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

When life hands us tidal wave after tidal wave of loss, change, and uncertainty, it can feel impossible to find solid ground again, let alone rediscover joy. 

On this week’s episode of The Change Effect, I’m joined by Jaime Townzen, a writer, artist, and caregiver who found solace, healing, and self-rediscovery through unexpected creative outlets after years of profound personal tragedy and caretaking.

In this deeply moving and inspiring conversation, Jaime and I talk about her transition from nonprofit fundraiser and hands-on mom to suddenly facing the deaths and serious illnesses of her closest loved ones, all while keeping her family afloat. Through it all, Jaime’s journey led her to embrace watercolor painting and writing, not as a pursuit of perfection but as a vital lifeline back to herself.

Get 20% off your Day by Daybook®  with the discount code NEW20 here. 

Jaime Townzen is a Southern California-based writer and professional artist whose watercolor paintings have earned international recognition.  Her essays and microfiction have been published in Light magazine and Fairfield Scribes. 

Jaime’s debut novel, Absorbed was released in early 2025. Jaime is an internationally recognized watercolor painter who captures the beauty of everyday life. As a storyteller across mediums, Jaime's relatable experiences as a mom, artist, and debut author have shaped her perspective on motherhood, identity, and navigating life’s unexpected seasons.

In this episode, Jaime and I discuss:

• How a string of personal losses and caregiving demands left Jaime feeling depleted and the breaking point that led her to seek something just for herself.
• Why discovering watercolor painting during the pandemic became her meditation, daily ritual, and source of inner calm amidst anxiety and grief.
• The incredible power of creativity as both a grounding force and a tool for transformation during turbulent times.
• The importance of granting ourselves permission to make time for joyful, creative pursuits (even in small doses), and the impact this has on resilience and family dynamics.
• How Jaime’s practices of painting, journaling, and writing fiction serve as ongoing acts of self-discovery and empowerment—for herself and as a model for her daughters.
• Tangible tips for setting boundaries and carving out guilt-free creative time, even in a busy home.
• Jaime’s upcoming work on a new novel inspired by very real family experiences with online scams and her process for developing rich, authentic characters and stories.

Jaime’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest seasons, prioritizing what fills us up isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for healing, resilience, and unlocking new beginnings.

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

Connect with Jaime:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Let's Make Art

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

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

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

Support the show

Have you ever felt a quiet restlessness inside, a nudge that there must be more to life than what you’re currently experiencing? 

On this week’s episode of The Change Effect, I unpack the misunderstood concept of reinvention—not as becoming someone new, but as becoming more of who you truly are. I walk you through why we feel the pull to reinvent at pivotal moments, and how embracing life as a process of ongoing development opens doors to freedom, joy, and new possibilities.

Get 20% off your Day by Daybook®  with the discount code NEW20 here. 

In this episode, I discuss:

• Why reinvention isn’t about erasing your past, but carrying what you’ve learned into your next chapter.
• The most common triggers for reinvention
• How seeing life as a continual evolution builds resilience and creates chances for expanded impact.
• Real examples of reinvention, from household names to the everyday woman stepping boldly into a new purpose.
• The benefits of choosing evolution over stagnation—more freedom, adaptability, and alignment with your values.
• A self-reflection exercise to pinpoint the area of your life most ready for reinvention.

Whether you’re craving a big change or a subtle shift, this episode will inspire you to look at your own journey through a lens of curiosity and courage.

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

LINKS REFERENCED:

Reinvention Worksheet

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Please note: You may notice a few sound fades in this episode due to the acoustics of the art gallery.

When we think about reinventing ourselves or starting over, especially later in life, it can feel daunting—like stepping into a world of unknowns with nothing but a dream to guide us. 

This week on The Change Effect, I sat down with Lorna York to talk about her incredible journey from humble beginnings and personal upheaval to becoming a powerhouse in the contemporary art scene. 

At 65, Lorna is the owner of Madison Gallery, a globally recognized art space in Solana Beach, California. Her story is one of passion, resilience, and the power of betting on yourself—even when you have to do it without a safety net.

Get 20% off your Day by Daybook®  with the discount code NEW20 here. 

As owner of Madison Gallery, a Solana Beach-based contemporary art gallery known for introducing global artists to the Southern California art scene for the first time, Lorna built a $50 million business from scratch - no small feat in the ultra-competitive and male-dominated art industry. 

Proudly woman-owned and operated, Madison Gallery is globally renowned for their curatorial vision and personalized collector experience. As a leading voice in SoCal's contemporary art scene, Lorna's gallery has an established track-record as a platform for budding talent to launch their careers.

