Growing up in a family of overachievers, some of whom had multiple master’s degrees, Valerie Milburn knew what was expected of her as she approached post-secondary education. While following the path paved before her, Valerie set out for college. While she was able to succeed and earned her undergraduate degree in journalism, Valerie was just beginning to realize how severe her issues with mental health and addiction really were. In this episode you’ll hear an honest conversation between Joanna and Valerie as Valerie describes the moment when her life collapsed around her, and how she was able to restore it back to something more beautiful than before.

Connect with Valerie Milburn

Mental Health Hope and Recovery Podcast

NAMI 

Email: [email protected]

FB Page: Mental Health Hope and Recovery 

The Myth of Maturity (book) 

Connect with Joanna Lilley  

Success is Subjective Website

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Instagram 

Lilley Consulting on Facebook 

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

With the influence of highly successful family members exemplifying what traditional success looks like, it’s no wonder that Steven Angerosa had a hard time deciphering what career path was the one for him. After completing college, Steven knew he had to let go of what he thought he needed to do and discover what he was truly passionate about. On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, Steven sits down with Joanna and talks about the importance of letting go of all expectations that either we put on ourselves, or that others put on us, in order to find ultimate fulfillment.

Connect with Steven Angerosa

LinkedIn: Steven Angerosa 

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Joanna Lilley  

Success is Subjective Website

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Instagram 

Lilley Consulting on Facebook 

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

While not receiving her ADHD diagnosis until halfway through college, Samantha Kolkey says it was so empowering when she finally did. On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, Samantha sits down with Joanna to share how liberating it was to be able to filter her life experiences through the lens of ADHD. She explains the freedom and fulfillment she now finds as the director of a nonprofit that works to support other neurodivergent individuals as they make their way through their educational careers.

Connect with Samantha Kolkey 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.optionsforcollegesuccess.org 

Connect with Joanna Lilley  

Success is Subjective Website

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Instagram 

Lilley Consulting on Facebook 

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

Everyone takes their own path in hopes of attaining success. Some effortlessly glide past the all too familiar and sometimes, stereotypical mile markers that society has held up to highlight the expected route. Others stumble down the road less traveled, looking for their own version of ultimate fulfillment. No matter one’s path, we’re all hoping to eventually attain our own idea of fulfillment. 

Jill and Dave Henry were no exceptions. Jill, knowing from a young age what she wanted to do with her life, had a one track mindset as she graduated high school and worked through college. Dave on the other hand, was a late bloomer and it took him time to find what he was really passionate about. But even walking very different paths, Dave and Jill found their way to exactly where they needed to be. Now, as a married couple with kids, they never would have imagined they would be where they are today. They recently imparted their wisdom from the lessons they learned along their journeys into a book they wrote called, The Greatest College Health Guide You Never Knew You Needed.

Join Joanna as she talks to Dave and Jill and gets the inside scoop on how they found what they consider to be ultimate success. They also share more in depth with their listeners about their book.

What You Will Learn

Why your effort is more important than the outcomes

Why what college you go to matters less than what you make of your experience 

Why there’s no one perfect path to follow

Why it’s okay to stumble to find your way in life 

That it’s okay to try something and fail at it multiple times

Connect with Dave and Jill Henry 

Instagram: @greatestcollegehealthguide

Instagram: @twocoachhenrys

Book: The Greatest College Health Guide You Never Knew You Needed 

Connect with Joanna Lilley  

Success is Subjective Website

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Instagram 

Lilley Consulting on Facebook 

Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast

Success is Subjective on Google Podcast

Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio

Success is Subjective on Spotify

Success is Subjective on Stitcher

Success is Subjective on Amazon

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

We all go through seasons where our mental health is suffering more than usual. It can come with the natural ebbs and flows of life and can serve as a reminder that when we have capacity, our minds need nurturing. 

Jesse Cody, a successful student-athlete who earned a full ride athletic scholarship to Providence College, appeared to the outside world to have it all together. But as the saying goes – looks can be deceiving. Not long after his freshman year of college began, Jesse’s facade began to crack, and his mental illnesses came rushing to the surface. After years of quietly suffering and battling suicidal thoughts, Jesse made a drastic decision that changed his life forever. 

On this episode of Success is Subjective, you will hear Jesse share how one decision altered the course of his entire life and provided freedom from wars that were constantly raging in his mind. He also explains to listeners the ways that his non-profit, Hike the Good Hike, is empowering others as they fight for their own mental health. 

