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Episode Summary:
In this episode, I’m sharing:
You’ll walk away with:
Now I want to hear from you:
And if this hit home, don’t forget: The Next ChaptHER Circle Spring waitlist is OPEN. It’s your next step if you’re craving clarity, community, and your own roadmap back to J.O.Y. - the journey of you.
Loved this episode? Share it with a friend
Until next time, remember: you don’t need permission to protect your peace. You just need a moment that’s yours.
But what if these middle-of-the-night wake-ups aren’t just annoying?
What if they’re actually trying to tell you something?
In this episode, I’m breaking down:
So before you spiral into a rabbit hole of overthinking, let’s turn these 3 a.m. moments into something that moves you forward.
Join the Next ChaptHER Circle!
The Spring Circle is opening soon—join the waitlist now for early access!
📩 Sign up for the waitlist here: https://fullyinformedlifecoaching.myflodesk.com/z74vft7ew6
Loved this episode? Let’s connect!
"Perfectionism kills intuition. And as a former pastry chef who was a perfectionist, I always call myself a recovering perfectionist." – Melanie (09:49)
Are You Stuck Following the Recipe—In the Kitchen and in Life?
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by cooking, labeled yourself “the worst cook,” or relied on strict rules and recipes just to get through dinner, this episode is about to change the way you think—not just about food, but about confidence, intuition, and self-trust.
Cooking is one of the few things we do daily that engages all five senses—yet many of us feel stuck, insecure, or afraid to make mistakes. What if the kitchen could be a place of freedom instead of fear?
This week, Andrea sits down with Melanie from Gather Culinary, a chef and culinary educator with nearly three decades of experience, to explore how breaking free from recipes can help you break free in life.
They dive into why perfectionism is holding you back, how to trust your intuition when cooking, and how a simple mindset shift in the kitchen can spill over into other areas of your life. Plus, Melanie shares some eye-opening tricks—like why banana peel tea can help you sleep and how to train your senses to “hear” when food is ready.
By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to ditch the self-doubt, tap into your intuition, and cook (and live) with more confidence than ever before.
"If you tell yourself that story, your body hears you, your mind hears you, and it's like a little chip away every day. ‘I'm not good at this. I can't do it.’" – Melanie (01:27)
"Your intuition isn’t about thinking harder. It's about creating space for the answers that are already there to emerge." – Melanie (22:03)
"The kitchen is the perfect place to practice flexibility—because if you can pivot when your avocado isn’t ripe, you can pivot in life too." – Andrea (08:57)
"If you taste something and don’t like it, ask yourself why. Cooking isn’t about getting it ‘right’—it’s about making it taste good to YOU." – Melanie (31:21)
📌 Connect with Melanie Underwood & Gather Culinary:
🔗 Chef Melanie Underwood:
📌 Other Resources Mentioned:
📌 Connect with Andrea Hecht:
Feeling like life’s stuck on repeat with stress and doubt? It’s time to change the tune. Download the FREE Hit Play on Joy Guide to:
Download now at https://fullyinformedlifecoaching.myflodesk.com/hitplayonjoy.
Work with Andrea one-on-one to unlock your true potential and lead a fulfilling life. Gain clarity, build confidence, and discover personal insights that will empower you to pursue your authentic ambitions and improve your well-being. Fill out the form to set up a FREE 30-minute consultation, and visit https://www.fullyinformedlife.com to learn more. As a podcast listener, receive a 30% savings if you enroll in a coaching program this fall.
Do you have a guest we should feature on The Next ChaptHER podcast? Please fill out the questionnaire, and the team will contact you.
✨ Did this episode inspire you to ditch the recipe? Tag@FullyInformedLifeCoaching & @TheNextChaptHER on Instagram and share what you’re cooking intuitively!
Friendship in midlife can feel unexpectedly hard. Why does it seem tougher to connect, and what can we do about it?
Andrea Hecht sits down with Nina Badzin, a friendship expert who has spent years helping women navigate this stage of life. They unpack why old social circles may no longer fit, why assumptions about who’s available for friendship can hold us back, and why redefining what we expect from relationships might be the key to feeling more connected.
From casual acquaintances to deep bonds, every relationship has a place. But how do you know when to nurture a friendship and when to let it go? Nina shares her perspective on making meaningful connections without overthinking every interaction. If midlife friendships feel more complicated than they should, this episode will help you see them in a new light.
Quotes
Links
Connect with Nina Badzin:
Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship: https://ninabadzin.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearninafriendship
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearninafriendship
Substack: https://dearnina.substack.com/
FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/855246118403712
Connect with your host, Andrea Hecht:
Connect with your host, Andrea Hecht:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullyinformedlifecoaching
Website: https://www.fullyinformedlife.com
✨ Join The Next ChaptHER Circle! ✨
A transformative space for women ready to connect, grow, and rediscover their joy.
👉 Sign up here and receive 30% savings:: The Next ChaptHER Circle
https://the-next-chapther-circle.circle.so/checkout/the-next-chapther-circle-founding-annual-membership
Work with Andrea one-on-one to unlock your true potential and lead a fulfilling life. Gain clarity, build confidence, and discover personal insights that will empower you to pursue your authentic ambitions and improve your well-being.
👉 Fill out the form to set up a FREE 30-minute consultation:
https://www.fullyinformedlife.com
Do you have a guest we should feature on The Next ChaptHER podcast?
👉 Fill out the questionnaire here and our team will get in touch:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-n2LOAXgUMUwxFc66QrtHY47-8_nOeJUpcnNHnv6LdyLHCg/viewform
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
The college admissions process can feel like a whirlwind of stress, emotions, and endless comparisons, but does it have to? In this episode, Andrea Hecht sits down with Kelly Levi, a college admissions expert and mom of three, to unpack the emotional side of navigating college applications.
From the pressures amplified by social media to the rising number of applications brought on by test-optional policies, Kelly explains why today’s admissions process feels more overwhelming than ever. She shares practical tips for parents to stay supportive without adding unnecessary pressure—like using digital tools for communication and setting clear boundaries to manage expectations.
What if we reframed the college admissions journey as a chance for students to discover their strengths and families to grow closer? Kelly and Andrea explore this perspective, and offer strategies to focus on progress, celebrate milestones, and approach each step with intention.
This episode serves as a guide for parents looking to balance their own emotions while empowering their kids to embrace this transformative chapter with confidence.
Quotes
Links
Connect with Kelly Levi:
The Write Stop http://www.thewritestopwithkelly.com
Instagram:@kellykoeniglevi
Have specific questions you’d like to ask Kelly, email her at [email protected]
Connect with your host, Andrea Hecht:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullyinformedlifecoaching
Website: https://www.fullyinformedlife.com
✨ Join The Next ChaptHER Circle! ✨
A transformative space for women ready to connect, grow, and rediscover their joy.
👉 Sign up here and receive 30% savings: The Next ChaptHER Circle
https://the-next-chapther-circle.circle.so/checkout/the-next-chapther-circle-founding-annual-membership
Work with Andrea one-on-one to unlock your true potential and lead a fulfilling life. Gain clarity, build confidence, and discover personal insights that will empower you to pursue your authentic ambitions and improve your well-being.
👉 Fill out the form to set up a FREE 30-minute consultation: https://www.fullyinformedlife.com
🎉 As a podcast listener, receive 30% savings if you enroll in a coaching program this fall!
Do you have a guest we should feature on The Next ChaptHER podcast?
👉 Fill out the questionnaire here and our team will get in touch: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-n2LOAXgUMUwxFc66QrtHY47-8_nOeJUpcnNHnv6LdyLHCg/viewform
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Redefining your path begins with silencing fear, trusting your instincts, and embracing the bold question: “Why not me?” Amber Powers, the founder of Powers Peak Consulting LLC, joins Andrea Hecht to share her journey of career pivots and the lessons learned along the way. How can we overcome limiting beliefs and move forward with confidence when the next step feels uncertain? Amber’s approach, which is rooted in curiosity and the “Why Not Me?” mindset, demonstrates the importance of recognizing your transferable skills and building the courage to take risks.
This episode explores how to navigate life transitions with confidence by leaning on a strong support system, staying open to learning, and embracing opportunities as they come. Whether you’re reevaluating your current path or considering a major change, Amber’s story is living proof of the power of self-belief and intentional action. Join the conversation to get inspired, and to learn how to take charge of your next ChaptHER!
Quotes
Links
Connect with Amber Powers, Powers Peak Consulting
Website: https://powerspeakworks.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberpowers312/
Connect with your host, Andrea Hecht:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullyinformedlifecoaching
Website: https://www.fullyinformedlife.com
✨ Join the Waitlist for The Next ChaptHER Circle! ✨
A transformative space for women ready to connect, grow, and rediscover their joy.
👉 Sign up for the waitlist here: The Next ChaptHER Circle Waitlist: https://fullyinformedlifecoaching.myflodesk.com/nextchapthercircle
Work with Andrea one-on-one to unlock your true potential and lead a fulfilling life. Gain clarity, build confidence, and discover personal insights that will empower you to pursue your authentic ambitions and improve your well-being.
👉 Fill out the form to set up a FREE 30-minute consultation: https://www.fullyinformedlife.com
🎉 As a podcast listener, receive 30% savings if you enroll in a coaching program this fall!
Do you have a guest we should feature on The Next ChaptHER podcast?
👉 Fill out the questionnaire here and our team will get in touch: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-n2LOAXgUMUwxFc66QrtHY47-8_nOeJUpcnNHnv6LdyLHCg/viewform
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Feeling stuck in autopilot mode—showing up for everyone but yourself? As Andrea Hecht puts it, "When you're constantly giving everything to everyone else, like your family, your career, your friends, it's really easy to feel like you're disappeared from your own life." In this episode, Andrea shares her personal journey of rediscovery and introduces her "This Is Me" coaching framework, designed to help women reconnect with themselves, let go of limiting beliefs, and build lives that feel joyful and authentic.
Through three inspiring client stories, Andrea highlights how small steps—like setting boundaries, releasing guilt, and reigniting forgotten passions—can lead to lasting transformation. These stories remind us that prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
Andrea encourages listeners to reflect on where they might be giving too much of themselves and take one small step to reclaim their joy. Learn more about her lifestyle and mindset assessment and how it can help you find your roadmap back to yourself.
Quotes
Links
Connect with your host, Andrea Hecht:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullyinformedlifecoaching
Website: https://www.fullyinformedlife.com
✨ Join the Waitlist for The Next ChaptHER Circle! ✨
A transformative space for women ready to connect, grow, and rediscover their joy.
👉 Sign up for the waitlist here: The Next ChaptHER Circle Waitlist: https://fullyinformedlifecoaching.myflodesk.com/nextchapthercircle
Work with Andrea one-on-one to unlock your true potential and lead a fulfilling life. Gain clarity, build confidence, and discover personal insights that will empower you to pursue your authentic ambitions and improve your well-being.
👉 Fill out the form to set up a FREE 30-minute consultation: Consultation Form: https://www.fullyinformedlife.com
🎉 As a podcast listener, receive 30% savings if you enroll in a coaching program this fall!
Do you have a guest we should feature on The Next ChaptHER podcast?
👉 Fill out the questionnaire here and our team will get in touch:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-n2LOAXgUMUwxFc66QrtHY47-8_nOeJUpcnNHnv6LdyLHCg/viewform
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Loneliness can linger even in the busiest rooms, but meaningful connections have the power to transform how we feel and thrive. As your host Andrea Hecht says, “Loneliness isn’t really about how many people are around you. It’s really about that quality of connections that we have.” In this episode, Andrea explores the often-overlooked issue of loneliness, especially among women in midlife, who may feel isolated despite living in an age of constant digital connectivity. Sharing her personal experiences, Andrea reflects on how surface-level relationships can leave us feeling unseen and how seeking deeper, value-driven connections can change everything.
Andrea points out the importance of taking stock of current relationships, letting go of those that no longer serve us, and finding new communities where genuine bonds can form. Vulnerability and consistency are key in cultivating these meaningful connections. To support this journey, Andrea introduces the Next ChaptHER Circle—a community designed to help women in midlife feel truly seen and build relationships that matter. Learn more about it at https://fullyinformedlifecoaching.myflodesk.com/nextchapthercircle.
Quotes
Links
Connect with your host, Andrea Hecht:
Instagram: @fullyinformedlifecoaching
Website: fullyinformedlife.com
Join The Next ChaptHER Circle!
A transformative space for women ready to connect, grow, and rediscover their joy.
Inside the Circle, you’ll find:
Join the Waitlist for The Next ChaptHER Circle here: https://fullyinformedlifecoaching.myflodesk.com/nextchapthercircle
Work One-on-One with Andrea!
Feeling stuck or craving clarity in your life? Andrea offers one-on-one coaching to help you:
Schedule your FREE 30-minute consultation here: https://fullyinformedlife.com/
Special Offer for Podcast Listeners: Receive 30% savings on any coaching program this fall!
Do You Have a Guest Recommendation?
Do you know someone inspiring who would be a great fit for The Next ChaptHER podcast? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your guest recommendation here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-n2LOAXgUMUwxFc66QrtHY47-8_nOeJUpcnNHnv6LdyLHCg/viewform
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
“What if you spent just $1 a day on yourself an entire year?” Your host, Andrea Hecht, starts this episode with this question. What could that dollar add up to—clarity, confidence, connection, or even joy?
In this episode, Andrea challenges the common hesitation many women feel about investing in themselves. How come we spend so easily on others but second-guess even small acts of self-care? She explains how this mindset sends the wrong message to ourselves and those around us: that our needs are optional.
Andrea shares her own journey of overcoming guilt and shifting her priorities to include personal growth. She then introduces The Next ChaptHER Circle, a space designed for women to reconnect with their purpose, build meaningful relationships, and access tools for thriving in every stage of life.
Could one small shift—like a dollar a day—be the key to stepping into your next chapter with confidence and joy? Andrea invites you to find out by joining the waitlist and making yourself a priority. Sign up for the waitlist here: https://fullyinformedlifecoaching.myflodesk.com/nextchapthercircle
Quotes
Links
Connect with your host, Andrea Hecht:
Instagram: @fullyinformedlifecoaching
Website: fullyinformedlife.com
Feeling like life’s stuck on repeat with stress and doubt?
It’s time to change the tune! Download the FREE Hit Play on Joy Guide to:
🎶 Boost your confidence with an empowering playlist
🎶 Rewrite your inner narrative with uplifting quotes
🎶 Take practical steps to start living the life you desire
👉 Download now: Hit Play on Joy Guide: https://fullyinformedlifecoaching.myflodesk.com/hitplayonjoy
✨ Join the Waitlist for The Next ChaptHER Circle! ✨
A transformative space for women ready to connect, grow, and rediscover their joy.
👉 Sign up for the waitlist here: The Next ChaptHER Circle Waitlist: https://fullyinformedlifecoaching.myflodesk.com/nextchapthercircle
Work with Andrea one-on-one to unlock your true potential and lead a fulfilling life. Gain clarity, build confidence, and discover personal insights that will empower you to pursue your authentic ambitions and improve your well-being.
👉 Fill out the form to set up a FREE 30-minute consultation: Consultation Form: https://www.fullyinformedlife.com
🎉 As a podcast listener, receive 30% savings if you enroll in a coaching program this fall!
Do you have a guest we should feature on The Next ChaptHER podcast?
👉 Fill out the questionnaire here and our team will get in touch:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-n2LOAXgUMUwxFc66QrtHY47-8_nOeJUpcnNHnv6LdyLHCg/viewform
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
“When you’re kind and do a kind gesture for a friend, it makes you feel good. When you feel good, you feel confident about yourself. When you do something kind for someone else, they feel good, become confident, and want to pass on that kindness. It creates a chain reaction of kindness, spreading positivity. That’s what I hope to do with the Emmie Effect—affecting the world in a very positive way.”
Emmie Levy, the creator of the Emmie Effect, joins Andrea Hecht in this episode to share her journey from education major to Super Bowl halftime dancer, proving that confidence and persistence can lead to extraordinary outcomes. As a confidence and manifestation coach, Emmie explains how tools like journaling and affirmations can shift your mindset, clarify your goals, and empower you to overcome challenges.
Emmie’s story shows the power of belief paired with action. Whether you’re rewriting your story or moving on to the next chaptHER, join Emmie and Andrea’s conversation for actionable tools and encouragement to help you build confidence and create a purposeful life—at any stage!
Quotes
Links
Connect with Emmie Levy:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theemmieeffect
Resources: The Emmie Effect Card Game
Connect with your host, Andrea Hecht:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullyinformedlifecoaching
Website: https://www.fullyinformedlife.com
Feeling like life’s stuck on repeat with stress and doubt? It’s time to change the tune. Download the FREE Hit Play on Joy Guide to:
Download now at https://fullyinformedlifecoaching.myflodesk.com/hitplayonjoy.
Work with Andrea one-on-one to unlock your true potential and lead a fulfilling life. Gain clarity, build confidence, and discover personal insights that will empower you to pursue your authentic ambitions and improve your well-being. Fill out the form to set up a FREE 30-minute consultation, and visit https://www.fullyinformedlife.com to learn more. As a podcast listener, receive a 30% savings if you enroll in a coaching program this fall.
Do you have a guest we should feature on The Next ChaptHER podcast? Please fill out the questionnaire, and the team will contact you.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
From the publisher's feed
Welcome to The Next ChaptHER, a podcast for women navigating change, identity shifts, ambition, health wake-up calls, evolving relationships, and the messy middle of life.
I’m your host, Andrea Hecht, Certified Professional Life Coach, educator, writer, and founder of Fully Informed Life.
This is a space for honest conversations about what happens when the life you built no longer fits the woman you’re becoming.
On this podcast, I sit down with inspiring women and respected thought leaders for real conversations about reinvention, resilience, body changes, career pivots, confidence, motherhood, marriage, health challenges, ambition, and joy. We talk about what it actually takes to begin again, sometimes more than once.
You will hear personal stories, expert insight, and practical wisdom from women who are leading, building, healing, and evolving in real time.
This podcast is not about having it all figured out.
It is about learning to trust yourself again.
It is about reclaiming your voice.
It is about writing your next chapter on purpose.
If you are in the in-between, no longer who you were and not yet who you are becoming, you are in the right place.
Let’s step into your Next ChaptHER.