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] 

Navigating school with learning difficulties is hard enough, let alone taking them to college and grad school. It can be easy to let fear take the reins and give up on the idea of success altogether. Though, what if you instead really leaned into the fear? 

Paul Taylor, Founder of the Live Strong House, grew up with learning difficulties weighing him down for the majority of his academic career. In fact, it played such a big role in his academic career that he had to take the GRE five times before getting into grad school. Despite the trials he experienced, Paul decided to really lean in and work with his learning disabilities instead of against them, causing secondary education to be some of the best years of his life. Not only did leaning into his fear challenge him to grow as a person, but it also has allowed him to be a walking example to the young adults who now fill his residential support center.

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Paul joins Joanna to share his journey going from struggling to get into college, to running his own residential support center for young men. Not only has he found his own sense of success within his career but he’s also been able to do so while prioritizing his six children and wife –showing that you really can make your dream life a reality. Listen in to gain insight on how Paul has overcome advisory in secondary education and how he is using his 28 years of experience in the residential treatment industry to guide young men over their own hurdles. 

What You Will Learn

Growing up as one of the oldest of 7 siblings

Experiencing shame around special ED 

Navigating learning difficulties in college

The challenges that Paul experienced with getting into grad school

How grad school took a 360 turn 

Being young and married in grad school

Paul’s variety of experience in the residential treatment industry  

Paul’s view on secondary education

The adversities that Paul has overcome in academics and life

Paul’s advice to parents on anxiety around academics

Connect with Paul Taylor

Live Strong House

Email [email protected]

Call 928-300-5699

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

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

Whether it be your first nightmare of a job working at a flower shop or the many addiction treatment centers that were involved while in college –each and every experience you go through, positive and negative, are necessary. You never know how even the most not-so-great experiences have made an impact in where you are now and where you’re headed.

Alex Zemeckis, President & Owner of The Grounds & Mare’s House, grew up with school never being his strong suit, causing his addiction to set in at an early age. The following years involved many treatment centers and bumps in the road. It wasn’t until he started working in the treatment world when he decided to use his own personal experiences in recovery to help relate with other young men, eventually creating his own treatment center; The Grounds. Throughout the next eight years, he saw the need for more women-based treatment centers and decided to start Mare’s House. Now, Alex has been working in addiction treatment & mental health communities for over a decade, helping young adults find new ways to live and thrive.

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Alex joins Joanna to share his journey going from in and out of treatment centers, to owning two treatment centers of his own. The path there was full of not-so-great experiences though, all imperative to the success he finds himself in now. Listen in to gain insight on Alex’s own recovery story, as well as how he now gives strength and hope to those still struggling with addictions.

What You Will Learn

Growing up as the only child

What Alex’s academic career looked like through adolescence 

Going to treatment at a young age

How Alex got accepted into college despite his bad grades

Going to a big state school isn’t always the best option

The reality of grunt work

When life really took off

The move to Boulder

When Alex launched The Grounds Recovery in San Diego

Why Mare’s House was started 

Every experience, positive and negative, are imperative to your success journey

 Connect with Alex Zemeckis

The Grounds Recovery

Mare’s House Recovery

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 Spotify

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

Some say, “The journey is the destination.” though, what if the struggle is the journey? 

As a recovery advocate, Chris Kirby has personal experience with seeing how imperative struggle has been in his own journey, as well as a front row look at how important it has been for his recovering clients in treatment. Chris graduated from The Last House in 2014 and now works in direct client care as a counselor and in facility management. He brings a wealth of knowledge in encouraging clients and loved ones by using his own experiences from young adulthood, recovery and surfing; pulling parallels between riding the ocean waves and the waves of life and emotions in recovery. 

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Chris joins Joanna to share his journey from losing his dream job as a lifeguard, to going on to become a ‘lifeguard’ to young men and parents in their recovery journey. From how childhood shaped him, what it was like having an addiction in college, and all the way up to where he finds himself now: working in a treatment center, Chris’s story goes to show that a little struggle in every season of life is nothing but an accelerator on your path to success. Listen in to gain insight on embracing struggle in every season of your life and hear how Chris has been able to use his own challenges in developing himself.

What You Will Learn

What it was like being the first in the family to go to college

How important making others proud was for Chris growing up

How being hearing impaired prevented him from serving in the ways he dreamed of 

When Chris turned to substances for a sense of fulfillment

When Chris left LA

Your past doesn’t always have a part in addiction 

Running away from hometown 

A time of desperation

Allowing your child to be uncomfortable

What brought Chris to work in recovery after years of saying he wouldn’t 

What Chris has learned from working in the recovery world

Don’t use your experience as your first line of defense

The amazing life that he now gets to live

Emotional sobriety

How Chris is now able to be a ‘lifeguard’ to young men and parents in their recovery journey

Connect with Chris Kirby

The Last House

The Last House on Facebook

The Last House on Instagram

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

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

What are you going to do about it? That’s the real question. Whether you’re at a career crossroads or stuck in a 90-day treatment center, what are you going to do about your predicament? The answer might be simple. 

Matt Nannis, Executive Director of PivotPoint WNC, had to ask himself this exact question multiple times throughout his young adult journey –from trying to reach never-ending unrealistic academic expectations, to getting through an intensive 90-day treatment program. Matt spent his first 30 years trying to figure it all out, annoyed at the idea that everyone else already had. A few decades in, and he’s learning to shift the doubts and fears into questions and action, helping others do the same in their own young adult journey.

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Matt joins Joanna to share his journey going from excelling in school, to deep in addiction, and how he managed to find a new version of success for himself. Matt’s story will be sure to keep you on your toes and encouraged to take the more scenic route in your own personal journey. Listen in to gain insight on how Matt learned to pivot and lean into discomfort and how he helps others do the same; guiding them towards healing, equity, inclusion, and connection.

What You Will Learn

The intense academic pressure growing up

How Matt defined his success from a very young age

The never-ending academic competition between his brother

Why Matt didn’t last even a full semester at his first college

Experiencing social anxiety

Comparing other families' highlight reels to your own family’s bloopers

Teaching English in Spain in the middle of college

The toxic internal work journey 

Matt’s time as a carpenter

The ability to reframe the facts of a situation into a more productive use

The crazy story on how Matt was able to graduate undergraduate school 

The intervention that brought Matt to a 90 day rehab

What brought Matt to Asheville 

How going on hikes in treatment eventually changed his life

Why Matt sees himself as 100% successful

Who are you making the decision for?

Connect with Matt Nannis

PivotPoint WNC

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

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

“When you compare, you lose.” It’s really as simple as that. Comparing adds nothing to your life or anyone else’s because your experience is yours and yours alone. Not your parent’s experience, not your teachers’ experience, not your best friend’s experience. 

So, what would it really look like to live out a life without comparing?

Colin Cass, an Associate Certified Coach at Parent Coach Professionals, is a great example of what it looks like to stick to your own unique experience. Unlike many, Colin knew that he wanted to make a big difference at an early age. Growing up in a Therapeutic Young Adults Program allowed Colin to be exposed to the therapeutic world, getting a first hand look at what it would be like to work there himself. In fact, his first job was at a program and he hasn’t let anything stop him from continuing down that path ever since. Now, you can find Colin living out his purpose as a Young Adult & Parent Coach.

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Colin joins Joanna to share his journey growing up in a Therapy Program, to paving his own path and making his own name in the therapy world. In Colin’s story you’ll see that you don’t need the best school or the biggest dream, to get to your own sense of success and purpose. Listen in to gain insight on how Colin managed to fully step into what he loves with little money and a vision.

What You Will Learn

What it was like growing up on a Therapeutic Program as a kid

How his environment helped him decipher what to do with his life at an early age

Colin’s first job at the therapeutic program

How helpful going to a smaller college was for Colin

There’s no such thing as a traditional college experience

When Colin decided to start coaching 

Colin’s time at College Excel for 6 years 

When Colin started at Parent Coach Professionals

The comparison game

The importance in allowing your child to experience discomfort

Connect with Colin Cass

Parent Coach Professionals

Call or text 541-610-8109 

Email [email protected]  

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 Amazon

Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

We often think that in order to survive, we have to major in a career that we hate but pays well or work ourselves to the bone at the cost of time with loved ones. But, what if you could survive while still enjoying life?

Tracy Hopkins, Director of Business Development and Inclusion & Belonging Specialist at Outback Therapeutic Expeditions, grew up with an intense amount of pressure to make a name for herself and measure up to the success expected of her. This often meant pushing her own interests to the side and doing everything she thought she was supposed to do. It wasn’t until Tracy was challenged in college with a sense of freedom and new experiences when she started to step into her own journey, rather than following everyone else’s ideas for her. Now, Tracy finds herself thriving in her career: creating opportunities and changing lives in behavioral and mental health care.

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Tracy joins Joanna to share her journey as she learned to pursue what she was passionate about despite growing up with intense academic pressure. Her lived experiences as a colored woman with a strict childhood have served as catalysts to creating platforms, opportunities and communities for others. Listen in to gain insight on Tracy’s unique story and how she uses it to make positive change in others’ lives. 

What You Will Learn

What it was like living in South Korea as an adolescent

Growing up in a very structured household

Why academics were so important to Tracy’s family

Going from intense structure to a lot of freedom in college

What sparked Tracy’s love for the outdoors

Her experience stepping into wilderness therapy

We’re not meant to all have the same timeline! 

How Tracy is focusing on improving diversity

The difference that Tracy is making at Outback

Creating a new definition of success

It’s okay to be messy

Connect with Tracy Hopkins

Outback Therapeutic Expeditions

Email [email protected] 

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

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

How can you create meaning in your life? Sounds like a daunting question –a daunting task. When, in reality, it can be found even in the smallest things that bring you life. When you can find something that does that for you and lean into that, that’s when you lean into true success. Anything else, that’s definite or objective, can easily give you a false sense and fleeting sense of success. And, the beauty in creating your own meaning in life is that you can always change direction and still be “successful”.

It took David Weider, an adventure therapist living in Boise, Idaho, many changes in direction before he was able to find meaning in something that would last for 17 years. From sculpting, architecture, to outdoors, travel, adventure sports, and now wilderness therapy. Despite many challenges throughout his teenage and young adult years, David continued to push himself to fully explore his interests and continues to make sure that with whatever he does, he finds meaning in the process. 

In this episode of Success is Subjective, David joins Joanna to share his journey going from studying to be an architect to eventually becoming a therapist in wilderness therapy. His journey has been anything near linear but has been entirely meaningful. Listen in to gain insight on the importance of finding meaning in everything you do, even if it’s simply in the process of making a mediocre sculpture piece.

What You Will Learn

David’s peculiar childhood story

How David almost didn’t go to college and what brought him to go

When he dropped out of college and changed directions

Losing a parent as a young adult

It’s okay to not have a linear path!

What pushed David to go back to school to become a therapist

Where David finds himself now in Boise, Idaho

The importance in finding meaning in what you do

Not everything you do has to provide value

Connect with David Weider

Email [email protected]

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

Success is Subjective on Audible

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

What is driving your decisions? Fear? Your parent’s experiences? Greed? Your teachers’ opinions? When your life decisions are being made from any place other than your best self, you seek out disaster.

Brian Tierney, Clinical Outreach Manager for Red Rock Recovery Center, was told by many to put off college following high school but decided to go anyway in hopes to not feel less than his peers. After three years of trying to keep up with the crowd, Brian was forced by his addiction to drop out. After many long and difficult years of recovering and self-discovery, he decided to pick school back up 10 years later, finding his purpose in the addiction treatment space. Now, you can find Brian working at Red Rock Recovery Center where he works to create intentional spaces for people suffering from substance use disorder.

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Brian joins Joanna to share his journey going from an addict and college dropout, to going back to school 10 years later to fulfill his purpose in serving individuals in recovery. Brian’s 360 college story goes to show the impact of knowing what’s really influencing your path. Listen in to gain insight on the importance of not rushing life decisions and Brian’s personal experience as he learned why and how to have a strong and personal why behind all decisions, big and small. 

What You Will Learn

How private preparatory school affected Brian’s perspective on college

The different opinions Brian received regarding college  

How college dramatically affected his addiction 

When Brian decided to drop out of college and take a step back

How impactful taking a break from school can be 

The importance in taking the time (no matter how long it takes) to fully step into recovery

The 360 experience that Brian had when he went back to college 10 years later 

What pushed Brian to explore working in the Addiction Treatment Space

The importance in knowing which self you’re choosing to be and why

Connect with Brian Tierney

Red Rock Recovery Center

Email [email protected]

Contact 720-557-6180 

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

Sponsored by: College Alternative

Email [email protected] 

Tried out a major that ended up not being for you? Try another one! Didn’t get the job that you wanted? Maybe it wasn’t meant for you. Time to pursue another option! It’s really as simple as that. Continue to shift gears and try different paths. Failure is never final as long as you continue to try.

Kaysha Sorenson has had her fair share of ‘failures’ in life but, she’s never let that stop her. From getting pregnant at 19, to getting a divorce at age 26 and taking a break from school, she could have let any one of these things stop her. Instead, she’s been able to use her own experiences to be there for her own children and for Evoke Therapy Programs.

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Kaysha joins Joanna to share her journey as she navigated being a young mom in college, while also working to discover herself. Though there was plenty of pitfalls along the way, Kaysha has been able to find success in knowing that it’s okay to not always be successful; to rise and to fall. Listen in to gain insight on how Kaysha’s own young adulthood experience is allowing her to approach her own children's journeys with more excitement and confidence rather than fear

What You Will Learn

Growing up in a family of 6, being raised by a single mom

Being financially independent at a very young age

The unknown topic of secondary education 

What caused Kaysha to get married at 19 

What life looked like while getting divorced with 3 kids at age 26, no education and working at home depot

How working at Evoke Therapy Programs has impacted Kaysha’s life

The break that Kaysha is on right now and where she is headed

Coming from a place of excitement instead of fear when dealing with your young adults

Connect with Kaysha Sorenson

Evoke Therapy Programs

Kaysha Sorenson on Facebook

Email [email protected]

Connect with Joanna Lilley  

Lilley Consulting

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 Parent Survival Network

Email [email protected]