Special Guest: Crystal Kokal

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In this heartfelt episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I sit down with my sister, Crystal Kokal, for a deeply personal conversation about our childhood, the values instilled in us, and the way those experiences have shaped our adult lives. We reminisce about growing up on a remote farm, where our tight-knit family of four created unbreakable bonds. Those formative years taught us the importance of resilience, adaptability, and connection—qualities that continue to guide us today.

Crystal shares how her love for planning and travel led her to a career in the travel industry, driven by a desire to help our parents reconnect with distant family. But life, as always, had its twists and turns. She opens up about raising two incredible sons—one who navigated complex systems due to his brilliance and another who overcame medical challenges to thrive. Through it all, she remained steadfast in her commitment to giving back, recalling a major fundraising effort where she helped collect thousands of blankets for Project Linus to support children in need.

We also explore how our mother’s love for cooking influenced Crystal’s entrepreneurial journey. She candidly shares her transition from being a full-time caretaker to rediscovering her passion and skills in a new way. The challenges of major career pivots—especially after global events like 9/11 and COVID—led her to embrace entrepreneurship, launching Sassy Frost, a thriving business specializing in custom sugar cookies and decorating classes. What started as a creative outlet has blossomed into a fulfilling venture that blends artistry, teaching, and community building.

Throughout our conversation, we reflect on the ways childhood experiences shape our mindset, the impact of strong family values, and the importance of allowing children to explore their strengths without rigid expectations.

Key Takeaways:

Check out Crystal’s beautiful cookies at Sassyfras Cookies

Follow her on Facebook and Instagram

Special Guest: Elizabeth Peak

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In this powerful episode, I sit down with Elizabeth Peak, a multifaceted entrepreneur, to explore the deep connection between authenticity, personal growth, and business branding. Elizabeth shares how embracing intuition and aligning our inner and outer selves can unlock creativity, confidence, and success.

We dive into her work in photography, branding, and styling, where she helps individuals showcase their essence through personal branding. Elizabeth explains the importance of feeling safe in one’s body, not just for self-expression but for genuine confidence in business and life. As we navigate an AI-driven world, we also discuss the shift toward personal branding and why real human connection is more valuable than ever.

Elizabeth shares her personal journey of growing up in a highly conservative and isolating environment that resembled a cult. Raised with rigid gender roles, she was taught that women are "owned" first by their fathers and then by their husbands. This belief system led to an arranged marriage and an early life filled with restrictions that stifled her autonomy. Through deep reflection and personal growth, she realized how these teachings left her vulnerable to control and manipulation.

We discuss how conservative communities can inadvertently set women up for abusive relationships by discouraging boundary-setting and self-agency. Elizabeth opens up about how her father’s traumatic childhood shaped his views on women, perpetuating generational cycles of dysfunction. However, she makes it clear that her journey has led her to a place of self-awareness and healing, allowing her to set strong emotional and physical boundaries. While she has moved away from certain aspects of her religious upbringing, she acknowledges that her journey is about personal choice, not rejection of faith.

Key Takeaways:

Connect with Elizabeth through her website, Your Authentic Reflections, and her in-person women’s circle. Also, learn more about your style at Dressing Your Truth.

Tune in next time for more real, raw conversations about transformation and empowerment!

Special Guest: Steven Puri

https://www.thesukha.co/media

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In this episode, I sit down with Steven Puri, founder and CEO of Sukha Co., a company dedicated to helping people improve focus and work-life balance. Steven takes us on a fascinating journey through his career—from interviewing newsmakers as a teenager to working as a junior software engineer, then breaking into the world of Hollywood visual effects. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from blockbuster films like Independence Day and Braveheart and his leadership experience at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks, where he oversaw major franchises like Die Hard, Wolverine, Star Trek, and Transformers.

We dive into the evolution of filmmaking, exploring how action sequences and CGI have changed storytelling. Steven reflects on the thrill of working with top-tier action writers and what he misses most about Hollywood—mainly the creative spark of original storytelling. But ultimately, he realized that working on endless sequels wasn’t fulfilling. That’s when he shifted gears to something more meaningful—helping people find clarity and productivity in their lives.

Steven gets real about feeling overwhelmed and procrastinating, particularly in the mornings, and how he developed strategies to combat those struggles. His journey led him to build a focus-driven community and create the Sukha app, rooted in the Sanskrit concept of deep, fulfilling happiness. He shares how productivity isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about building a life filled with joy, connection, and purpose.

We also talk about the power of serendipity and how success often comes from unexpected opportunities. Steven shares wisdom from his parents—what he calls “Cliffisms”—and how life lessons shape our choices and perspectives.

