At just eight years old, Claire McManus knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up. Sitting in her father's truck at a construction site, she asked how he knew what to build. When she drew a building project on her notebook paper, he turned her sketch into architectural plans and her lifelong passion was born. Today, Claire has transformed that childhood dream into Alabaster Home Design Studio, her own architecture firm where she creates custom residential designs with purpose and intention.

The road from that truck seat to entrepreneurship wasn't straight and smooth. Claire shares the pivotal moment when her first architecture school project was destroyed by wind minutes before presentation day, resulting in a zero grade that threatened her entire academic future. Rather than abandoning her dreams, she pivoted—adding a business degree alongside her architecture studies, a combination that would later prove invaluable.

What makes Claire's story particularly compelling is her willingness to embrace calculated risks. While establishing her architecture firm, she simultaneously pursued real estate licensure, recognizing how these fields could complement each other. "I think that the two would really overlap and complement each other," she explains, describing late nights studying after full workdays while also building her own home.

Claire speaks with refreshing honesty about the challenges of entrepreneurship—the financial uncertainty, the need to handle everything from design to marketing, and the struggle to charge appropriately for her expertise. "I'm very much 'I just want everybody to be happy,'" she admits, "but you know, really learning your worth... it's not a side gig anymore, it's my job."

Throughout our conversation, faith emerges as the foundation of Claire's professional journey. The name "Alabaster Home" references the biblical story of a woman breaking her most precious possession to anoint Jesus—symbolizing Claire's commitment to giving her best in service to others. This spiritual grounding provides perspective during difficult moments: "Every time these thoughts of doubt enter my mind, God just takes it away."

For anyone contemplating their own entrepreneurial leap or simply navigating career uncertainties, Claire's story offers wisdom beyond her years and the gentle reminder that sometimes our biggest setbacks lead to our most authentic path forward.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

What happens when a school psychologist with 18 years of experience decides to completely transform her career path? Laura Flowers joins us to share her remarkable journey from education professional to life coach and Reiki master practitioner, revealing the courage it takes to walk away from security toward purpose.

Laura opens up about what compelled her to leave the stability of her psychology career—mounting paperwork, expanding caseloads, and less time actually helping people. Though terrifying to step away from a reliable paycheck and benefits, she describes the energizing joy of finally working with women in transition on her own terms, combining Western psychological principles with Eastern energy healing techniques.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Laura explains Reiki energy work and how blocked chakras manifest as both physical ailments and emotional struggles. She shares practical wisdom about the power of stillness and breath, offering listeners simple techniques like box breathing to center themselves in moments of stress. Most compelling is her philosophy on trust—both trusting oneself completely and approaching relationships with open trust until proven otherwise.

Behind Laura's confident guidance lies profound personal experience with life's greatest challenges. She courageously reveals the "massive boulders" she's faced, including losing her mother to cancer at age 23 and the unimaginable pain of losing a child. Rather than letting tragedy define her, Laura has transformed these experiences into a wellspring of empathy, becoming what she calls a "lighthouse"—standing firm and grounded while providing light for others navigating storms.

Ready to explore your own infinite potential? Connect with Laura through her website lauraflowersllc.com for a free discovery call to learn how her unique blend of psychology and energy work can help you create the life you truly desire.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

How well do you actually know yourself? And what happens when that relationship with yourself becomes the foundation for everything else in your life?

Meet Becca Stackhouse Morson, owner of Stacked Intent and a passionate advocate for helping people discover their authentic selves. In this deeply personal conversation, Becca reveals how understanding your relationship with yourself transforms every aspect of your life – from finances to physical health to interpersonal connections.

Becca challenges conventional thinking about relationships by expanding beyond romantic partnerships to examine how we relate to money, nutrition, and even our habits. She shares practical wisdom about budgeting (where "every dollar has a job"), finding grace when you slip up, and understanding the crucial difference between wants and needs. Her refreshing take on financial management encourages listeners to examine their spending patterns to discover what truly matters to them.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Becca opens up about her journey into jiu-jitsu following a professional setback. What began as a way to create work-life balance transformed into a sanctuary where she found community, focus, and confidence. Her experience living with Crohn's disease further shaped her approach to self-advocacy and direct communication – skills she now helps others develop.

Throughout the episode, one powerful message resonates: loving yourself authentically creates the foundation for everything else. Whether you're navigating a major life transition or simply feeling disconnected from your true priorities, Becca's insights offer a roadmap to rediscovering your intentional self.

Ready to transform your relationship with yourself? Visit stackedintent.com to explore Becca's courses, coaching services, and details about her upcoming "Rediscover Your Intentional Self" retreat. Your journey to authenticity starts here – are you ready to take the first step?

