The Live Into Your Best Life Podcast

The Live Into Your Best Life Podcast

Download on the App Store

The Live Into Your Best Life Podcast episodes

  • Year 1 Recap: live into your best life today

    Over the past year, 54 episodes of Live Into Your Best Life have been released. Here they are so you can listen to / re-listen to the topics that resonate most…you will get nuggets of inspiration from each show. 

     

    Ep 1: Welcome podcast

    Ep 2: Embarking on your journey

    Ep 3: Manifesting your true intentions

    Ep 4: Love & Respect yourself

    Ep 5: Navigating your journey to professional happiness

    Ep 6: Unlocking your potential - Taylor Bell

    Ep 7: Discovering career joy - Claudia Skaja

    Ep 8: Transform your life

    Ep 9: Unlocking career fulfillment - Chris Christianson

    Ep 10: Unlock your potential

    Ep 11: Unlocking leadership potential

    Ep 12: Mastering personal growth

    Ep 13: Aligning inner guidance - Monica Kenton

    Ep 14: Mastering energy

    Ep 15: Empowering careers - Lauren Neal

    Ep 16: Unveiling your iterative journey

    Ep 17: Transform your life - Joshua Peters

    Ep 18: Mastering your journey

    Ep 19: Unlocking career success - Tom Auld

    Ep 20: Mastering the art of saying “no”

    Ep 21: Unlocking the power of podcasting - Karen Roberts

    Ep 22: Stop “shoulding” on yourself

    Ep 23: Transformative journeys

    Ep 24: Mastering Decisions: the 10-10-10 method

    Ep 25: Embracing the journey

    Ep 26: Mirror Mirror

    Ep 27: What if

    Ep 28: Embrace change

    Ep 29: Magic, Sales & Resilience - MagicBrad

    Ep 30: Words matter

    Ep 31: Embracing change: the digital nomad - Diane Gombart

    Ep 32: Embracing change: how small choices lead to big transformations

    Ep 33: Empowering career growth - Kate Wade

    Ep 34: Leaps of faith - Natascha Speets

    Ep 35: Gratitude every day

    Ep 35: Heart-centered leadership - Sarah Davidson

    Ep 36: Embracing life’s transitions: astrology coaching - Patricia Herlevi

    Ep 37: Thriving through peri-menopause - Stephanie Crassweller

    Ep 38: Seasons of miracles

    Ep 39: Take action: the keys to creating the life you deserve

    Ep 40: Empowering teams - Alyssa Sharp

    Ep 41: Reignite your spark

    Ep 42: From rejection to redirection - Kristine Schwartz

    Ep 43: Healing through movement & mindfulness - Amy Quarberg

    Ep 44: Ageless growth

    Ep 45: Buy Yourself - Adele Kamel Whitley

    Ep 46: Navigating your journey to professional happiness

    Ep 47: Building resilience & redefining success - Lucy Davis

    Ep 48: Mastering success - Cliff Skaja

    Ep 49: Unlocking intuition, astrology & empowerment - Rev. Joanne Angel BarryColon

    Ep 50: Finding focus, fulfillment & the power of serendipity - Steven Puri

    Ep 51: Trusting intuition, embracing authenticity & breaking free from the past - Elizabeth Peak

    Ep 52: The power of resilience, family & finding purpose - Crystal Skaja

    51 min
  • The Power of Resilience, Family, and Finding Purpose

    Special Guest: Crystal Kokal

    Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1

     

    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:

    • Childhood experiences and family values shape lifelong resilience.
    • Career pivots can be opportunities for self-discovery and reinvention.
    • Parenting requires adaptability—every child has a unique journey.
    • Giving back to the community can be deeply fulfilling.
    • Entrepreneurship can emerge from passion and necessity.
    • Check out Crystal’s beautiful cookies at Sassyfras Cookies

      Follow her on Facebook and Instagram

      51 min
    • Trusting Intuition, Embracing Authenticity & Breaking Free from the Past

      Special Guest: Elizabeth Peak

      Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1

       

      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:

      • Intuition is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
      • True confidence comes from aligning your inner self with your outward expression.
      • Childhood experiences shape our beliefs, but we have the power to rewrite our narratives.
      • Setting boundaries is essential for healthy relationships and self-worth.
      • Personal branding is about authenticity, not just aesthetics.
      • 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!

         

        55 min
      • Finding Focus, Fulfillment & The Power of Serendipity

        Special Guest: Steven Puri

        https://www.thesukha.co/media

        Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1

        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:

        • Overwhelm and procrastination often come from a lack of clarity—getting clear on what you truly want is the first step.
        • Serendipity plays a huge role in success; staying open to life’s twists and turns can lead to amazing opportunities.
        • Creativity thrives when the mind is engaged in something else—capture those fleeting ideas before they disappear!
        • True productivity isn’t about grinding harder—it’s about building a life that allows for joy, connection, and meaning.
        • 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!

           

          1 hr 2 min
        • Unlocking Intuition, Astrology & Empowerment

          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 

            Grab her deck at Deckible

            55 min
          • Mastering Success: Cliff Skaja on Leadership, Growth & Resilience

            Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1

             

            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.

            Key Takeaways from Today’s Episode:
            • You can do, be, and have anything you want—if you truly want it. Stop living for others and start defining success on your own terms.
            • Everybody puts their pants on one leg at a time. No one is inherently better than you. I learned this firsthand when I unknowingly had lunch with my company’s CEO and regional VP!
            • Never judge a book by its cover. Some of the best opportunities and relationships come from unexpected places.
            • Life is too short to live for other people. I spent years trying to fit in, only to realize that embracing who I truly am brings the most joy and fulfillment.
            • Treat people the way you want to be treated. Even when faced with bullies or difficult people, kindness and understanding will always lead to better outcomes.
            • Never ask someone to do what you’re unwilling to do yourself. My dad led by example, even when it came to cleaning the workplace bathrooms. Leadership is about action, not just words.
            • 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.

               

              14 min
            • Building Resilience & Redefining Success with Lucy Davis

              Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1

               

              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:

              • Success is earned, not given—Lucy teaches her children the value of hard work and financial responsibility.
              • Work-life balance is critical—making tough decisions to prioritize family can lead to greater fulfillment.
              • Resilience is built through challenges—Lucy’s journey from personal loss to professional reinvention exemplifies true perseverance.
              • Owning your success means taking action rather than waiting for recognition.
              • Career pivots, even the difficult ones, can open new doors to growth and opportunity.
              • 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:

                linkedin.com/in/lucystange-davis

                estateclaimservices.com

                facebook.com/LucyMarketingSpecialist

                 

                43 min
              • Navigating Your Journey to Professional Happiness

                Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1

                 

                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:

                • There’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. Some people follow a structured route, while others take a winding journey—and both are completely valid. Trust your unique path.
                • Consider your childhood passions. The way you played as a child can offer clues about the kind of work that will bring you joy and fulfillment.
                • Cookie cutters are for cookies. Traditional career paths aren’t for everyone, and new opportunities are constantly emerging. Embrace your individuality.
                • Ready, fire, aim! Perfectionism can hold you back. Instead of waiting for the perfect plan, start taking action and refine along the way.
                • Stand out in a crowded job market. Find what makes you unique and communicate your value. Talk to people, network, and let your strengths shine.
                • Obstacles are opportunities. Challenges help us grow. Every struggle you overcome strengthens you for the future.
                • Let others make their own mistakes. True leadership isn’t about solving every problem—it’s about empowering others to learn and grow.
                • 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.

                   

                   

                  23 min
                • Buy Yourself: Unlocking Authentic Success

                  Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1

                   

                  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:

                  • True transformation begins when we buy into ourselves and stop chasing someone else’s version of success.
                  • Self-awareness is just the first step—lasting change happens when we take aligned action.
                  • Our subconscious beliefs, often formed in childhood, shape our present decisions. But we can rewrite them.
                  • Journaling, self-reflection, and NLP techniques can help us change our internal dialogue and build a more empowered future.
                  • 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:

                    https://buy-yourself.se/quizby

                     

                    Follow Adele on your favorite social platform:

                    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Adelekamel/
                    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelekamel/?hl=en
                    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adele-kamel-whitley-30b54736/

                     

                    50 min
                  • Ageless Growth: Embrace Your Evolving Journey

                    Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1

                     

                    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:

                    • Age doesn’t define when you should achieve milestones—continuous growth is key.
                    • Trust your unique journey and pursue your passions, regardless of when you start.
                    • Believe in your ability to create lasting change, no matter your age or stage in life.
                    • 30 min

                    About The Live Into Your Best Life Podcast

                    From the publisher's feed

                    Tools, tips and techniques to take you from where you are to where you want to be (even if you don’t know where that is yet).