What You Will Learn

How to recognize that your mental health is suffering 

How nature can positively impact your mental health 

How society shames men when they show emotion or ask for help 

How to separate your goals from the expectations others place on you 

How to prioritize yourself and the life that you want 

How small and big changes can help you reclaim your mental health

Connect with Jesse Cody 

Hike the Good Hike Website

Instagram: @hikethegoodhike

Facebook: @hikethegoodhike

Connect with Joanna Lilley  

Success is Subjective Website

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Instagram 

Lilley Consulting on Facebook 

Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast

Success is Subjective on Google Podcast

Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio

Success is Subjective on Spotify

Success is Subjective on Stitcher

Success is Subjective on Amazon

Success is Subjective on Audible

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

Other Links

Book: A Walk in the Woods 

Movie: A Walk In The Woods

The Youth Mental Health Project 

While it may appear on the outside that someone has acquired great success, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are internally satisfied, or that their exterior status was worth the turmoil it took to achieve. 

Tom Anderson started training for the Speed Skating Olympics at a young age. After struggling academically, this athletic endeavor felt like his big-break – a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a name for himself and do something really meaningful. Upon hitting various peaks and valleys in his career and after deep self-reflection, Tom was faced with the decision to retire his skates. Without a high school diploma, it took time for him to arrive where he wanted to be. But Tom eventually realized that he wanted to make his passions for coaching and woodworking his full time pursuits. 

Join Joanna on this episode of Success is Subjective to hear Tom’s journey of training to be an Olympic athlete, then finding his way as a coach and business owner, even without a diploma. 

What You Will Learn

How undiagnosed learning disabilities can affect your educational goals 

The pros and cons of being a professional athlete 

The commitment required to train for the Olympics 

Why successful athletes still need a backup income source

Why and how to pivot in your career path

Learn to identify what sacrifices are worth it and which ones aren't 

 Connect with Tom Anderson

Instagram: @motsmetalandwood

Mot’s Metal and Wood

Northbrook Speed Skating Club

Connect with Joanna Lilley  

Success is Subjective Website

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Instagram 

Lilley Consulting on Facebook 

Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast

Success is Subjective on Google Podcast

Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio

Success is Subjective on Spotify

Success is Subjective on Stitcher

Success is Subjective on Amazon

Success is Subjective on Audible

Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

The point of college is to pour into your studies, work hard and hopefully come out on the other end as an employable candidate, ready to achieve great success in the workforce. But at what cost? Surely not that of your mental health. 

Sarah Ketchen Lipson is a dual-title PhD, the Principal of the Healthy Minds Network and the Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Law Policy and Management at Boston University School of Public Health. She has seen firsthand the impact on students who strive to achieve academic success, often at the cost of their mental and emotional well-being.

Tune in to today’s episode of Success is Subjective as Sarah tells listeners what strides have been made to help uphold students' mental health as they work towards academic success. She also shares resources to provide parents with the tools and information they need in order to support their college-aged students. 

What You Will Learn

How to prioritize sports and academics 

Warning signs of lapsing mental health 

Options to pay for college tuition without debt 

How to cultivate a good work ethic that promotes you in the workforce 

Resources for students struggling with their mental health 

How parents can support the mental health of their college-aged students

Connect with Dr. Sarah Ketchen Lipson

Twitter: ​​@DrSarahLipson

Facebook: Healthy Minds Network

Instagram: @healthymindsnetwork

Healthy Minds Network

Active Minds 

JED Campus Program 

The Steve Fund

Boston University Parent Guides to Mental Health 

Connect with Joanna Lilley  

Success is Subjective Website

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Instagram 

Lilley Consulting on Facebook 

Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast

Success is Subjective on Google Podcast

Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio

Success is Subjective on Spotify

Success is Subjective on Stitcher

Success is Subjective on Amazon

Success is Subjective on Audible

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

Maybe you’re feeling left behind and confused as all your peers head off to more prestigious colleges than yours. Or, maybe you’re feeling lost and alone in your battle with mental health. Whatever season you might be in, as frustrating as it can be, the unknown parts that don’t make any sense hold a purpose. 

Tess Reardon’s academic and career story is a great example of this. From feeling like an outcast in college, working hard to stay sober during a pandemic, to feeling extremely lost after leaving her first job of six years, Tess has experienced her fair share of seasons of unknowns. Though, without these seasons, she wouldn’t find herself where she is now, working in Marketing & Business Development for Mare’s House, a recovery house for women. 

