The Giant Builders

Thinking about leaving corporate but not sure where to start? Business coach Tabitha Jones—“the Corporate Escape Sherpa”—shares a practical roadmap for midlife women to move from employee to entrepreneur without burning bridges or bank accounts.

You’ll learn her Freedom Framework (Why, What, Who, How), how to test your idea while you’re still employed, build a financial runway, manage your calendar like a CEO, and get visible so your new business has real momentum before you resign.

[email protected]

empowered-leader.com

Timestamps below.

About our guest: Tabitha helps midlife professionals design, fund, and launch businesses the right way—using corporate income to build the next act with clarity and confidence.

Watch next week’s episodes by subscribing and turning on notifications.

#Timestamps

00:00 Teaser: Is it time to leave corporate?

01:02 Meet Tabitha Jones, Corporate Escape Sherpa

02:11 Why midlife is a sweet spot for entrepreneurship

03:21 Tabitha’s own leap at 50—building on the side first

04:55 The Freedom Framework: Why, What, Who, How

06:56 Money matters: financial runway, subscriptions audit, separate accounts

08:58 Picking your lane: skills vs. what actually lights you up

10:54 Pivoting from “what you should do” to work you love

12:00 Time-blocking while employed: one focused hour a day

13:39 Visibility and market feedback without tipping off your employer

15:45 Mindset: quieting self-doubt and imposter syndrome

18:01 Everyday impact and why women’s leadership matters

18:32 What a first call with Tabitha looks like (questions, fit, next steps)

20:29 Encouragement: it’s never too late to make your next chapter your best

21:35 Close

Check out other episodes

Business: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF9pnIL1foYJ3uVP8z1fCVmZ

Connect with The Giant Builders:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiantBuilders

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiantbuilders/

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCdhZSrC57PyP-QSWIaTeldg?sub_confirmation=1

Is leadership something you’re born with—or can it be learned? Leadership coach Amber Mayes joins Lois to unpack what great leadership looks like today—especially for leaders navigating bias and systems not built for them. We dig into emotional intelligence, microaggressions, redefining success, building reciprocal support systems, and why the best leaders don’t try to “know everything”—they build teams that own outcomes.

You’ll hear how Amber moved from 25+ years in DEI consulting to 1:1 coaching, what she sees most leaders missing (hint: mindset), and a practical first-session framework that clarifies vision, values, and the path forward. If you lead people—or want to—this conversation will help you lead with authenticity, collaboration, and real impact.

Watch now and share with a leader who needs this.

Episode link: https://youtu.be/3RBQyDdZo3M

Chapters below. Subscribe for more weekly conversations on spirituality, family, health, and business.

Timestamps

00:00 Is leadership born or learned?

00:27 Show intro + subscribe ask

00:55 Meet Amber Mayes: leadership coach for marginalized leaders

02:10 The “hidden” barriers: microaggressions’ cumulative impact

03:41 Ability vs. system design: reframing “accommodations”

05:46 Make systems accessible across a continuum of ability

06:50 How clients find Amber: referrals, SEO, speaking

07:54 What strong leaders share: emotional intelligence & group dynamics

08:44 From control to ownership: returning authority to teams

09:27 Coaching vs. training: when skills vs. mindset matter

09:59 Mindset work: inner critic, impostor syndrome, re-defining success

12:20 What a first session looks like: visioning + values + goals

13:26 Purpose vs. “hummingbird” paths—building a fulfilling way of leading

15:36 Authentic leadership when systems weren’t built for you

16:36 Redefining leadership: from command-and-control to collaboration

17:20 Great leaders don’t know everything—teams do

19:05 Closing: build a buffer system—support, self-care, mindset practices

21:05 Why Amber’s hopeful about the next generation of leaders

21:53 Wrap + how to connect

[email protected]

Check out other episodes

Business: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF9pnIL1foYJ3uVP8z1fCVmZ

Health: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF9QEQ1q2e05K28IjUvLPGJy

Spiritual: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF96jBzfz6QHUegeULd7YEsY

Family: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF_SaLQxs8op1CPSDg_wG8vL

Connect with The Giant Builders:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiantBuilders

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiantbuilders/

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCdhZSrC57PyP-QSWIaTeldg?sub_confirmation=1

What if your clearest guidance has been within you all along? In this Giant Builders episode, metaphysician, coach, and author Jean Walters shares practical ways to move from anxiety to peace, develop reliable intuition, decode your dreams, and live your passion with presence. We cover universal law (cause and effect, circulation), simple daily meditation habits, a four-step framework for dream interpretation, and how to retrain the “monkey mind” so you can make wise, grounded decisions.

