The Other Side of Potential

In this episode, Dr. Sharon Spano speaks with Aurora Winter, a media coach, ghostwriter, and award-winning author of Turn Words into Wealth. Aurora shares her expertise on using storytelling, neuroscience, and communication strategies to help leaders, entrepreneurs, and family business owners amplify their influence, impact, and income. She introduces the Spoken Author Method, a breakthrough approach that helps clients write books and clarify their messaging through speaking rather than traditional writing.

Aurora also explains the neuroscience behind effective communication and how leaders can structure their messaging to engage the brain’s three levels: the reptilian brain, social brain, and cerebral cortex.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why storytelling increases the value of products, services, and personal brands by up to 27 times
  
  
• The neuroscience of communication and how to engage your audience’s brain at every level
  
  
• How to craft a million-dollar message that attracts ideal clients and opportunities
  
  
• The Spoken Author Method: how to write and publish a book by speaking instead of writing
  
  
• The benefits of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing for business leaders
  
  
• How a dentist client quadrupled their business using a book and messaging strategy
  
  
• Tips on building know, like, and trust through personal stories and credibility markers
  
  
• How a book serves as a legacy and a business growth tool
  
  
• The seven proven business models to monetize a book beyond direct sales
  
  
• How to leverage Amazon as the world’s third-largest search engine for experts and authors

Transcript: Here

Additional Resources:

Website: aurorawinter.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurorawinter/

Same Page Publishing: https://samepagepublishing.com/

Turn Words Into Wealth: https://www.amazon.com/Turn-Words-Into-Wealth-Blueprint-ebook/dp/B08VNMZDBN

Marketing Fastrack: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08Y7Y93HJ/

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Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

Substack: substack.com/@drsharon

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

In this inspiring episode, I talk with Paul Epstein, former NFL and NBA executive turned purpose-driven leader, speaker, and coach. Paul shares his remarkable career journey in professional sports and how a pivotal leadership retreat helped him discover his true purpose — leading others to unlock their potential through purpose and performance.

Paul explains his decision to leave a dream career in sports to create Purpose Labs, a platform dedicated to helping individuals and organizations discover and activate their why. Drawing from personal loss, leadership experiences, and coaching, Paul reveals how purpose can sustain us through adversity, fuel our professional lives, and help us build legacies of impact.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Paul Epstein transitioned from a high-profile sports executive to purpose-driven entrepreneur
  
  
• The importance of discovering your personal “why” and how it transforms leadership
  
  
• How to distinguish between success and significance
  
  
• The role of personal values in driving impactful decisions
  
  
• How to identify the activities that energize vs. deplete you
  
  
• The power of journaling to clarify purpose and daily excitement
  
  
• How purpose helps leaders and teams build cultures of trust and performance
  
  
• Tips for anyone feeling “stuck” in success without fulfillment
  
  
• The Purpose Labs model for integrating meaning, mission, and motion
  
  
• Why reflection on life experiences (like creating a “lifeline”) reveals core themes for personal growth

Transcript: Here

Additional resources:

Website: https://paulepsteinspeaks.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

Substack: substack.com/@drsharon

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Sharon Spano welcomes Debbie Ausburn, who has spent decades raising children who weren’t biologically her own—as a foster parent, step-parent, and advocate. Drawing on her career in social work and law, Debbie shares compassionate, practical advice on how to build trust with traumatized children while holding clear boundaries and protecting your own wellbeing.

Whether you’re a foster parent, stepparent, or a caregiver stepping into a child’s life in a season of crisis, Debbie’s wisdom will help you approach the journey with realistic expectations and courage.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why divorce and family disruption are still traumatic—even when we normalize them
  
  
• How trauma affects children’s development, behavior, and ability to trust
  
  
• The difference between supporting a child and trying to “fix” everything
  
  
• How to set healthy boundaries while staying loving and consistent
  
  
• Why children often express loyalty to absent or biological parents, and why that’s okay
  
  
• How to balance caregiving with your marriage, career, and personal wellbeing
  
  
• Why every child needs to know exactly where they stand—and what the rules are
  
  
• The importance of acknowledging your role without trying to replace a parent
  
  
• Tips for managing time, appointments, and the emotional demands of foster or step-parenting
  
  
• The power of showing up with empathy, clarity, and steadiness over time

Transcript: Here

Debbie Ausburn:

Website: https://debbieausburn.com/

Book: Raising Other People’s Children

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

Substack: substack.com/@drsharon

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

In this raw and empowering conversation, Dr. Sharon Spano connects with Ana Lennyr, a life strategist whose extraordinary personal story fuels her mission to help others overcome depression and chronic emotional pain. Ana shares her journey from childhood depression, scoliosis, and physical suffering to a life of vibrant health, purpose, and joy.

