Stacked Keys Podcast

Jessica Sanders takes us behind the judicial bench to reveal the path that led her from tough prosecutor to compassionate district court judge. With disarming honesty, she shares the delicate balance between upholding the letter of the law and honoring her own sense of justice – sometimes making decisions that feel personally difficult but legally necessary.

Having served Autauga County for over two years as District Court Judge after a decade-plus career as a prosecutor, Jessica offers a rare glimpse into what makes an effective judicial temperament. "I have to continue to study for the rest of my life," she admits, dismantling the notion that judges have all the answers. Instead, she emphasizes being studious, candid, and committed to service as foundational to administering justice fairly.

Beyond her professional insights, Jessica reveals how her relationship with her special needs brother has shaped her worldview and given her perspective on life's true priorities. Her dedication to servant leadership shines through as she describes wanting to be "the leader that will take the trash out at the end of the day" – a philosophy that guides both her courtroom and her community service through organizations like Rotary and Lions Club.

Perhaps most compelling is Jessica's perspective on personal responsibility – what she would change about the world if given one wish. "It seems like human nature for us to always have somebody else we want to blame," she reflects, advocating for a return to individual accountability as the path toward positive change. Her message of balancing faith, discipline, and service offers wisdom applicable far beyond the courtroom.

Whether you're fascinated by the justice system, seeking leadership inspiration, or simply drawn to authentic conversation about finding purpose through service to others, this episode delivers profound insights wrapped in warm, accessible storytelling. Join us for this memorable discussion with a remarkable woman who's making a difference one judicial decision at a time.

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

In this episode of Stacked Keys Podcast, host Amy Stackhouse interviews Rebekah Harrison, a fine artist from Woodstock, Georgia. Rebecca shares her journey into the art world, the struggles of balancing different creative avenues, and her passion for connecting personally with her collectors. They discuss the challenges and rewards of being a creative business owner, the importance of pursuing personal passions even as a mom, and the value of mentorship and self-kindness. Rebekah also touches on how pivotal moments, like during COVID, allowed her to embrace her dreams and pursue art full-time. They explore the dynamics of family life, societal pressures, and the therapeutic benefits of counseling. This episode is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, and finding joy in both professional and personal worlds.

00:00 Introduction to Stacked Keys Podcast

01:21 Meet Rebecca Harrison: Fine Artist

01:54 The Journey of an Artist

02:37 Connecting with the Community

05:17 Teaching and Encouraging Creativity

07:28 Artistic Preferences and Challenges

10:07 Balancing Art and Life

13:55 Dreams, Failures, and Personal Growth

21:54 Navigating Motherhood and Creativity

29:25 Family Adventures and Inspirations

33:01 Balancing Art and Business

33:21 Learning to Delegate and Manage

34:03 Finding Joy in Art Despite Business Challenges

37:07 Self-Talk and Personal Growth

38:29 Parenting Pressures and Forgiveness

42:46 The Importance of Counseling

47:34 Navigating Technology with Kids

54:48 Mentorship and Friendship

57:03 Final Thoughts and Superpowers

58:50 Connecting with Rebecca

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

What if the secret to exceptional leadership isn't about having all the answers, but about making others feel truly seen and heard? In this vibrant conversation with Neen James, the self-described "velvet bulldozer" shares her remarkable journey from growing up in a caravan in Australia to becoming an internationally sought-after executive coach and speaker.

Standing at just 4'10" and almost always dressed in her signature hot pink, Neen brings extraordinary energy to every room she enters. But her true superpower lies in what she calls "contagious confidence" – walking into any space with the assumption that everyone wants to engage with her. This mindset has propelled her through a successful corporate career and into her current role advising CEOs and leadership teams around the world.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Neen challenges our conventional understanding of luxury. Growing up with a single mother who worked multiple jobs, she learned that luxury isn't about expensive possessions but about finding beauty in everyday moments – what she now calls "champagne moments." This philosophy forms the foundation of her new book, "Exceptional Experiences: Five Luxury Levers to Elevate Every Aspect of Your Business," which includes the first-ever research study on luxury as a mindset.