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Ever feel like your life is running on autopilot, following someone else's blueprint? Mena Teijeiro found herself trapped in that same pattern—studying economics like her father, quitting work after marriage like her mother—until frustration forced her to ask: "Is this really my life?"

What followed was a remarkable journey from conventional success to authentic joy. In this candid conversation, Mena reveals how a hurricane threat and financial diversification unexpectedly led her to purchase 182 acres of Georgia woodland after just a 90-minute visit. When COVID hit and her children chose to live with their father, she faced her greatest challenge alone in unfamiliar territory—yet this apparent setback became the catalyst for creating The Florest retreat center and discovering her true purpose.

The heart of Mena's wisdom lies in distinguishing between being a "giver" versus an "empowered giver." For years, she drained herself by prioritizing others' needs above her own, creating resentment rather than genuine service. Now she teaches how to give from overflow—tending first to your own well-being so you can authentically support others without depletion. This philosophy extends to leadership, which she envisions as a spiral of collective growth where everyone contributes their unique gifts while being responsible for their own development.

Mena's definition of richness transcends the financial—it's found in the peace of deep breathing, freedom of choice, connection with nature, and authentic relationships. Her most vulnerable moment comes when tears well up discussing what she wishes she'd known earlier: how to love herself sooner and honor her own needs as valid and important.

Whether you're questioning your life's direction, building a purpose-driven business, or simply seeking more authentic connections, Mena's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom.  

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

How do you find joy and purpose when motherhood collides with past trauma? In this deeply moving conversation, Rachel Armstrong takes us on her journey from successful sales executive to full-time mom, revealing the beautiful and challenging transformation that changed her at her core.

"I died the day I gave birth," Rachel shares with striking honesty. This powerful statement opens a window into her experience of completely reshaping her identity through motherhood. Having grown up with an alcoholic mother who passed away in 2019, Rachel brings unique perspective to parenting - she's determined to give her son something she never fully had: peace.

The conversation explores the delicate balance between nurturing others and self-care. As a natural "people pleaser" from her childhood role of maintaining family homeostasis, Rachel candidly discusses her tendency to "pour from an empty cup" and her ongoing work to establish healthy boundaries. Her insights about regulating her own emotions to help her two-year-old son regulate his represent powerful healing across generations.

What makes this episode especially valuable is Rachel's perspective on finding richness in life's simple treasures - her son's laughter, her modest 830-square-foot home, the therapeutic fire pit in her backyard where she finds spiritual connection. She challenges listeners to practice open-mindedness and the willingness to be wrong sometimes, wisdom that extends far beyond parenting.

Whether you're a parent navigating difficult terrain, someone healing from childhood wounds, or simply seeking more authentic connections, Rachel's journey will inspire you to embrace both the struggles and joys that shape who we become. Her message that "peace is coming" offers hope that our most challenging experiences can ultimately lead to our greatest healing.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

What happens when a therapist who spent 25 years struggling with dieting decides to share her hard-earned wisdom? Kyla Holley's journey from dieting despair to becoming director of the Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour reveals powerful insights about our complex relationship with food.

In this candid conversation, Kyla shares how her New Year's Day boredom led to creating an award-winning podcast that unexpectedly transformed her professional visibility. "I became the product," she explains, describing the pivot from flying under the radar to stepping fully into the spotlight. Her story illuminates how sometimes the most meaningful contributions come when we create what's missing—whether that's launching a training center with just $2,000 or starting a podcast with zero experience.

At the heart of Kyla's approach is the revolutionary yet simple concept that improving our relationship with food begins with self-compassion. She introduces her practical 80-20 rule: nurture your body with nutritious foods 80% of the time, and enjoy guilt-free pleasure the other 20%. "It's never about the food," Kyla emphasizes, "it's always about something else." This perspective shifts the focus from restrictive dieting to understanding the emotional foundations of our eating behaviors.

Perhaps most refreshing is Kyla's authentic take on resilience in an increasingly sensitive world. Drawing from personal experience, she advocates for building inner strength rather than avoiding challenges—a philosophy that extends beyond food to embrace life's inevitable unfairness. Her straightforward advice resonates with anyone tired of the dieting rollercoaster: there's a better way forward than cycles of restriction, guilt, and shame.

Ready to transform your relationship with food? Listen now and discover why Kyla Holley's compassionate, no-nonsense approach has resonated with listeners worldwide.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

What happens when the thing that brings you joy accidentally becomes your career? Caitlin Davis stumbled upon the answer when she took a cookie decorating class during the pandemic, seeking something that was just for her amidst the all-consuming experience of new motherhood. That single class transformed into "The Cookie Momster," a thriving custom cookie business that created 17,000 edible works of art last year.

Caitlin's story defies the typical entrepreneurial narrative. After stepping back from her medical assisting career during COVID while pregnant with her first daughter, she found herself seeking balance between motherhood and personal fulfillment. When she first told her husband she wanted to start decorating cookies, neither imagined it would become what it is today – a full family enterprise with her mother as business partner, handling the logistics while Caitlin brings her artistic vision to life.