She breaks down her three-level framework for healing emotional wounds, releasing inherited pain, and stepping into the life you were meant to lead. Whether you’re facing depression yourself or supporting a loved one, Ana’s story and strategies will inspire you to believe that change is not only possible—it’s your birthright.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Ana’s personal story of growing up with severe depression, chronic pain, and trauma
  
  
• Why she believes depression is not a life sentence
  
  
• The three categories of skills that insulate you from pain (and how to build them)
  
  
• How to heal five core emotional wounds: rejection, humiliation, abandonment, betrayal, and injustice
  
  
• The power of self-awareness, responsibility, and mindset in recovery
  
  
• How energy and intention can influence gene expression and health
  
  
• The importance of confronting the “I can’t” and “I can, but…” mind traps
  
  
• Why listing your dreams and goals is the first step to transformation
  
  
• How to help teenagers and young adults avoid repeating generational patterns
  
  
• Ana’s mission to create live events where transformation happens in real time

Transcript: Here

Additional Resources:

Website: https://analennyr.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-lennyr-04b8b1225/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9n_y_HhF_p8O3poTrUwvZA

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

Substack: substack.com/@drsharon

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

In one of the most powerful and moving episodes of The Other Side of Potential, Dr. Sharon Spano sits down with the late Kevin Rose, a gifted craniosacral therapist and healer who transformed lives through his integrative approach to wellness. Diagnosed unexpectedly with stage four adenocarcinoma, Kevin shared his healing journey with breathtaking honesty, spiritual depth, and a deep desire to educate others about alternative pathways to wellness.

From faith-led medical decisions to groundbreaking integrative treatments at the Sanoviv Medical Institute in Mexico, Kevin’s story is both heart-wrenching and hope-filled. This episode is not just about cancer—it’s about awakening, advocacy, and choosing to live with intention.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What craniosacral and manual therapy really are—and why they matter for emotional and physical health
  
  
• How Kevin discovered his stage four cancer diagnosis and what happened next
  
  
• Why he believes healing must integrate body, mind, and spirit
  
  
• What it means to truly advocate for your own health
  
  
• The role of hyperthermia in reducing chemotherapy side effects
  
  
• Why Kevin viewed cancer as a symptom of deeper emotional wounds
  
  
• His transformational experience at the Sanoviv Medical Institute in Mexico
  
  
• How trauma, disappointment, and repressed pain can mutate into physical illness
  
  
• Kevin’s profound spiritual awakening and direct experience with God
  
  
• How his CATalyst Program used animal interaction therapy to heal combat veterans
  
  
• Why Kevin’s message continues to inspire courage, clarity, and conscious living
  
  
  

Transcript: Here

Resources & Support:

• Intentional Wellness: intentionalwellnesstherapy.com
• TEDxWilmington – Can Tigers Tame Your Stress?:
• The CATalyst Experience Book
• Sanoviv: https://www.sanoviv.com/

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

Substack: substack.com/@drsharon

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

In this heartfelt solocast, Dr. Sharon Spano reflects on the incredible journey of The Other Side of Potential podcast and announces a major new chapter: the end of this podcast and the exciting launch of her new podcast, The Unstuck and Unstoppable You.

With over 326 episodes since its launch in 2018, The Other Side of Potential has explored the intersection of business success and human development. Sharon candidly shares how her work with high-impact leaders has evolved, leading to a deeper focus on personal transformation and inner fulfillment—what she calls “the emptiness of success.”

In this episode, you’ll hear why this shift matters, what’s coming next, and how you can be part of the new mission to help people get unstuck and live a life of purpose, health, and abundance.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why The Other Side of Potential is coming to a close after 341 episodes.
  
  
• How Sharon’s work with high-level leaders has revealed a common struggle: success without fulfillment.
  
  
• The concept of “the emptiness of success” and what it really means for high achievers.
  
  
• What to expect from Sharon’s upcoming podcast, The Unstuck and Unstoppable You.
  
  
• The new focus on personal transformation, mindset shifts, and navigating life’s pivotal moments.
  
  
• How to apply to be a guest on the new podcast if you’re a high-impact leader with a powerful story.
  
  
• An invitation to explore deeper conversations about burnout, trauma, alignment, and growth.
  
  
• The shift from success-focused dialogue to one grounded in soul, wellness, and identity reclamation.
  
  
  

Transcript: Here

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

Substack: substack.com/@drsharon

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

In this compelling "best of" episode, Dr. Sharon Spano welcomes Angela Myer, a trauma-informed hypnotherapist and author of The Undetected Narcissist. Drawing from personal experience and clinical expertise, Angela dives deep into the complex world of narcissism—what it really is, how to detect it, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from its damaging effects.

Angela explains the behaviors and traits of narcissists, the different types (including the often-misunderstood covert narcissist), and why narcissism is often born out of trauma, neglect, or unresolved emotional pain. She also shares strategies for identifying manipulation, managing difficult relationships, and healing from narcissistic abuse.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The six primary causes of narcissistic behavior—including parenting styles and trauma.
  
  
• The difference between covert and overt narcissists and how to recognize both.
  
  
• How to decode manipulation tactics like gaslighting, blame shifting, triangulation, and smear campaigns.
  
  
• Why narcissists often present as charming and charismatic—until you're in their inner circle.
  
  
• The devastating impact of identity erosion and how to reclaim your sense of self.
  
  
• Why narcissism can sometimes be temporary and trauma-induced, and what healing looks like.
  
  
• How to create safety and exit plans in narcissistic relationships, especially in cases involving domestic violence or shared children.
  
  
• The power of self-awareness, boundaries, and pattern recognition in protecting yourself.
  
  
• How to support a loved one dealing with a narcissist—and why successful, high-achieving people are not immune.
  
  
• Why Angela believes that everyone will encounter a narcissist at some point in their life—and how to be prepared.
  
  
  

Transcript: Here

Additional Resources:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngelaMyerUN

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

Website: https://undetectednarcissist.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B75GJTX3
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1972197/episodes

Links Mentioned:
Bradley Angle: https://bradleyangle.org/

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

Substack: substack.com/@drsharon

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

In this episode, Dr. Sharon Spano speaks with entrepreneur and experience strategist Vinay Raval, who walked away from corporate life to answer a deceptively simple question: How do businesses grow by inspiring happiness in their customers? His journey led him across continents, from mountain markets to high-touch tourism in Peru, culminating in the development of his customer-first philosophy called “Bring the Extra.”

Vinay dives deep into the human side of business, explaining how emotion—not just logic—drives customer loyalty, brand power, and employee retention. He also shares practical steps for making customer-centric strategy a tangible, impactful part of everyday operations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why customer connection is no longer optional—it’s your differentiator.
  
  
• How Vinay’s global journey shaped his “Bring the Extra” philosophy.
  
  
• What it takes to create sensory, emotional, and lasting customer experiences.
  
  
• The real definition of “inspiring happiness” (Hint: It’s not fluff).
  
  
• How customer emotions differ by culture and context, and why that matters.
  
  
• What brand essence is and how to embed it into every touchpoint.
  
  
• Why tactics (not just strategy) drive real customer loyalty.
  
  
• How small businesses can thrive in a post-COVID world with human-centric service.
  
  
• Why employee experience matters just as much as customer experience.
  
  
• Simple ways to improve your tech, digital presence, and in-person service to reduce friction.
  
  
  

Transcript: Here

Connect with Vinay Raval:

LinkedIn: Vinay Raval – Growth Walla 

Website: Vinay Raval

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

Substack: substack.com/@drsharon

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

In this insightful episode, Dr. Sharon Spano sits down with Kay Pfleghardt, a young but remarkably accomplished Certified Financial Planner. Kay shares her personal journey into the world of financial planning, one that was shaped by early financial hardship, emotional insight, and a deep desire to help others think differently about wealth. From her pivot from psychology to finance, to her current passion for fostering intergenerational conversations about money, Kay offers wisdom on how understanding human behavior can enhance financial planning.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Kay’s early experiences with financial uncertainty sparked her passion for planning.
  
  
• The powerful influence of family legacy and communication on financial well-being.
  
  
• Why Kay switched from psychology to accounting—and ultimately found her calling in financial planning.
  
  
• What “lifeboat drills” are and how they help families prepare for life’s unexpected events.
  
  
• The emotional impact of money and how it shapes our behaviors and values.
  
  
• How financial advisors can and should incorporate empathy and communication in their services.
  
  
• The importance of intergenerational dialogue when it comes to estate planning and wealth transfer.
  
  
• How millennials approach financial planning differently—and what advisors need to know.
  
  
• Kay’s philosophy on cryptocurrency and how to think about it responsibly.
  
  
• Tips for starting financial planning early, even if you think you “don’t have enough.”

Transcript: Here

Connect with Kay Pfleghardt:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-pfleghardt/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kpfleghardt

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

Substack: substack.com/@drsharon

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Sharon Spano is joined by Nir Bashan—award-winning creativity expert and author of The Creator Mindset. Together, they explore how creativity is not just for artists, but a powerful tool for professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to solve problems and drive innovation. Nir shares how cultivating creativity can lead to success in both life and business, and he offers practical steps to help you tap into your own creative potential.

Whether you're a business leader looking for new ways to lead your team or someone feeling stuck in a rut, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you reframe your thinking and approach challenges with fresh, creative energy.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why creativity is a learnable skill—not just an inborn talent
  
  
• How to apply creative thinking in business and leadership
  
  
• The power of listening and observation in unlocking new ideas
  
  
• The dangers of perfectionism and how it stifles creativity
  
  
• Strategies to overcome fear and self-doubt in creative endeavors
  
  
• How to start integrating creativity into your daily decision-making process
  
  
• Nir’s personal journey and how he discovered creativity as a path to fulfillment

Transcript: Here

Connect with Nir Bashan:

Website: https://www.nirbashan.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Creator-Mindset-Secrets-Innovation-Sustainability

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirbashan/

X: https://twitter.com/Nir_Bashan

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

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

Substack: substack.com/@drsharon

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/