Throughout the episode, Neen shares practical wisdom on building networks from scratch, managing attention rather than time, embracing adventure in daily life, and extending grace to yourself and others. Her insights on how different people make decisions (thinkers, feelers, and knowers) offer a fresh perspective on communication and leadership styles.

Whether you're leading a Fortune 500 company, building your own business, or simply seeking to create more meaningful connections, Neen's message is clear: we all have a responsibility to make the people we encounter feel valued. Take her challenge to find and share your own #ChampagneMoments, and discover how small shifts in attention can transform both your professional success and personal fulfillment.

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

What happens when life's unexpected turns lead to your most fulfilling path? Abbie Weldon never planned to leave her 11-year teaching career or enter real estate, but when her surprise third child arrived, everything changed. 

In this heartfelt conversation, Abbie reveals how she transformed a desire to be home with her baby into a thriving real estate career built on authentic relationships. "I want real estate built by relationships," she shares. "You're not just a number on my ranking report." This philosophy drives her unique approach—selling the stories and possibilities of homes rather than just listing features.

Abbie's journey is made even more remarkable by her personal health story. Having undergone two open-heart surgeries before age 21, she brings a profound appreciation for life's precious moments to both motherhood and business. This perspective shapes how she balances work demands with being present for her three children's milestones.

From practical insights on setting boundaries to navigating today's challenging real estate market, Abbie offers wisdom that transcends industry. She discusses the delicate balance of parenting in the digital age, managing youth sports commitments, and finding time for self-care amid a busy schedule.

Whether you're contemplating a career pivot, seeking better work-life balance, or simply looking for inspiration on living purposefully, Abbie's story reminds us that our deepest challenges often reveal our greatest strengths. Her message of patience, perseverance, and putting relationships first provides a refreshing counterpoint to our achievement-obsessed culture.

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

From being told she might never walk or talk to becoming a genetic counselor who helps families navigate similar journeys, Ashlyn Stackhouse Bolen's story exemplifies finding purpose through personal struggle. As a pediatric genetic counselor at UNC Chapel Hill, Ashlyn works with families seeking answers about their children's complex medical conditions—a role shaped by her own childhood health challenges.

Sixteen hours after birth, Ashlyn suddenly lost the ability to suck, swallow, and maintain muscle tone. Doctors warned her parents she might never develop normally, suggesting they consider institutional care where "she could pass peacefully." Instead, they fought tirelessly for her, through countless appointments, therapies, and five years of feeding tube dependency. Those early genetic evaluations, though they revealed no diagnosis, planted seeds for her future career.

"I've been through a lot of the testing and imaging that our families go through," Ashlyn explains, noting how this firsthand experience shapes her approach. "Even if I haven't walked their exact path, I've walked a similar one." This lived experience adds profound depth to her work of counseling families through genetic testing decisions, diagnosis processing, and the emotional complexities that follow.

The conversation explores the beautiful intersection of science and faith in Ashlyn's life. Before pursuing genetic counseling, she completed a Theology, Medicine and Culture Fellowship at Duke Divinity, wrestling with challenging questions about genetics through a Christian worldview. Rather than seeing conflict between scientific understanding and spiritual belief, she describes how they complement each other in providing a holistic perspective on human suffering and purpose.

Beyond her professional identity, Ashlyn shares insights on marriage, family dynamics (including the joys and challenges of living next door to parents), and cultivating independence through studying abroad. She articulates a life philosophy centered on seeing people beyond their diagnoses or limitations: "They're image bearers of God...treasure their life."

For anyone wrestling with finding meaning in difficult circumstances or seeking to transform personal challenges into purposeful work, Ashlyn's journey offers powerful encouragement. Her story reminds us that sometimes our greatest struggles become the foundation for our most meaningful contributions to others.

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

What happens when a physicist with a master's degree in chemistry falls in love with an IT professional from an olive-producing family? Marianna Devetzoglou extraordinary journey from city life to becoming "the crazy girl in the olive groves" illustrates how following unexpected passions can transform your entire existence.

The turning point came during a family dinner when Marianna tasted her future mother-in-law's homemade olive oil. That singular moment sparked curiosity that evolved into Oleosophia—a family business connecting people worldwide to authentic, high-quality Greek olive oil through immersive tastings and direct relationships. Rather than selling bulk oil to anonymous traders, Marianna and her husband George created something deeply personal, where every bottle carries their story and values.

Balancing entrepreneurship with raising two young children requires creativity and sacrifice. Marianna works during her toddler's activities, after bedtime, or before dawn—scattered moments that accumulate into progress. The olive harvest season demands even more: picking olives by morning, pressing by night, sleeping briefly, then beginning again for an entire month. Yet within this exhaustion lies magic—deep connection to the land, celebration of productivity, and continuation of traditions spanning generations.

The most powerful aspect of Marianna's approach isn't just producing exceptional olive oil but creating what she calls "community" rather than customer loyalty. Visitors become extended family, returning multiple times, sending friends, even featuring her olive oil at their weddings. Her tastings aren't rushed sampling sessions but two-hour explorations where guests discover their own palates while learning to distinguish quality from mediocrity.

Discover how ancient olive groves remind us that wisdom accrues with age, that simplicity often constitutes true luxury, and that resilience comes from roots deep in both soil and tradition. Visit oleosophia.com to experience Marianna's olive oil or book a tasting when you travel to Greece—and become part of this growing community connecting people across continents through liquid gold.

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

What does it mean to truly walk your own path while supporting others on theirs? In this fabulous conversation with Kristie Chandler, we explore the delicate balance between personal growth and professional leadership.

Kristie shares her fascinating journey from growing up in the hospitality business (complete with a family restaurant and a bed and breakfast in Natchez, Mississippi) to becoming an educator specializing in human development and family science. Her story reveals how seemingly disconnected experiences—from hospitality to residence hall director to orientation leadership—weave together to create a unique professional journey.  "No job is a waste of time," a sentiment that resonates throughout Kristie's career path.

The conversation takes compelling turns as we talk of  what makes an effective leader in today's world. Kristie's philosophy centers on speaking truth in love, focusing on people's strengths rather than deficits, and creating collaborative visions rather than dictating direction. She candidly shares personal challenges that shaped her perspective, from health scares to the difficult balance of career ambitions and family priorities, offering listeners valuable insights on maintaining identity beyond professional titles.

Perhaps most thought-provoking is Kristie's approach to teaching controversial subjects like family law and policy. Her commitment to walking "the middle line" while encouraging students to develop their own values-based opinions demonstrates an admirable educational ethos. She makes the idea of education exciting and relevant. Similarly, her passion for international education reveals how stepping outside comfort zones creates optimal conditions for profound personal growth.

We talk about having your close group of friends and those in your inner circle who are there for you. Whether you're navigating career transitions, seeking to be a more effective leader, or simply wanting to live more authentically, Kristie's wisdom on intentional community-building and lifelong learning offers practical guidance for stomping to your own drum while helping others find their rhythm.

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

What happens when everything you've built crumbles and you're left to rebuild from scratch? Stephanie Watts knows this journey intimately. Once a successful nurse and pharmaceutical developer, her life took a devastating turn when severe illness struck, eventually diagnosed as Lyme disease after years of misdiagnoses and deteriorating health.

In this deeply moving conversation, Stephanie reveals how rock bottom became the foundation for something beautiful. "I realized through all of this that no one was going to come save me," she shares with remarkable candor, detailing her path from survival mode to thriving. After spending decades trying to fit into spaces where she never belonged and facing both professional setbacks and personal trauma, Stephanie discovered that safety—the most basic human need—had always been missing from her equation.

