resilience shines bright as a two-time breast cancer survivor. This experience fueled her advocacy for a lifestyle rooted in disease prevention. Her wisdom and guidance extend far beyond just sleep, as she champions holistic well-being in all aspects of life.

Connect with Morgan:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.morganadamswellness.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morgan.a.blake

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganadams.wellness/

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

Resources:

https://mycircadianapp.com/

Books mentioned:

 Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker - https://amzn.to/4j8qwDD

Podcasts mentioned:

 Sleep Is a Skill by Molly Eastman - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sleep-is-a-skill-podcast/id1501931597

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

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Alara Sage, wealth embodiment mentor and creator of the Wealth Flow Framework, for a deeply insightful conversation about healing our relationship with money, personal power, and creative energy. Alara shares her personal story of spiritual awakening and financial collapse—how losing everything led her to discover the root causes of wealth instability and a deeper, more sustainable way to embody abundance.

Alara explains how generational beliefs, ancestral wounds, and societal programming shape the way we relate to money, power, and sexual energy, and why true wealth isn’t just about income—it’s about how we feel, how we show up, and how deeply we’re connected to our inner creative life force. With clarity and compassion, she outlines how we can begin to reprogram limiting beliefs, shift our subconscious patterns, and build a new foundation for abundance rooted in empowerment and self-awareness.

You’ll learn how to assess your own relationship with money—whether it’s rooted in avoidance, fear, or anxiety—and how to begin creating a healthy, loving, and conscious connection to it. Alara also shares practices for activating wealth through intentional actions, breathwork, gratitude, and perception shifts, and how to align with your future self to magnetize your goals with less hustle and more flow.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “all the right things” but still struggling to feel safe, prosperous, or creatively fulfilled, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a grounded and empowering conversation that will help you reconnect to your inner power and start creating wealth from the inside out.

Bio:

Alara Sage is an intuitively gifted wealth embodiment mentor who coaches provocatively and soulfully. She helps changemakers and trailblazers embody their wealth consciousness, creative genius, and visionary potential. As the captivating host of the Wealth Embodied podcast, Alara imparts practical wisdom and transformative insights, weaving a tapestry of knowledge that unravels the mysteries surrounding wealth and abundance.

Alara, the visionary behind the Wealth Flow Framework, empowers individuals to revolutionize their connection with wealth through a harmonious fusion of breathwork, Metaprogramming, and quantum mechanics. She believes that we are here to embody the frequency of wealth to create life magically.

Connect with Alara:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.alarasage.com

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alara-sage/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/alarasage

Resources:

https://www.alarasage.com/sexyaf-manifestation-ebook

Books mentioned:

The Millionaire Mind (Millionaire Set) by Thomas J. Stanley -  https://amzn.to/3G6cp33

Podcasts mentioned:

Wealth Embodied with Alara Sage - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wealth-embodied/id1701428059

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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 & empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com.

———

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

In this deeply inspiring and empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes Debbie R. Weisse, a multi-published author, speaker, and podcast host. Debbie shares her transformational journey from decades of caregiving—supporting her father, her son with autism, and her late husband—to finding her own path to self-discovery and fulfillment. Through her experiences with loss, resilience, and reinvention, she proves that it’s never too late to pursue something new.

Debbie opens up about the power of small, intentional changes and how she shifted her mindset to overcome limiting beliefs, financial struggles, and health challenges. She discusses her weight loss journey, the moment she realized she had the power to change her life, and how small, consistent actions led to lasting transformation. She also talks about overcoming financial burdens and learning to embrace possibility instead of fear.

Now an author of two books—On Second Thought, Maybe I Can and The Sprinkle Effect—Debbie shares how writing became a therapeutic and life-changing process. She explains how her second book is a practical guide to making small but impactful life shifts, with actionable exercises and journaling prompts designed to help readers break free from self-doubt and create meaningful change. She also introduces her podcast, Maybe I Can, where she inspires listeners to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new possibilities.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, this episode will remind you that you have the power to change your life. Tune in for an uplifting conversation on mindset, resilience, and the courage to take that first step toward the life you truly want.

Debbie’s journey is proof that small steps lead to big changes. Tune in to hear how you can shift your mindset, take control of your story, and finally say, Maybe I can!

Bio:

With over 50 years of experience dealing with some of life’s toughest challenges, Debbie is an expert in chasing your own dreams in spite of your circumstances. She is the best-selling author of the memoir “On Second Thought, Maybe I Can,” as well as a co-author in the Amazon best-seller collaborative book “Heart Whispers.” In addition, Debbie is an entrepreneur running both an insurance agency and her online store, “A Sprinkle of Hearts,” host of the “Maybe I Can” podcast, inspirational speaker, family caregiver, and mother.

Debbie has overcome her own limiting beliefs and fears, allowing her to begin to live her best life. Her life’s passion is helping and inspiring others to do the same.

In her spare time, Debbie loves to laugh, dance, read, and stay active.

Connect with Debbie:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

TikTok

Books mentioned:

On Second Thought... Maybe I Can by Debbie Weiss (Author)

The Sprinkle Effect: A Guide to Creating a More Colorful and Fulfilling Life by Debbie Weiss (Author)

You Are a Badass®: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero (Author)

Podcasts mentioned:

Maybe I Can with Debbie Weiss

 Primal Potential with Elizabeth Benton

The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial

In this fun and uplifting episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes back Gina Ramsey, author of Burnt Gloveboxes: Embracing Life When It Goes Up in Flames and its newly released Volume 2. By day, Gina is a medical social worker, but by night, she’s an authorpreneur, sharing humorous, real-life mishaps that bring laughter and joy to readers. She discusses how her writing journey began, how she balances a full-time career with writing, and the power of humor in navigating life’s challenges.

Gina shares her passion for storytelling, resilience, and finding joy in everyday mishaps. She talks about the inspiration behind her books, the process of writing and refining her stories, and how laughter can be a powerful tool for stress relief and mental well-being. She also reveals how readers have connected with her work, including heartwarming stories of how her books have helped bring laughter to people going through difficult times.

In addition to writing, Gina discusses her new podcast, Laugh Lines in Turbulence, which she co-hosts with her friend Debbie. The show focuses on women over 50 embracing new opportunities, career changes, and life’s unpredictable moments. She also shares exciting news about her upcoming anthology project, inviting people to submit their own Murphy’s Law-style stories to be published.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for inspiration, laughter, and encouragement to pursue their dreams. Gina’s infectious humor and uplifting outlook remind us all that life may not always go as planned, but with the right mindset—and a little laughter—we can turn any challenge into a great story!

Bio:

I'm a full-time medical social worker by trade. I love helping others to realize their dreams/bucket lists. After 20+ years of saying, "I'm going to write that book and begin an anthology," I finally began typing my book Burnt Gloveboxes: Embracing Life When It Goes Up In Flames in November 2021, and it was released to the world on May 9, 2023. 

My vision: bring happiness to our world one person at a time and helping others to "Find the Funny" in Life's Mishaps.

Gina Ramsey, author and humorist, is known for her on-demand singing impersonations of Ethel Merman and Tommy Boy tunes. She lives in Superior, Wisconsin, with her husband Paul, a former poultry whisperer

a.k.a. King of the Flock. Together, they have become gurus of finding the funny while navigating life’s ongoing crazy mishaps and blunders.

Connect with Gina:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.ginaramseyauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginaramsey429

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginaramsey429/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-ramsey-a83b87181/

Books mentioned:

Burnt Gloveboxes: Embracing Life When It Goes Up in Flames by Gina Ramsey and Deborah Kevin 

Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom (Author)

The Last Lecture Paperback – by Randy Pausch (Author), Jeffrey Zaslow (Author)

Podcasts mentioned:

Laugh Lines & Turbulence with Deb & Gina - https://open.spotify.com/show/108Onc2y18eZl0EYS2OGLJ?si=ff7b7507247948b0