Key Takeaways:

We wrap things up with a lighthearted chat about Christmas traditions, favorite holiday movies (yes, Die Hard is one of them!), and, of course, chocolates.

Tune in and discover how you can bring more focus, fulfillment, and serendipity into your life!

In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I sit down with the incredible Reverend Joanne Angel BarryColon, a powerhouse in holistic wellness and empowerment. As the founder of Holistic Fitness New York LLC, Joanne has dedicated over 40 years to helping women integrate healing, fitness, and astrology into their lives. From her early days as a fitness instructor at just 12 years old to her journey as an off-Broadway dancer and competitive bodybuilder, Joanne has always pushed boundaries and redefined what it means to be strong—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

We kick off the conversation with an exploration of astrology, numerology, and their impact on energy alignment. Joanne explains the significance of planetary shifts, particularly Mars moving between Leo and Cancer, and how these celestial events create an internal push and pull in our lives. She introduces her unique Chakra Balance, Numerology, Cosmic Energy Forecast Deck, a revolutionary tool that blends chakras, numerology, and affirmations to provide daily guidance.

Joanne also shares her deeply personal connection to the month of March, reflecting on her mother’s passing and how she continues to receive spiritual messages. Her ability to connect with intuition has been a guiding force, reinforcing the idea that messages from beyond come in many forms if we are open to receiving them.

Our conversation takes an inspiring turn as Joanne recounts how an astrologer’s prediction led her to become an author—an unexpected but transformational journey. Her multiple publications and features in renowned magazines have solidified her as a thought leader. She also shares her excitement about the upcoming launch of her own magazine on March 5th, a new platform to elevate voices and visibility for others.

Key Takeaways:

Astrology and numerology influence personal energy and decision-making.

Fear is often a signal that you’re on the right path—embrace it!

Spiritual messages can manifest in unexpected ways; trust your intuition.

Visibility is power—Joanne’s journey from author to TV host to magazine founder proves that bold steps create new opportunities.

Join us for this insightful and empowering episode as we explore the intersection of astrology, intuition, and personal growth!

Contact Joann:

www.wholisticfitnessny.com 

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook 

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Hi there, and welcome to Live Into Your Best Life! I’m your host, Paulie Skaja, and today’s episode is an intimate look into the wisdom my dad, Cliff Skaja, left behind. Through his everyday actions and simple yet profound phrases—what I like to call Cliffisms—he shaped the way I see the world, and today, I want to share them with you.

My dad wasn’t just a mentor; he was my hero. Even though he’s been gone for nearly 30 years, his lessons still guide me, and I hope they inspire you too.

These lessons aren’t just for reflection—they’re a call to action. How can you apply them to your own life? Let’s continue the conversation and inspire each other to live into our best lives.

Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and share it with someone who could use a little inspiration today.

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In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I sit down with Lucy Davis, an accomplished entrepreneur and contractor with over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial property management. Lucy has built a thriving career in the construction industry—specializing in roofs, siding, windows, gutters, and solar shingles—all while breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Lucy’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. After losing her husband in 2023, she not only took on the responsibility of running her business but also dedicated herself to guiding her four children into the world of entrepreneurship. She shares how she is instilling in them the values of financial responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance by actively involving them in the family business.

During our conversation, Lucy opens up about a life-changing moment when she realized her work-life balance had reached an unsustainable level. When her daughter tried to connect with her, but she was too engrossed in work to be present, Lucy knew something had to change. She made the difficult decision to shut down her business to prioritize her family and mental well-being—a move that, while challenging, ultimately led her to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Lucy also reflects on her upbringing, growing up in a family-run cleaning business that started small and grew into a million-dollar company. Her mother, having escaped a cult, built the business from the ground up, teaching Lucy the importance of resilience and entrepreneurship. Now, as a marketing director in the construction industry, Lucy continues to redefine her success while ensuring she maintains the balance she once struggled with.

Throughout our discussion, we dive into the power of taking ownership of one’s success, navigating career pivots, and making tough decisions that align with our personal values. Lucy’s journey is a testament to the importance of adaptability, grit, and building a legacy that extends beyond financial success.

Key Takeaways:

This episode is packed with inspiration, wisdom, and actionable insights for anyone looking to navigate life’s challenges with strength and purpose. Tune in and be inspired by Lucy’s incredible journey!

Connect with Lucy:

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/lucystange-davis

estateclaimservices.com

facebook.com/LucyMarketingSpecialist

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Hey there, I’m Paulie Skaja, and welcome back to Live Into Your Best Life! In today’s episode, I’m diving into a message that I believe the world truly needs to hear. With so many people facing career uncertainty and job transitions, I’ve decided to share the final chapter from my book, Next Stop Your Dream Job: Navigating Your Journey to Professional Happiness.