The conversation explores the beautiful complexity of modern motherhood and entrepreneurship. From creating cookies for a one-eyed horse's birthday to navigating the challenges of running a food business under cottage laws, Caitlin shares how she's learned to embrace her unique path despite sometimes feeling her work wasn't "career worthy." She discusses living next door to her parents (who are also business partners), the importance of establishing healthy boundaries, and how running a business has taught her to value her own time and talents.

Most powerfully, Caitlin reflects on her journey toward better self-talk and confidence – realizing that the harsh inner critic she once tolerated wasn't something she'd want her daughters to inherit. "If I heard them speaking to themselves like that, I would not be happy," she shares, revealing how motherhood became the catalyst for personal growth that benefited both her family and business.

Ready to be inspired by cookies and courage? Listen now, and remember Caitlin's powerful reminder: "Taking the different road is okay. It's okay to be a little different."

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Annette Funderburk, President of Ingram State Technical College, brings us inside the transformative world of prison education with striking candor and compassion. Her institution stands alone among Alabama's community colleges—dedicated exclusively to serving incarcerated individuals across the state's correctional facilities.

"Just because you made a mistake doesn't make you a mistake,"  Funderburk shares, revealing the philosophy that drives her work helping people rebuild their lives behind prison fences. As a first-generation college graduate herself, she understands profoundly how education creates pathways where none seemed possible before.

The conversation takes us deep into the challenges and triumphs of teaching in correctional settings. From hiring instructors who see potential where others might only see crimes, to developing comprehensive support systems that follow students from incarceration to employment, Ingram State's approach addresses the whole person.  Funderburk explains how they're breaking generational cycles by helping parents become positive role models through education and stable employment.

Most compelling are the stories of transformation—watching students arrive lacking confidence, then witnessing their evolution into disciplined learners preparing for life beyond prison walls. The college doesn't just teach technical skills but focuses on building critical thinking abilities that were often missing when poor decisions led to incarceration.

Whether you're interested in criminal justice reform, education's transformative power, or leadership in challenging environments, this conversation will shift your perspective on what's possible when we invest in second chances. Listen now and discover how stomping to your own drum—as the podcast's theme suggests—can mean creating opportunities where society often sees only dead ends.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

In this enlightening episode, we dive into the life of Amy Lucas, a transformative figure in nursing whose journey spans diverse fields from family practice to regenerative medicine. Amy shares her unique experiences working within prison healthcare and her revelation that empathy and respect can lead to healing even for those society often overlooks. Through her personal journey with injuries and discovering regenerative medicine, listeners gain insights into alternative healing methods that challenge conventional wisdom.

Amy also highlights the unexpected role that jujitsu plays in her life—empowering her physically and mentally while fostering a supportive community. This episode invites listeners to reconsider how they view health and healing, encouraging a shift in mindset that acknowledges the body's innate abilities. With a focus on perseverance, courage, and holistic practices, Amy's story acts as a beacon of hope for anyone contemplating their own health narrative. Join us as we explore practical advice, compassionately navigate through complex health topics, and emphasize the significance of a resilient mindset. This episode is not just for healthcare enthusiasts but for anyone eager to embrace change and transformation. You'll love this inspiring journey into the heart of healing!

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

What does it take to thrive as a young designer in the bustling world of advertising? In our latest episode, we're joined by the incredibly talented Dyneisha Gross, whose unique journey from Baltimore to the heights of the creative industry offers a blueprint for success and resilience. Dyneisha opens up about the hurdles she has overcome, from battling imposter syndrome to navigating a space often dominated by toxic masculinity. She shares her strategies for coping under pressure and the importance of mentors in her career. Her story is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief in a high-stakes environment.

Balancing a demanding career with personal life is no small feat, especially when working remotely in an industry as fast-paced as advertising. Dyneisha candidly shares her experiences as a black woman striving for recognition and work-life equilibrium in a challenging field. Discover her tips for staying visible, from virtual coffee chats to seizing opportunities for face-to-face engagement. Despite the challenges, Dyneisha's passion for design and unwavering commitment to her career shine through, as she offers a heartfelt reflection on personal growth and professional development in uncertain times.

We also explore the themes of leadership, mentorship, and personal evolution during life transitions, including the impact of the pandemic. Dyneisha offers profound insights into what makes a great leader—empathy, communication, and authenticity. As we discuss the importance of a supportive network, listeners will find her reflections on mentorship and trust-building particularly enlightening. Dyneisha's journey through challenges and change underscores the importance of finding purpose in creative work while staying true to one's roots, inspiring us all to embrace growth and seek fulfillment in both personal and professional spheres.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff