The Lit' Lunch

If you're honest, how many times do you press through the days, weeks, and months without thinking twice about where time went?

In this solo episode, I take a beat to reflect on the lessons learned during the first quarter of 2026 and share an important truth about navigating business, purpose, and faith: sometimes success isn't about pushing harder — it's about learning when to pivot and when to pause.

As we move toward the second quarter, let's take inventory of where we are in our goals, vision boards, businesses, and personal growth. Whether you feel like you're ahead, behind, or somewhere in between, this episode offers encouragement and perspective on how to move forward intentionally with God leading the way.

I'm sharing real experiences from my own journey this year — including turning down a promising project, shifting plans for the business website relaunch, and learning to be honest about capacity, alignment, and calling. Something can be good, but still not be the assignment God has for you.

This episode is a reminder that planning and preparation matter, but so does surrender. When we allow space for God to redirect our plans, we create room for the right opportunities to unfold.

If you've been questioning your progress this year, feeling pressure about goals, or wondering whether to continue, shift direction, or take a step back — this episode will help you approach the next quarter with clarity, wisdom, and peace.

In This Episode, We Discuss

• Why it's important to evaluate your progress as each quarter ends• The difference between pivoting and pausing in business and life• Recognizing when an opportunity is good but not God's for you• Being honest about your capacity and alignment with God• Planning, preparing, and surrendering your goals to God• How flexibility allows you to grow without breaking

Connect with the Host

Giselle QuintanillaCreative Coach & Publishing StrategistFounder of Ready Writer Services, LLC

Website: www.readywriterservicesllc.com Instagram & Facebook: @gisiquin

In this deeply moving episode of the Day One Podcast, I sit down with Carrie Eaton from Elgin, Texas — author, caregiver, and woman of unwavering faith — for a powerful conversation about grief, redemption, and the healing power of God's love.

Carrie vulnerably shares the heartbreaking loss of her 3-year-old daughter in 1995 due to a tragic accident. She opens up about the overwhelming grief that followed — a season where life felt colorless, where she describes only seeing black and white, and where she turned to substances in an attempt to numb the pain.

But her story does not end in despair.

Carrie shares how God met her in the deepest, darkest pit of her life, redeemed her, restored her, and lovingly challenged her to forgive herself. That journey of healing led her to write her first book, Walking in the Fullness of Joy after Tragedy. She holds onto the hope that she will one day see her daughter again in Heaven.

Today, Carrie continues walking in faith. Her second book, Faith Without Borders, chronicles her faith journey over the past three years as she cares for her 92-year-old mother in Texas — a season where God continues to show Himself faithful.

This episode is for anyone navigating grief, guilt, loss, or the long road back to joy. It is a reminder that redemption is possible, healing is real, and joy can return — even after tragedy.

• Losing a child and surviving unimaginable grief

• The emotional and spiritual effects of trauma

• Using substances to cope — and finding true healing

• God's redemption in dark seasons

• The challenge and freedom of self-forgiveness

• Writing through pain as part of healing

• Faith that sustains across decades

Carrie Eaton is an author and woman of faith living in Elgin, Texas. After losing her 3-year-old daughter in 1995, she experienced a season of deep grief and despair. Through God's grace, Carrie found healing, restoration, and renewed joy, which led her to write Walking in the Fullness of Joy after Tragedy.

Her second book, Faith Without Borders, reflects her recent journey of faith while caring for her 92-year-old mother. Carrie's story is one of redemption, resilience, and unwavering hope in God's promises.

📩 Connect with Carrie Eaton: Facebook @carrieeatonConnect with Giselle QuintanillaInstagram & Facebook: @gisiquin Website: www.readywriterservicesllc.com

If you are walking through grief or carrying guilt that feels too heavy — this episode is a reminder that God's loving light can reach even the darkest places.

Listen now and take your next Day One move.

In this powerful episode of the Day One Podcast, Assata Michelle Thomas, founder and CEO of Assata Michelle Enterprises, shares the deeply personal origin of her new book, Forward Only: Speak Power. Live Change, reflecting on a dark season in her past when she was facing potential jail time.

We discuss how this circumstance, many years ago, long before the leadership roles and recognition she holds today, set the path to her destiny. During that challenging period, she began speaking affirmations over herself, declaring truth over circumstances that did not yet reflect the future she believed God was preparing her for.

She opens up about how difficult it was to speak life during that time, and how there were moments she chose not to speak at all because she understood the weight and power of words. In those moments, she surrounded herself with people who spoke affirmations over her, helping her stay aligned with where she was going rather than where she was.

This episode is a reminder that transformation doesn't begin when everything looks better; it often begins when you decide to speak differently.

We also discuss the courage required to redefine relationships that cannot accompany you into new seasons. Growth demands clarity, boundaries, and the willingness to move forward — even when it means leaving certain connections behind.

• How affirmations shaped her future long before success

• Speaking power during life's darkest seasons

• Why silence can sometimes protect your future

• The role of community in personal transformation

• Redefining relationships as you grow

• Living "forward only" — even before you see results

Assata M. Thomas is the founder and CEO of Assata Michelle Enterprises and the author of Forward Only: Speak Power. Live Change. A nationally recognized reentry strategist and systems-change leader, she brings over two decades of experience advancing equity, public safety, and workforce access for people impacted by the criminal legal system.

Today, she serves as Executive Director of Reentry for the City of Philadelphia, leading citywide strategy and cross-sector collaboration. Her leadership is grounded in lived experience and the belief that language, intention, and forward movement shape both personal transformation and systemic change.

If you are navigating growth, redefining relationships, or learning to speak life over your future before you see it, this episode will remind you that your past does not disqualify you. It may be the very thing that prepared you.

Listen now and take your next Day One move.

Connect with Assata Michelle Thomas: www.assatamichelle.net

Connect with Your Host, Giselle QuintanillaInstagram & Facebook: @gisiquin Website: www.readywriterservicesllc.com

In this deeply moving episode of the Day One Podcast, host Giselle Quintanilla sits down with Daniela Roman, international best-selling author, speaker, survivor advocate, and founder of Daniela's Delicious Delights, LLC, for a conversation about healing, heritage, and turning pain into purpose.

Daniela shares how growing up Italian shaped her relationship with food—not as a chore, but as an expression of love, creativity, and connection. That early joy in cooking later became a source of healing and purpose. She opens up about surviving domestic violence and sexual trauma, and how the encouragement of her husband, Emilio, gave her the courage to share her story publicly, believing that stories don't just heal, they save lives.

Her powerful book series, Behind Closed Doors: I Survived Domestic Violence, and You Can Too, reached #1 Best New Release status on Amazon and continues to amplify the voices of women who have endured trauma, with a 4th edition set to release in 2026. Daniela also shares the heart behind her book Big Bear Wisdom, written in honor of her father, who was her greatest inspiration.

Today, Daniela blends advocacy, authorship, and culinary creativity to help women (especially mompreneurs) reclaim confidence through her Kitchen Confidence course, encouraging them to nurture both their families and their dreams.

• Growing up Italian and finding joy in cooking

• Healing from domestic violence and sexual trauma

• The role of support and encouragement in sharing your story

• Why stories can save lives

• Honoring legacy through authorship and creativity

• Empowering mompreneurs through confidence and nourishment

• Turning survival into purpose and advocacy

Daniela Roman is an International Best-Selling Author, Speaker, and Survivor Advocate whose work empowers women to reclaim their power after trauma. She is the founder of Daniela's Delicious Delights, LLC, where she brings healing and joy through nutritious meals rooted in her Italian heritage. A former co-owner of the Mediterranean Café at the University of Pennsylvania, Daniela now blends culinary expertise with empowerment through her Kitchen Confidence course. Her mission is to touch lives globally through storytelling, advocacy, and nourishment (body and soul).

Connect with Daniela Roman: Website: https://www.danielasdeliciousdelights.com Email: [email protected]

Connect with Your Host, Giselle QuintanillaInstagram & Facebook: @gisiquin Website: www.readywriterservicesllc.com

In this powerful episode of the Day One Podcast, I sit down with Raquel Soto, CEO of Your GPS for Success, to talk about what it really means to stay faithful to what God placed on your heart — even when doubt, fear, and discouragement try to creep in.

Raquel shares how God has been teaching her to press past emotions, surrender outcomes, and trust the calling on her life. She breaks down how imposter syndrome is often a story rooted in fear, not truth, and why understanding how we are created emotionally helps us create boldly and obediently.

This episode is a reminder that your emotions don't disqualify you — they invite you to surrender deeper and move forward with intention.

• How to stop doubting what God called you to do

• Pressing past feelings without ignoring them

• Why imposter syndrome is a fear-based narrative

• Understanding emotions so you can create freely

• Learning to surrender control and trust God fully

• The 1% Rule — showing up daily for what God called you to

Raquel's Day One Move: Do the 1% God is asking of you today. Obedience compounds.

Raquel Soto is an Authority Amplifier and Identity Architect who helps faith-driven entrepreneurs anchor into who God created them to be. Through custom anthems, award-winning anthologies, and her TV show One Breakthrough Now, she turns messages into movements and stories into legacy — empowering women to show up boldly, confidently, and unapologetically called.

Connect with Raquel: 👉 https://yourgpsforsuccess.net/

If you've been wrestling with doubt, fear, or hesitation — this episode will remind you that God doesn't call you to perfection, but to obedience.

🎧 Listen now and make today your Day One move.

Connect with Host, Giselle Quintanilla

Instagram & Facebook: @gisiquin Website: www.readywriterservicesllc.com

Welcome to the first episode of the Day One Podcast for 2026. This one is personal. In this solo episode, I'm sharing the lessons 2025 taught me and how I'm now putting them into full practice as I step into a new year with clarity, intention, and alignment.

We often rush to set goals, create vision boards, and make plans, but before any of that, your mindset and heart must align. In this episode, I talk about why checking your mindset first is critical before writing anything down or speaking anything aloud. Because what you plan must match what you truly believe.

I also share how God challenged me to prepare for what I was believing Him for, not just hope for it. Preparation isn't passive — it's faith in action. And that's my charge to you this year: don't just plan for what you want… prepare to receive it.

Lessons from 2025 that shaped my perspective Why mindset work must come before goal-setting Aligning your heart, faith, and plans The difference between planning and preparation How preparation positions you for manifestation

If you're stepping into 2026 ready to move with intention, faith, and follow-through — this episode will help you reset, refocus, and realign.

🎧 Tune in and make your Day One move: prepare for what you're praying for.

Connect with Host, Giselle Quintanilla

Instagram & Facebook: @gisiquin Website: www.readywriterservicesllc.com

In this year-end episode of the Day One Podcast, we reflect on the growth, stretching, and transformation that 2025 has brought. Because, if you're like us, you can admit you are not the same woman you were on January 1st. And that change is evidence of God's hand at work. 🙌🏽

My guest, LaToya Hammond, opens up about how the challenges and shifts she experienced this year drew her deeper into what God was doing within her — not just for survival, but for preparation and positioning for what's next. We talk about obedience, identity, spiritual discipline, and what it means to show up even when the season feels heavy.

LaToya Hammond is a speaker, writer, and digital creator devoted to helping women embrace their God-given identity, emotional wholeness, and purpose. She is the visionary behind Girl, I Got You — supporting women healing after heartbreak and divorce — and Called to Be Different, empowering women to boldly own what sets them apart. As a mom, mentor, ministry leader, and media host/partner at B3 Media TV, LaToya is passionate about creating spaces where women feel seen, supported, and strengthened through every season of becoming.

✨ Why "December you" looks different than "January you" ✨ How God uses uncomfortable moments to refine and prepare ✨ Practical ways to stay aligned with what God said ✨ The importance of showing up with excellence — even while evolving ✨ What it means to stay the course when the assignment shifts

If you've felt God stretching you, shifting you, or setting you up for something greater — this conversation is confirmation that your transformation is intentional. 💜

Listen now and take your next Day One move into the future God is preparing for you.

🔗 Connect with your host: Instagram | Facebook: @gisiquin Website: www.readywriterservicesllc.com

In this powerful episode of the Day One Podcast, we sit down with Karen Marchione—author, radio host, and advocate for resilience—to explore how her personal journey through grief became the foundation for a life dedicated to offering hope to others.

Karen experienced deep loss early in life, losing her sister as a child and later her first husband, with whom she built a successful business. Those experiences, combined with her 20-year career as a special education teacher, shaped her heart for encouraging people through hardship. Her book, HOPE: How Other People Endure, and her radio show, The HOPE Show, share stories of endurance, healing, and the strength of the human spirit.

In this conversation, Karen opens up about: How grief reshaped her life and strengthened her purpose Why telling your story can help someone else endure The message behind her book and the impact of The HOPE Show What it truly looks like to rebuild after loss The power of faith, resilience, and choosing hope day after day

If you're navigating grief, rebuilding after heartbreak, or searching for purpose in a hard season, this episode will remind you that you are not alone and hope is still possible.

Listen now and take your next Day One step toward healing and restoration.

Connect with Karen Marchione on Facebook: @karenjaynemarchione

Connect with your host: Instagram | Facebook: @gisiquin Website: www.readywriterservicesllc.com

In this powerful episode of the Day One Podcast, we dive deep into what it really means to break free from burnout and rediscover yourself beyond the grind. My guest, Brittany Russell, is an Energy and Embodiment Coach and the CEO & Founder of Elle Three Coaching.

Before launching her business, Brittany built a successful career in the aviation industry — but behind the achievements and constant hustle, she was silently burning out. It wasn't until she reached her breaking point and took a life-changing trip to Peru that she finally realized success doesn't have to come at the expense of your peace.

Now, Brittany helps women over 35 reconnect with their energy, authenticity, and purpose — empowering them to live in alignment rather than exhaustion.

💬 In this episode, Brittany shares:

• Her raw and honest story of burnout and awakening

• How chasing success led to emotional, mental, and physical depletion

• The lessons she learned in Peru that changed her life's direction

• Practical ways women can recognize early signs of burnout

• How to start showing up as your most authentic, whole self

If you've been stuck in the cycle of "doing more" just to feel "enough," this episode will speak straight to your soul. It's time to redefine success, reclaim your energy, and remember that you were never meant to run on empty.

Connect with Brittany RussellInstagram: @ellethreecoachingBrittany Russell (@ellethreecoaching) | StanConnect with your host, Giselle QuintanillaInstagram: @gisiquin Facebook: @gisiquin Website: www.readywriterservicesllc.com

In this special solo episode of the Day One Podcast, I'm taking the mic to reflect on my journey as a proud Latina entrepreneur, celebrating both National Hispanic Heritage Month and 7 incredible years of Ready Writer Services, LLC.

I share how my Latina roots, faith, and upbringing shaped the woman and business owner I've become, and how that was beautifully amplified during a recent Career Day at Cramer Hill Elementary in Camden, NJ, where I connected with middle schoolers who reminded me why representation matters.

This episode is a celebration of culture, purpose, and legacy. It's for anyone who has ever wondered how their background and story could become the foundation for something greater. Your roots aren't just part of your past—they're the power behind your purpose.

🎧 Tune in now to hear how staying true to who you are can unlock everything you're called to be.

Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram @gisiquin

Or email me at [email protected]