This book was born out of a powerful session I facilitated with job seekers exploring new career paths. The insights we uncovered helped half of the attendees land new roles within just two months. These lessons remain just as relevant today, and my hope is that they inspire and guide you to your next opportunity.

Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

If you’re searching for clarity, a career shift, or just inspiration to take the next step, this episode is for you. Tune in as I share powerful reflections and actionable advice to help you navigate your journey to professional happiness.

Let’s shake things up and figure out where YOU want to go next!

Listen now and start moving toward the career and life you truly want.

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In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I sit down with transformational life coach Adele Kamel Whitley to explore her groundbreaking Buy Yourself philosophy. Adele shares how so many of us spend our lives chasing dreams that aren’t truly ours—whether they belong to our families, society, or the expectations we’ve unconsciously absorbed. But what happens when we finally buy into ourselves?

Adele’s journey started in sales, where she realized that the most successful deals weren’t just about selling a product—they were about belief. She saw firsthand that people struggled to close deals because they hadn’t fully bought into themselves. This insight led her to expand the concept beyond sales and into personal transformation: What if we applied that same idea to our own lives?

She takes us through her personal wake-up call—a life-changing moment in Mexico when a simple values exercise revealed just how misaligned her life had become. That realization set her on a course of radical self-honesty, leading to a life and business built on true alignment and purpose.

Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into the process of reconnecting with our inner selves, learning to trust our intuition, and taking action from a place of authenticity. Adele challenges us to sit with discomfort, embrace self-awareness, and rewrite the limiting beliefs we’ve carried since childhood.

We discuss the power of reframing past experiences—not erasing them, but changing the meaning we give them. She reminds us that our past doesn’t define us unless we let it, and by shifting our language and thoughts, we can create an entirely new reality.

Key Takeaways:

This episode is an invitation to step into your power and start creating a life that excites you!

Take Adele's quiz to learn what's stopping you from owning your life:

Follow Adele on your favorite social platform:

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In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I, Paulie Skaja, dive deep into the concept of age and how we often let societal expectations dictate our milestones—like voting, drinking, or retirement. I challenge those traditional ideas and share my personal belief that life is about continuous evolution. There's no "magic age" for success or when to stop working; instead, it's about shifting your approach as life changes.

I reflect on the wisdom of my parents: my mom's emphasis on doing things the right way, and my dad's advice to chase what I truly want, not what others expect. These lessons shaped my journey from childhood to today, as I’ve always followed my passions, whether in education, business, or career. The key takeaway here? It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and success can come at any age.

I share highlights from my early entrepreneurial days, from selling crocheted goods at 10 to my later career in IT and project management. My diverse professional background includes working in sales, marketing, coaching, and nonprofit work. Through all of these experiences, I’ve learned that believing in yourself is the first step toward achieving seemingly impossible goals—whether it’s launching a book in months or creating a positive community impact.

What matters is continuous growth and embracing opportunities, no matter how unknown they might seem. I urge you to reflect on how your past experiences can guide your future path. Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about doing things the right way for you, and always striving to live your best life.

Key Takeaways:

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In this heartfelt episode, I reconnect with my dear friend Amy Quarberg, whom I met over 20 years ago during an intensive coaching program. Our shared experiences in NLP, HNLP, and hypnosis training created a bond that has stood the test of time, and life’s synchronicities recently brought us back together.

Amy shares her inspiring journey from a traditional nursing career to her current role as an integrative therapy nurse at the VA Medical Center's Center for Integrative Health and Healing. Here, she blends Western medicine with holistic approaches, utilizing guided imagery, essential oils, auricular acupuncture, and mindfulness-based movement to address the mind, body, and spirit.

A lifelong dancer, Amy talks about how movement and grace are central to her healing practice. She recalls moments of profound clarity and joy that emerged from physically aligning her body and soul through dance. These experiences inspired her to teach others how to reconnect with their bodies and embrace the spiritual and healing power of movement.

Our conversation touches on the transformative power of presence and self-awareness. Amy emphasizes the importance of helping others find their spark, often through role modeling and guiding them to uncover limiting beliefs rooted in childhood. By addressing these emotional triggers, she has witnessed mental and physical transformations that lead to lighter, more authentic living.

We also dive into Amy’s advice for embracing life’s unexpected turns and following inner guidance. Her story of surrendering to the rhythm of life—whether through intuitive movement or trusting the process—reminds us of the healing power of authenticity and joy.

Key Takeaways:

Join us for this inspiring conversation and take the first step toward living your best life!

Learn more about Amy by visiting her site: https://www.amyquarberg.com/ and follow her on FB https://www.facebook.com/amy.quarberg/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amyquarberg/