In this episode, Lorna and I discuss:

• How Lorna built a $50 million business and became a leading authority in contemporary art without a formal education, starting with nothing but determined passion.
• Navigating major life transitions
• The challenges Lorna faced breaking into and rising within the male-dominated art industry
• The importance of pursuing work that is driven by joy and passion rather than fear
• Cultivating community in and around the gallery:
• Embracing reinvention at any age, and why Lorna believes the “golden years” are the perfect time to be creative, energetic, and committed to making a difference.
• The role of mentorship, intuition, and believing in your vision even when success isn’t guaranteed.

Whether you’re on the brink of a major life change or simply looking for inspiration to fuel your own passions, Lorna’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the willingness to step boldly into the unknown.

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

CONNECT WITH GUEST:

FB: Madison Art Gallery 

IG: Madison Gallery

CONNECT WITH ART:

RETNA “Carta de Amor” Exhibit

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

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

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

Support the show

We all know that change is hard, but what if the real challenge isn’t knowing what to do, but actually trusting ourselves to see it through? 

This week on The Change Effect, I’m breaking down the underestimated art of self-trust, setting intentions that truly stick, and why following through is the ultimate act of self-respect. With practical strategies and honest insights, I’ll guide you through setbacks, self-sabotage, and the habitual stories we tell ourselves so you can finally build the confidence to change for good.

Get 20% off your Day by Daybook®  with the discount code NEW20 here. 

In this episode, I discuss:

• Why vague intentions set you up to drift and the power of crystal-clear goals.
• How old patterns and limiting beliefs sabotage your attempts before you even begin.
• The importance of making your intentions deeply meaningful and how to connect them to your bigger “why”.
• Creative ways to hold yourself accountable, from daily self-check-ins to finding an accountability partner.
• The domino effect of setbacks and how to reframe them as evidence of change, not failure.
• Powerful, practical exercises: the Self Trust Journal prompt and “If I Respect Myself” questions to help you keep your promises to yourself.
• Introducing the Self Trust Builder worksheet

Change doesn’t begin with perfection, but with consistent, self-honoring action. Tune in for a compassionate, actionable look at how you can start showing up for yourself—one intentional step at a time.

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

LINKS REFERENCED:

The Self-Trust Builder Worksheet

Support the show

When we think about creating a life and career we love, it’s easy to get caught up in external validation. But true transformation starts from within, and reimagining our lives often means letting go of outside approval so that we can rediscover our own brilliance. 

This week on The Change Effect, my guest Alexis Kay and I dive deep into her journey from rising star in the corporate creative world to founder, freelance storyteller, and coach. Alexis shares what led her to step off the “expected” path, her lessons learned from powerhouse brands like Apple, IDEO, and Hulu, and how launching her own creative studio and the podcast "You Are the Prize" honors the stories and greatness within us all.

Get 20% off your Day by Daybook®  with the discount code NEW20 here. 

Alexis Kay is a creative director and writer with a Masters in Psychology from Columbia. Combining her love of words and human behavior, she’s spent most of her 15+ year career at Apple, Hulu, method, and IDEO, writing about design and tech, leading multidisciplinary teams, and mentoring young creatives. She recently co-founded STAB, a coaching-based creative studio that helps founders connect their vision to their values. Her favorite (work) quote: fun is a performance-enhancing drug.

In this episode, Alexis and I discuss:

• How Alexis pivoted from pursuing a career in psychology to launching into the world of design and copywriting at places like IDEO, Method, and Apple. 
• The burnout and personal sacrifices that come with chasing external validation, and the bold choice to prioritize purpose, freedom, and authentic joy. 
• Discovering confidence and self-worth as a founder and how coaching plays a transformative role in helping leaders “own their prize.”
• Her new podcast, “You Are The Prize,” is aimed at centering our unique worth, sharing real stories of moving from doubt and insecurity to deep confidence.
• Practical strategies for embracing change, building your support network as a solopreneur, and designing both work and life on your own terms.

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 ALEXIS KAY:

Stab Website

IG: Lexplease

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

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

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

Support the show

What if instead of just surviving change, you could partner with it as a catalyst for reinvention, truth, and personal power? 

This week on The Change Effect, I’m diving into the profound impacts of change and turning life’s pivotal moments into new beginnings. We’re going to break down the foundational mindset shifts, practical strategies, and empowering exercises that can help you not only navigate but deliberately create meaningful changes in your life, career, relationships, and beyond.

In this episode, I discuss:

• The concept of the “Change Effect” and how one bold, authentic decision can ignite a ripple of transformation throughout every area of your life.
• The internal cues that signal it’s time for a change and how to begin trusting your inner wisdom even before the world around you shifts.
• Why transformational change is challenging and why it’s still worth pursuing despite fears, doubts, and resistance from both yourself and others.
• The most common reasons we resist change and how to move past them.
• Key grounding truths to remember before leaping into the unknown, including the importance of support and inner regulation.
• Practical exercises to activate your next-level self

If you’re ready to stop asking for permission, trust yourself, and step into a life that feels authentically yours—from the inside out—this episode will inspire and equip you to answer the call.

Get 20% off your Day by Daybook®  by using the discount code NEW20 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

LINKS REFERENCED:

Brain Teaz Exercise

Support the show

When we think about change, we usually imagine positive transitions. But sometimes, life delivers a transformation we never wanted. 

This week on The Change Effect, Karen Hager, intuitive guide and spiritual teacher, returns to the podcast to share her experience after the loss of her beloved partner, Kathy, following a seventeen-month battle with cancer. In a conversation both deeply tender and inspiring, Karen and host Noelle Van discuss the reality of grief, the upheaval it brings, and the surprising places where love and strength reveal themselves in the midst of heartbreak.

Get 20% off your Day By Daybook® by using the discount code NEW20 here.

Karen Hager is an intuitive guide and psychic channel known for her compassionate, no-nonsense approach to the spiritual journey. She conducts more than 1,200 private intuitive sessions each year with people from around the world looking for Spirit-led guidance. 

Karen is a passionate advocate for intuitive development, and her classes and events focus on empowering students to connect with their own natural intuitive awareness, deepen their spiritual practice, and open themselves to abundance.

In this episode, Karen and I discuss:

• Karen and Kathy’s journey from college sweethearts to raising a family together for nearly 40 years.
• Navigating Kathy’s rare cancer diagnosis and her sudden passing.
• Coping with loss while managing logistics, boundaries, and grief.
• Karen’s path to resilience and redefining life after loss.
• The truths of grief: no one-size-fits-all process and non-linear healing.
• Practical and emotional prep for loss—and the power of self-compassion.

Karen's story of transformation through loss is a powerful reminder that even in its most painful forms, change can reveal the enduring force of the human spirit and the ways love continues to shape us.

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 Karen:

Website

Email: [email protected]

Grief Support Resources:

https://thenatureofgrief.com/workbook

https://www.griefdaybyday.com/

https://www.facebook.com/GriefSpeaksOut

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

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

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

Support the show

Starting in August, Journeys Through Change will become The Change Effect. 

Same great podcast, now hyper-focused on turning inspiration into actionable strategies you can implement into your life, career, or business. 

I can't wait for this new journey with you!

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. 

Connect with Noelle:

https://www.noellevan.com

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

https://www.instagram.com/noellevanbeyond

Support the show

We all have stories about who we are and what’s possible for us, but what if those stories are the very thing keeping us stuck? 

This week on Journeys Through Change, I’m diving into the powerful narratives we tell ourselves, why they so often keep us living by rules we never agreed to, and what we can do to flip the script. 

In this episode, I discuss:

• How most of our limiting stories come from the past and are rooted in fear, shame, or outdated beliefs.
• The sneaky ways these stories “feel” like facts, even though they’re often just old interpretations and protective responses.
• Common symptoms of being stuck in an unhelpful story
• A step-by-step process to uncover the underlying pattern, track your emotions, and reframe the script you’re living by.
• Real examples of old vs. new stories, and how changing your internal narrative can change your entire experience of growth and fulfillment.

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

When it comes to change, our wake-up calls too often arrive as crisis, breakdown, or loss, forcing us to move from comfort - only when we have no other choice. But why do we wait for pain or external pressure before taking the steps we know we need? 

This week on Journeys Through Change, I explore the subtle stories we tell ourselves about why we endure situations that no longer fit, and how to shift from changing by force to embracing change on purpose.

In this episode, I discuss:

• The psychology behind why we’re conditioned to avoid discomfort and cling to familiarity, even when it does not serve us.
• How to recognize the early whispers of dissatisfaction before they escalate into a full-blown crisis.
• Simple ways to create “intentional disruption” in your life to spark growth before life forces your hand.
• Why you must stop waiting for outside permission or validation and start granting it to yourself.
• A simple, powerful challenge: Identify one area where you’re waiting for validation, and choose to self-validate and act. Plus tips for taking bold, tiny steps toward change right now.

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