You’ll learn:

Why universal laws make life feel less random—and how to work with them

A simple daily practice to quiet your mind and strengthen intuition

How dreams serve as a real-time dialogue with your inner self

A practical approach to remembering dreams (and what common dreams really signal)

What “living your passion” looks like when you stop chasing and start listening

Giveaway: Comment a takeaway or question on this video and you’ll be entered to win one of Jean’s books

Timestamps below. Subscribe for new episodes on spirituality, family, health, and business—all through a practical lens.

[email protected]

facebook.com/jeanmwalters1

twitter.com/lightandjoy

linkedin.com/in/jean-walters-58b172

Timestamps

00:00 Buckle up: intuition, passion, dreams, and more

00:26 Meet Jean Walters

01:55 Jean’s books overview (From Anxiety to Peace; Set Yourself Free; Deep Truth; The Power of Knowing; The Magic and Mystery of Dreams)

05:03 Universal Law 101: cause and effect, circulation, and why life isn’t random

06:54 Intuition as the shortcut: how to cultivate the “still small voice”

09:15 Dreams as dialogue with the inner self

11:56 How to remember your dreams: present-tense self-suggestion and journaling

13:12 Common dream patterns and what they signal (school, running, “lost” themes)

16:00 Do dreams lead to passion? Asking and paying attention

17:08 Inside a first session with Jean: assessment, peeling the onion, happiness work

19:59 Happiness is inside: presence over past/future thinking

22:31 Jean’s morning routine and why it matters

23:35 A simple starter meditation anyone can do

24:52 Discipline, self-care, and protecting your focus

27:01 Closing insights: quantum field, managing the mind, living bigger

28:24 Book giveaway details

29:38 Wrap and next steps

Check out other episodes

Business: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF9pnIL1foYJ3uVP8z1fCVmZ

Health: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF9QEQ1q2e05K28IjUvLPGJy

Spiritual: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF96jBzfz6QHUegeULd7YEsY

Family: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF_SaLQxs8op1CPSDg_wG8vL

Connect with The Giant Builders:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiantBuilders

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiantbuilders/

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCdhZSrC57PyP-QSWIaTeldg?sub_confirmation=1

In this episode of The Giant Builders, Lois Wyant welcomes energy healer Elaine McCoogen, who shares her journey from Scotland to the south of France and the wisdom she has gained through years of energy work and transformation.

Elaine explains how presence is the key to healing, what a session with her looks like, and how clients can access their authentic selves to move forward with freedom and radiance. She also introduces us to her retreats in France, where authenticity, meditation, and group healing create life-changing breakthroughs.

Whether you’re curious about energy work, seeking transformation, or wanting to live more authentically, this conversation will inspire you to step into the present and embrace your radiance.

👉 Watch the full conversation now and learn how to cultivate presence in your own life.

🔗 Connect with Elaine McCoogen: [email protected]

https://www.theonenessofyou.com/

https://www.facebook.com/elaine.mcgoogan

https://www.instagram.com/the_oneness_of_you/

https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile

00:00 – Introduction to presence

00:33 – Meet guest Elaine McCoogen

00:52 – Elaine’s background and journey

01:50 – What energy work means

03:12 – Who benefits from energy work

04:27 – What a session with Elaine looks like

06:16 – Upgrading energy systems

07:02 – Practices to continue after a session

08:19 – Staying in the present vs. past habits

09:26 – Retreats in France and their themes

11:29 – Sound baths and vibrational healing

11:52 – Closing thoughts: living with radiance

13:08 – Wrap-up and encouragement

#Healing #Authenticity #Presence #EnergyWork #TheGiantBuilders

Check out other episodes

Spiritual: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF96jBzfz6QHUegeULd7YEsY

Family: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF_SaLQxs8op1CPSDg_wG8vL

Connect with The Giant Builders:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiantBuilders

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiantbuilders/

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCdhZSrC57PyP-QSWIaTeldg?sub_confirmation=1

Are your kids thriving in school—or just getting by? In this episode of The Giant Builders, Lois Wyant sits down with Kristina & Herbert Heagh Avritt, co-founders of Vibrant Family Education, to talk about signs your child might need a different educational path, how homeschooling really works today, and practical ways to begin (even if you work full time).