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Tess joins Joanna to share her journey going from an addict who felt alone and lost, to working with women in their own recovery journeys, allowing them to be seen and heard. Listen in to gain insight on the importance of seasons of unknowns and the truth behind them.

What You Will Learn

The toxic prestigious school comparison game 

The challenging adjustment of moving to a big college after high school

Tess’s pivotal experience studying abroad in London 

Feeling out of alignment 

Tess’s delusional stage following graduating college

Tess’s interesting addiction journey in and out of college 

The unexpected effect of leaving her first job after being there for 6 years

The uncomfortable stage of unknowns 

How Tess’s job at Mare’s House came about and how it’s evolved

What success looks like for Tess and her personal journey

You are not alone

Connect with Tess Reardon

Mare’s House Recovery

Mare’s House Recovery on Instagram

Connect with Joanna Lilley  

Success is Subjective Website

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Instagram 

Lilley Consulting on Facebook 

Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast

Success is Subjective on Google Podcast

Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio

Success is Subjective on Spotify

Success is Subjective on Stitcher

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

Let’s face it. Transitions are anything but easy. But, guess what?! You aren’t alone! We all go through them. Some, handle them better than others, though, that doesn’t mean you can’t too!

Halie Devlin, Founder of Embodied Recovery Community, has learned over the years to take transitions as an invitation to not take herself so seriously and as an opportunity to bring more light into her life. From struggling with addiction all through her college experience and into the beginning of her career, Halie had to really learn how to navigate not only difficult academic and career transitions, but all while in the midst of addiction. It wasn’t until Halie was introduced to the recovery and somatic world when she was able to bring more light back into her life and give back to other recovering women in return. 

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Halie joins Joanna to share her journey going from an art major, to eventually transitioning into doing a different type of ‘art’, supporting recovering women through somatic work. Listen in to gain insight on how Halie has managed to get through some of the most difficult transitions of her life and how she helps others fall in love with their own personal journeys. 

What You Will Learn

Dealing with homesickness when moving away for college

The shame associated around the college you go to

College names don’t always match up to quality of education

Navigating academic transitions in the midst of addiction

What Halie did with her art major after graduating college

The different lane but same highway that Halie took with her career

Choose the things that keep you feeling truly alive

Bringing lightness into transitions

Connect with Halie Devlin

Sacred Grounding Wellness

Embodied Recovery Community

Connect with Joanna Lilley  

Success is Subjective Website

Success is Subjective Patreon

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Instagram 

Lilley Consulting on Facebook 

Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast

Success is Subjective on Google Podcast

Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio

Success is Subjective on Spotify

Success is Subjective on Stitcher

Success is Subjective on Amazon

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

Raising children into adults isn't a cookie cutter strategy. It’s about much more than taking certain steps –it’s about working alongside your child, with the future in mind.

Deana Thayer, co-founder of Future Focused Parenting, went into college thinking it was about graduating and becoming an adult as fast as possible. When she graduated college with a bachelors at age 20, she thought her career would be a linear pathway. Though, the direction life took her ended up being quite different. Deana ended up taking 7 years off after college to be a stay at home mom, receiving her masters 9 years later. Now, you can find Deana using both her bachelors and masters degrees to help guide parents as they navigate raising their children into adults.

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Deana joins Joanna to share her journey going from thinking she’d never use her speech degree, to using her speech and education degree, and parenting experience to improve the lives of fellow parents and their children. Listen in to gain insight on why raising adults isn’t a cookie cutter strategy and how to set your child up for their own unique success.

What You Will Learn

Why college was so important to Deana’s parents

Going to college as the first born

Why Deana wouldn’t recommend graduating with a bachelors at age 20 

The turn of events that ended up happening after graduating college

Navigating coming back to college after 7 years off as a stay at home mom

What made Deana get a masters in education 

How both of Deana’s degrees ended up blending together perfectly 

When Future Focused Parenting came about 

Parenting with a long range view

Finding the sweet balance of passion and skill set

The different career routes that Deana’s five children have taken

Encouraging your child’s unique gifts

Connect with Deana Thayer

Future Focused Parenting

Raising Adults Podcast

Connect with Joanna Lilley  

Success is Subjective Website

Success is Subjective Patreon

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Instagram 

Lilley Consulting on Facebook 

Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast

Success is Subjective on Google Podcast

Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected]