The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms

Finding our inner strength often happens in times of adversity, but there are a few among us who voluntarily take on challenges as a reminder not to rest too much on our laurels because there is still a lot of life to live. 

Today’s guest takes these challenges to the next level as she continues challenging herself, beating the odds, with no plan of stopping anytime soon. 

This week Dorothy and I discuss her journey of completing an Olympic National Championship triathlon at 73 and more to achieve her personal best!

At 73 years young, Dorothy Erlanger successfully completed the Olympic National Championship triathlon, overcoming significant challenges, including a limb length difference and a decade-long hiatus from training. With only four months of focused training, Dorothy swam a mile, biked 25 miles, and ran a 10K, proving that age is no barrier to achieving extraordinary goals. 

Dorothy's journey is not just about completing a triathlon; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that it’s never too late to start anew. As a 20-year survivor of advanced ovarian cancer, she actively engages in patient advocacy, serving for nearly 15 years with NRG Oncology, where she is currently Chair of the Patient Advocate Committee,  and participating in programs such as Survivors Teaching Students and advisory roles at Massey Cancer Center. 

Dorothy embodies the spirit of overcoming odds, inspiring countless others to take on their challenges, no matter how daunting they may seem.

In this episode, Dorothy and I discuss:

• Her incredible journey from a decade-long training hiatus to completing the Olympic National Championship Triathlon at 73 years old. 
• The pivotal moments in her life that prepared her to take on major challenges, including her cancer diagnosis. 
• Finding community in the right coach can transform your journey, whether in fitness or in life. 
• Dorothy’s philosophy of breaking down your goals into manageable steps, focusing on the next hundred yards. 

Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here. 

If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.

CONNECT WITH Dorothy:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

https://www.youtube.com/@noellevanv

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

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One of my favorite writers, Pam Houston, once said, “It’s taken me a lifetime to understand that my limitation is an old take I no longer need to tell myself.” I don’t know about you, but these words hit home for me. 

I think about all the stories I have told myself over the years about what I can or cannot do, be or cannot be, and what I am and am not capable of accomplishing. I’ve weaved these stories into how I live my life, and it’s taken me years to finally dismantle them one by one.  

This week on Journeys Through Change, I talk about letting go of old stories and creating new ones.

In this episode, I discuss:

• How our self-imposed stories lead to procrastination and hinder our ability to change.
• Three practical steps to break free from outdated narratives: listening to our inner voices, finding moments of clarity, and taking decisive action.
• Let your intuition become your ultimate guide, taking the front seat when trying to re-write your stories.
• Questions you can ask yourself to identify and release old stories and foster a mindset shift toward self-compassion and new beginnings.

Just remember, our stories about ourselves are merely beliefs we've picked up along the way that are ours to choose. And as I've said before, you're calling the shots in your life.

Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here. 

If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

https://www.youtube.com/@noellevanv

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

Support the show

How far have we actually come on the road to creating a world of greater diversity, equity, and inclusion? Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell if we are making any progress at all, while other times, we see glimmers of hope that might be moving us, little by little, in the right direction. 

Through her own lived experiences of racism and discrimination, today’s guest has made it her mission to teach people how to build relationships that foster greater inclusion everywhere. 

This week Marlene and I discuss her mission to educate others on diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Marlene Godsey is an award-winning professional dedicated to empowering public and private sector employees, businesses, and organizations to thrive in culturally diverse landscapes. 

She has spent the last decade in public service as an arts and culture specialist with a strong focus on serving underrepresented communities. Through her wealth of experience and her “Navigating Cultural Connections Training Program,” Marlene teaches professionals how to adapt, navigate, and forge successful relationships and programs with diverse communities. 

In this episode, Marlene and I discuss:

• The stark contrast between the community Marlene and her family are part of now and the communities she has lived in the past. 
• How she used her lived experiences to create a program that helps professionals adapt their business practices to be more inclusive and master the art of relationships.
• Advice for people who want to learn more about different cultures but don’t necessarily know where to begin.

Remember, change is uncomfortable. Making mistakes and embracing this discomfort is part of the process required to learn and grow. 

Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here. 

If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.

Connect with Marlene: 

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

https://www.youtube.com/@noellevanv

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

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I can safely say we have all experienced the feeling of resistance as it’s a natural part of life, often showing up when we’re about to make a significant change or step into the unknown. 

However, as it can show up both consciously and unconsciously, it can be tricky to recognize, making it harder to move past. On this week’s episode of Journeys Through Change, I’m talking about recognizing conscious and unconscious resistance!

In this episode, I discuss:

• How resistance can manifest both consciously and unconsciously in our lives.
• My personal journey of experiencing resistance during early sobriety and how it impacted my acceptance of it later on.
• The importance of community and connection in overcoming resistance and fostering change.
• Practical tips for identifying and addressing resistance in the moment to facilitate personal growth and self-awareness.

Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here. 

If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

https://www.youtube.com/@noellevanv

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

Support the show

Travel can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s a way to escape the hustle and grind of everyday life and simply unwind. To others, travel can be a pathway to greater self-discovery and transformation. 

It was surely the latter for Kathy McCabe, who initially traveled to Italy to connect with her culture but opened up a world to so much more. On this week's episode  Kathy and I discuss her journey from finding her roots to producing and hosting the popular PBS series, “Dream of Italy.”

Kathy McCabe is a writer, producer, and Founder of the award-winning travel publication “Dream of Italy.” Her magazine’s success led to her hosting and producing a series based on the magazine, “Dream of Italy” that can be watched on PBS, Amazon Prime, and now YouTube! In addition to her “Dream of Italy” series, Kathy just wrapped on her next PBS series, “Dream of Europe,” premiering in January 2025! 

Kathy inspires audiences to explore and embrace the Italian way of life, whether at home, while traveling, or if they feel called to move there - to see for themselves how profoundly life-changing it can be. 

In this episode, Kathy and I discuss:

• Kathy’s deep connection to Italy through her Italian-American heritage and the transformative experiences she has had traveling there.
• How Kathy took her successful “Dream of Italy” magazine and turned it into a TV series that only further opened the doors of opportunity. 
• Visa options and advice for those looking to live and work in Italy. 
• What Kathy plans to do next now that her next series, “Dream of Europe” has finished wrapping. 

Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here. 

If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.

Connect with Kathy:

Watch “Dream of Italy” on PBS

“Dream of Europe”

Read Dream of Italy: Travel. Transform. Thrive

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

https://www.youtube.com/@noellevanv

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

Support the show

Procrastination is defined as a self-defeating behavior pattern marked by short-term benefits and long-term costs. On the surface, it can seem so benign, like procrastinating is just one of those things we all do from time to time, but the reason behind our procrastination can be far deeper. 

Procrastinating can actually be a sign of 2 deeper fears that are holding us back from creating the outcomes we have in our lives. This week on Journeys Through Change, I’m asking the question: are you afraid of failure or success? What your procrastination may be telling you. 

In this episode, I discuss:

• Procrastination can be a reflection of both our fear of failure and our fear of success (yes, you read that correctly).
• Avoiding criticism and judgment and falling into the trap of perfectionism are all examples of how our fear of failure manifests itself in our lives. 
• The pressure of increased expectations and identity shifts are signs that our fear of success is driving procrastination. 
• Practical advice to change your perspective and get things done!

Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here. 

If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

https://www.youtube.com/@noellevanv

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

Support the show

To any parent, a child’s health struggle can feel like an uphill battle, and doing whatever it takes to help them overcome the challenges associated with it can become a lifelong mission. 

Today’s guest, Catrina Jackson, used this motherly instinct to soothe her child to create a product that now helps people everywhere feel comfortable in their skin. 

Catrina Jackson and I discuss how she went from being a mom on a mission to the founder of a thriving skincare company!

Catrina Jackson is the CEO and founder of Pure Skin Repair, a Black Woman-owned, natural, handcrafted skincare line. Her journey into skincare began in 2015 when she created a natural moisturizer for her daughter’s eczema, which quickly grew into a thriving business recognized for its plant-based, cruelty-free products. 

Overcoming the challenges of motherhood, business ownership, and personal growth, Catrina’s story is one of resilience and transformation. She now mentors small Black-owned businesses, inspiring others through her own experience of change and empowerment. Catrina is passionate about self-love, community, and making a positive impact through both her products and her mission.

In this episode, Catrina and I discuss:

• How her motherly instinct to help soothe her child’s skin condition led to the creation of her thriving skincare brand. 
• Breaking everything down into smaller, more manageable steps to achieve success one task at a time. 
• The ways in which becoming a mother, especially as a mother to a child with special needs, has changed her for the better. 
• Learning to let go as a parent and letting your child figure things out on their own.  

Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here. 

If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.

Connect with Catrina:

Pure Skin Repair

Facebook

Instagram

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

https://www.youtube.com/@noellevanv

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

Support the show

Today’s topic is something I think we can all relate to (whether we want to or not), and that is taking accountability in our own lives. It's often something that becomes more apparent with time because as we get older, we begin to see more clearly how everything is connected and how our decisions create our outcomes. 

As we mature, it becomes easier to accept that we have a greater hand to play in shaping our lives than we ever felt we did when we were younger. 

But let's face it: it takes a certain level of maturity to put down our defenses and actually own what's happening in our lives and take on the responsibility of where we find ourselves today. This week on Journeys Through Change, I’m talking about taking accountability and letting go of victimhood. 

In this episode, I discuss:

• How playing the victim can keep you stuck, and why shifting away from this mindset is crucial for growth. 
• The empowering realization that if you created your current situation, you also have the power to change it. 
• Practical steps to begin taking accountability in your life. 

Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here. 

If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

https://www.youtube.com/@noellevanv

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

Support the show

Content Warning: This episode has a brief mention of sexual abuse.


The memories of our past are a blueprint for how we live our lives today. They give us a glimpse into who we are and often shape our choices as we move into adulthood. They paint the picture of our experience within our family, but how much do they actually tell us about the generations that came before us? Hint: it has more of an impact than you might think. 

Beth Jones experienced this firsthand when a hypnotherapy session brought up generational trauma she never realized she was holding onto. 

Beth and I talk about how she made it her mission to heal generational trauma in herself and others. 

Beth Jones is the author of the upcoming book: "Becoming an Empowered Survivor: You, Too, Can Heal from Trauma and Abuse", coming October 2024. On her second mountain, she works to inspire and help other survivors of trauma and abuse to walk their healing pathway and become Empowered Survivors. 

After a life-altering event sent Beth on a multi-year healing journey to recover from the effects of trauma and survivorship on my life, she had made it her mission to mentor other survivors through her own experience and resulting message. Beth’s inspiring message is that you, too, can heal.

In this episode, Beth and I discuss:

• The eye-opening hypnotherapy session that brought up past trauma that had been hiding in her subconscious  
• How the acronym H.E.A.L. (hope, evolve, and love) plays into the healing journey that Beth takes her clients through.
• Coming to understand the term “parentectomy” that many trauma survivors go through. 
• When you can accept that the only constant in this world is change, it will become that much easier to embrace the change itself. 

Sometimes, in life and in change, things don’t always work out as we hoped. Due to microphone issues, the audio in this episode is lower quality than usual, we hope this eye opening content will make this a minor detail.

Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here. 

If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.

Connect with Beth Jones:

Becoming an Empowered Survivor: You, Too, Can Heal from Trauma and Abuse

Website

LinkedIn

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

https://www.youtube.com/@noellevanv

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

Support the show

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we can continue to empower ourselves and each other to get out of our own way and make the pivotal changes that we know will make our lives better. From a distance, it seems so simple but when we let our inner voice get in the way, it can feel so difficult. 

That’s why I decided to sit down one-on-one with you today as I dive into the concept of self-leadership, shedding light on how confronting our self-doubt and trusting the universe can pave the way toward a more empowered life. This week on Journeys Through Change, I’m talking about lessons in self-leadership!

In this episode, I share:

• A few revelations I have had over the past year led me to make the shift to setting my intention on the “what” I wanted, giving up the need to control how I got there. 
• Four important lessons learned from upheaval and the power of shifting energy. 
• Things you an say to yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed and getting the urge to say, “I can’t.

Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here. 

If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

https://www.youtube.com/@noellevanv

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

Support the show