We bust the three biggest myths (socialization, “I’m not qualified,” and “I don’t have time”), unpack modern options like co-ops, pods, online curricula, and dual enrollment, and show you how education can become a powerful way to strengthen family connection, confidence, and life skills. You’ll also hear real stories—like the third grader who jumped to grade level reading in months once she felt safe and supported.

Whether you’re a parent or a grandparent, this episode will give you clarity, language, and next steps to advocate for the best-fit education for your child.

Timestamp

00:00 Intro: Is school the best fit?

01:00 Meet Kristina & Herbert Heagh Avritt (Vibrant Family Education)

03:55 Why they started: hard lessons & changing classrooms

06:15 Warning signs school may not be working

07:40 Homeschooling Myth #1: Socialization

09:55 Co-ops, pods, and choosing your approach

10:55 Myth #2: “I’m not qualified to teach”

12:40 Myth #3: “I don’t have time” (how to structure the day)

14:55 Extracurriculars: band, orchestra, and sports

16:50 When to start (yes, you can switch mid-year)

19:05 Post-COVID realities & parental freedom

21:35 System weaknesses & one-size-fits-all

24:10 Boys, movement, and medication pressure

25:45 The grandparent advantage

27:10 Final advice: trust your instincts & get involved

[email protected]

Check out other episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfjLKUSlq5k&list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF84gvmFQuz5DbIUWgtQxU3v

Connect with The Giant Builders:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiantBuilders

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiantbuilders/

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCdhZSrC57PyP-QSWIaTeldg?sub_confirmation=1

Are you taking care of your marriage while you’re taking care of everything else? Marriage & family therapist Jan Talon shares practical, faith-rooted strategies to stay connected as spouses while raising kids—without burning out. From her “hot date hat” reminder to the DNA Way of communicating, Jan shows how tiny daily kindnesses, clear desires, and right-sized skills can move your home from family crazy to family calm.

Watch now and share with a couple who needs encouragement.

Episode link: https://youtu.be/v_4bow_0TE0

What you’ll learn:

• Why the first five years of parenting can create long-term cracks—and how to prevent them

• The “hot date hat” (and why marriage comes before parenting)

• The D’s that erode connection—and how to replace them with small daily kindnesses

• Defining your family desires (1 month to 30 years) so you “go where you look”

• The DNA Way of communication and 8 essential family skills

• Faith as a tested source of wisdom (and how to apply it with grace)

About Jan Talon: Jan is a wife, mom, grandma, and marriage & family therapist with ~40 years of experience helping couples and parents build calm, connected homes. Her program “Family Crazy to Family Calm” and 100+ short podcasts (with printable tools) help families apply skills in real life.

Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 Are you caring for your marriage?

00:31 Welcome & intro

01:02 Jan’s story: mom, grandma, therapist

05:12 Marriage before parenting: the “hot date hat”

07:15 Why early parenting years crack marriages

09:09 The D’s that drain connection (and what to do)

11:02 The epoxy glue analogy: keep mixing together

12:20 Kindness as daily connection fuel

13:26 Different parenting styles—start with desires

14:12 Define your family future (1 month → 30 years)

15:46 The DNA Way + 8 essential family skills

16:43 Parenting to the child’s personality & stage

18:52 Slow decisions beat reactive discipline

21:01 Celebrating courageous choices (parent story)

22:56 Faith as tested wisdom vs. social media noise

24:36 How a first session with Jan works

26:21 Resources: Family Crazy to Family Calm, podcasts, printables

28:28 Final encouragement: care for your marriage before crisis

30:26 Thanks & close

[email protected]

Check out other episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfjLKUSlq5k&list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF84gvmFQuz5DbIUWgtQxU3v

Connect with The Giant Builders:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiantBuilders

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiantbuilders/

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCdhZSrC57PyP-QSWIaTeldg?sub_confirmation=1

What if your job looks successful on paper—but leaves you feeling stuck, drained, or lost?

In this episode of The Giant Builders, host Lois Wyant interviews Jackie Coley, a mental fitness coach and career strategist who helps high-achieving professionals break out of the success trap and design a life of fulfillment.

Jackie shares how mental fitness is just like physical fitness—your thoughts need training, too. Learn how to identify thought patterns that hold you back (like "busyness equals productivity"), how to reconnect with your joy, and why finding your North Star is the first step to designing a life you love.

Whether you're exploring a career change, feeling burnt out, or simply craving more meaning in your life, this episode is packed with eye-opening wisdom and practical inspiration.

🎯 Key Topics: mental fitness, burnout recovery, entrepreneurship, mindset shifts, productivity redefined, career reinvention, and how to reconnect with purpose.

👉 Ready to create a life that actually feels like yours? Hit play now and start building from the inside out.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that help you build spirituality, family, health, and business.

00:00 Meet Jackie Coley – Mental Fitness Coach & Career Strategist

01:00 Helping professionals feel fulfilled again

02:30 Jackie’s personal journey from burnout to clarity

04:00 Why “mental fitness” is more than mindset

06:00 How our thought patterns shape our lives

08:00 Breaking the “busyness equals productivity” myth

10:30 Redefining what productivity really means

12:00 How to reconnect with your big-picture goals

14:00 Creating a career based on what you want

16:00 Flow state, fulfillment, and finding your spark

18:00 Your impact doesn’t need to be huge—it just needs to start

20:00 Final encouragement: joy, courage, and small ripples that matter

Check out other episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfjLKUSlq5k&list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF84gvmFQuz5DbIUWgtQxU3v

Connect with The Giant Builders:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiantBuilders

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiantbuilders/

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCdhZSrC57PyP-QSWIaTeldg?sub_confirmation=1

Do you truly see your worth? Today’s guest, Andre Hoffman—known as the Doctor of Self-Worth—breaks down a simple, powerful path to move from old conditioning and self-sabotage to clarity, confidence, and mission. You’ll learn the three stages of growth, how to stop seeking external validation, and practical steps to rebuild identity and belief so you can create results that last.

What we cover:

• The real definition of self-worth (and why optimism matters)

• The three stages: stuck and unconscious → best version → on a mission

• How rejection patterns and “not enough” beliefs block opportunity

• Why mindset work beats quick fixes—and how to do it right

• What a first coaching session with Andre looks like

Mentioned: Six-Star Leaders community, The Heroes Podcast, and Andre’s co-authored book on building a values-driven business.

If this resonates, remember: you are worthy, unique, and called. Take the next step today.

Subscribe for more conversations on spirituality, family, health, and business.

[email protected]

00:00 Cold open – Are you living your God-given worth?

00:25 Intro – The Giant Builders with Lois Wyant

01:32 Lois’ kitchen disaster story and a marriage stress test

02:35 Meet Andre Hoffman, the Doctor of Self-Worth

03:38 Andre’s backstory: decades searching for worth, the collapse, and the breakthrough

04:58 What self-worth really is: optimism, not taking things personally, inner compass

06:02 The trap of external validation vs building from the inside out

06:50 The three stages of growth: stuck/unconscious → best version → on a mission

08:30 Seeing opportunities you once missed; momentum and not taking things personally

09:58 Purpose, mission, and building a business on your terms

10:40 Mindset vs strategy—and why both matter

11:10 Andre’s book and the Six-Star Leaders community

12:20 Virtual events and global connections

12:55 The Heroes Podcast: turning trials into mission

13:44 Why you can’t skip stages; baby-to-marathon analogy

14:50 What Andre’s first session looks like (and why it’s free)

16:40 Finding root issues vs treating symptoms; identity work and guarantees

17:55 Common blocks: the “not enough” bucket and rejection patterns

18:54 Lois’ encouragement: you are worthy and unique

19:19 Andre’s closing steps: believe change is possible for you; commit fully

21:17 Wrap-up and sign-off

Check out other episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfjLKUSlq5k&list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF84gvmFQuz5DbIUWgtQxU3v

Connect with The Giant Builders:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiantBuilders

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiantbuilders/

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCdhZSrC57PyP-QSWIaTeldg?sub_confirmation=1

Feeling stuck, stressed, or burned out? You might just need more PLAY in your life.

In this episode of The Giant Builders, Dr. Erica Buck Holtz shares how she overcame burnout through laughter yoga and playful living. Discover simple, practical ways to:

Use laughter yoga to lower stress and boost energy

Turn daily chores into moments of fun and connection

Build stronger family bonds through playful activities

Increase creativity and problem-solving in your business and career

Transform burnout into joy with intentional play

If you’ve ever felt too busy to slow down, this episode will show you how play is not just for kids — it’s a tool for health, happiness, and connection.

👉 Watch now and learn how to giggle your way into less stress and more joy!

00:00 Intro – The Power of Play

01:10 Meet Dr. Erica Buck Holtz

01:30 What Is Laughter Yoga?

02:40 How Laughter Changes Your Brain & Body

04:30 Burnout & Discovering Laughter Yoga

06:00 The Science of Simulated vs Authentic Laughter

07:20 What a First Meeting with Dr. Erica Looks Like

80:40 Playful Parenting Activities (Forehead to Forehead Game)

10:10 Making Chores Fun: Dishwasher Game & Cleaning with Music

13:30 Finding Connection with Older Kids

15:40 Playful Productivity in Business

17:20 Rewards, Treats, and Sticker Charts

18:45 Starting Your Own Laughter Yoga Practice

20:00 Closing Thoughts

[email protected]

https://becomingplayful.com/

https://www.instagram.com/becomingplayfulcoaching/

https://linktr.ee/becomingplayful

Check out other episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfjLKUSlq5k&list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF84gvmFQuz5DbIUWgtQxU3v

Connect with The Giant Builders:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiantBuilders

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiantbuilders/

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCdhZSrC57PyP-QSWIaTeldg?sub_confirmation=1

Are you—or someone you know—stuck in an abusive relationship? Whether it’s physical, verbal, or emotional, you need to hear this conversation.

In this episode of The Giant Builders, Lois Wyant sits down with Denise Willis, author of On Loving Yourself: How to Overcome Adversity and Abuse and Develop Personal Power. Denise opens up about her own experiences with toxic relationships, abuse, and low self-esteem—and how she found the courage to heal, rebuild, and step into her God-given worth.

Together, we discuss:

✅ Signs of toxic and narcissistic relationships

✅ Why women stay—and how to break free

✅ The role of self-love, affirmations, and boundaries

✅ Self-care as an essential (not selfish) act

✅ How faith and God’s power bring strength and healing

If you are in an abusive situation, please know: you are worthy, you are loved, and you do not have to stay. Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement and hope.

👉 Leave a comment on YouTube to enter the giveaway for Denise’s book!

00:00 Introduction – A message to women in abusive relationships

00:49 Meet Denise Willis – Author & Life Coach

01:35 Denise’s journey through toxic relationships

03:10 Childhood patterns and people-pleasing

04:30 Breaking free and learning self-love

05:40 Why self-care is essential, not selfish

07:00 What working with Denise looks like

08:40 Her personal story of abuse and survival

10:20 Chapters of her book and lessons learned

11:50 The power of affirmations, boundaries, and faith

12:40 Overcoming cancer with scripture and prayer

13:30 Final encouragement for women: You are worthy

14:15 Closing prayer & book giveaway details

Website: deniseannwillis.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553872718858

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reclaimwithdenise/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-ann-willis-45b1592a2/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reclaimwithdenise

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Denise-Ann-Willis

Book: The Book on Loving Yourself

#TheGiantBuilders #AbuseRecovery #FaithAndHealing

Check out other episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfjLKUSlq5k&list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF84gvmFQuz5DbIUWgtQxU3v

Connect with The Giant Builders:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiantBuilders

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiantbuilders/

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCdhZSrC57PyP-QSWIaTeldg?sub_confirmation=1