The wisdom Stephanie shares feels hard-won and genuine. She distinguishes between wishing (planting seeds then immediately digging them up) and realizing dreams (planting seeds and trusting the process). Her reflections on failure are particularly powerful: "Strength is showing up when everything inside of you wants to give up, when you have justifiable reasons to give up." For anyone who's been paralyzed by perfectionism or fear, these words offer sweet liberation.

Today, Stephanie has transformed her painful journey into Vitality Wellness Apothecary and Market in Wetumpka, Alabama—a sanctuary where people can find healing, community, and acceptance. Her approach embodies what she calls the "open hand method," releasing the scarcity mindset that once kept her trapped. Perhaps most beautiful is witnessing how her personal healing extends across generations, as she finds profound joy in being "Lolly" to her grandson Clay.

Whether you're facing health challenges, navigating life transitions, or simply seeking to live more authentically, Stephanie's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Connect with her mission by visiting the store, joining one of their community events, or exploring their holistic offerings—because as Stephanie reminds us, "You're stronger than you think you are."

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

Niki Tsekareas never thought a retreat to Greece would completely transform her life, but that's exactly what happened. In this deeply personal conversation, she opens up about the moment she realized she needed more than her identity as "Niki Peter's wife" or "Georgios' mom" – she needed to rediscover herself.

With remarkable candor, Niki shares her journey from feeling lost to launching her own interior styling business at age 44. "I wasn't doing things that were giving me purpose," she explains, describing how she transformed a spare bedroom into a dedicated workspace filled with plants, journals, and reminders to stay accountable to herself. Her approach to interior design comes from a deeply personal place – creating spaces that truly reflect who her clients are rather than following trends.

The conversation takes several profound turns as Niki reveals her struggles with depression, her extraordinary seven-year fertility journey, and how she maintains her Greek heritage through traditions like name days and community celebrations. What emerges is a portrait of remarkable resilience, with Niki developing daily practices that keep her motivated even on the hardest days.

Most powerfully, Niki offers wisdom that resonates far beyond her personal story: "Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do or have something that you want." Her transformation from uncertainty to purpose serves as inspiration for anyone standing at the threshold of change, wondering if it's too late to pursue their dreams.

Join us for this moving discussion about identity, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the courage to finally put yourself first. If you've ever felt defined by your relationships to others rather than your relationship with yourself, this episode will speak directly to your heart.

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

Behind every thriving small business stands a woman with a powerful story—a journey marked by purpose, passion, and perseverance in the face of doubt. In this special Small Business Month episode, we reunite with three extraordinary entrepreneurs who've been transforming their visions into reality.

Dr. Kuanita Murphy shares how her digital publication, Rural Leader Magazine, emerged from a pivotal moment when academic doors closed, revealing her true calling to spotlight talent from overlooked small communities. Her powerful tagline, "What you do matters," has been driving her mission since 2014.

Theodora Miller takes us through her remarkable transition from 30 years in the corporate world to becoming a full-time artist after a brain injury led her to discover painting's healing power. Now preparing to launch her first home collection of painterly wallpaper and textiles, she candidly reveals how creating art became both her therapy and soul's purpose.

Eloise Stewart, celebrating nearly a decade with her branding company, reflects on building from a one-woman show to leading a team that helps businesses discover and communicate their authentic identities. Her evolution demonstrates how following unexpected paths can lead to fulfilling work that perfectly aligns with your strengths.

These women don't sugarcoat entrepreneurship. They openly discuss battling self-doubt, learning their value, navigating creative burnout, and building sustainable businesses through systems, boundaries, and financial savvy. Their challenges—from perfectionism to pricing struggles to feeling isolated—mirror obstacles many business owners face.

Whether you're contemplating starting your own venture or already in the trenches of entrepreneurship, these transparent conversations offer both practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement. Their unanimous advice? Understand your "why," build a supportive community, give yourself permission to learn as you go, and remember that starting something meaningful always requires courage—but the journey is worth it.

Listen in and get inspired by women who aren't just chasing dreams but bringing them to life one challenging, rewarding day at a time.

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