On this episode of The Second Degree Podcast, Emily Merrell sits down with Erin Hines, a holistic business coach and founder of Darn Good Business Coach, to dive into the intersection of business strategy, human design, and personal alignment. 

Erin shares her journey from corporate burnout to building a business that aligns with her energy and purpose. We explore how human design can be a game-changer in decision-making, leadership, and entrepreneurship—helping you work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re a business owner or just looking to better understand yourself, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Highlights:

• Erin’s journey from corporate burnout to becoming a holistic business coach
• The role of human design in entrepreneurship and decision-making
• Understanding energy alignment for productivity and avoiding burnout
• How different human design types thrive in business
• Using human design for stronger leadership and communication
• The importance of trusting your intuition in business and life

To learn more about Erin Hines check out her website Darn Good Business Coach and on instagram at https://instagram.com/bedarngood/ 

Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! 

Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this episode of The Second Degree Podcast, host Emily Merrell chats with Erica Ballard, a life coach, sound healer, and Theta healing practitioner. 

Erica shares her journey from public health to health coaching and into the transformative world of spirituality and energy work. They dive into the power of rest, navigating life's pivots, and embracing personal growth with humor and grace. 

Whether you're an overachiever on the brink of burnout or someone seeking alignment and clarity, Erica’s story will inspire you to slow down, trust yourself, and embrace your path.

Highlights:

From Public Health to Personal Healing

• Erica's journey from public health and corporate wellness into health coaching and spiritual practices.
• The moment she realized it was time to stop focusing on kale and start focusing on mindset and energy work.

The Power of Rest

• Why rest is the ultimate key to unlocking your energy and creativity.
• Erica’s advice for overachievers who struggle to slow down and embrace stillness.

Sound Healing & Theta Healing

• A beginner-friendly breakdown of sound healing and Theta healing.
• How these practices combine science and spirituality to release trauma, rewire beliefs, and create alignment.

Navigating Life’s Pivots

• Erica's evolution from health coaching to life coaching, overcoming perfectionism, and finding her voice in a crowded industry.
• The challenges of optics and authenticity while building a meaningful business.

Creating a Life on Your Terms

• How to shift from living for external validation to designing a life that feels good to you.
• Why it's okay to take a step back, reevaluate, and restart when necessary.

Practical Self-Help & Spirituality

• Erica's approach to blending science and spirituality in her coaching practice.
• Tips for accessing inner guidance and trusting the journey, even when it’s messy.

Permission to Play and Rest

• Erica’s heartfelt message: You can’t screw up your life—so embrace rest, follow your energy, and create your own rules.

To learn more about Erica Ballard check out her website https://www.ericaballard.co/  and on instagram at @IamEricaBallard

Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! 

Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

Welcome to The Second Degree Podcast with Emily Merrell! 

In this episode, Emily sits down with the extraordinary Susan Lieu, a multi-hyphenate powerhouse: author, playwright, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and so much more. 

Susan shares her journey of turning intergenerational trauma into art and healing, her reflections on resilience as a first-generation Vietnamese-American, and the lessons she's learned from chasing success while staying true to herself. This conversation is packed with humor, heartbreak, and inspiration—don’t miss it!

Highlights:

Susan’s Storytelling Journey

• Susan began as a stand-up comedian and transitioned into storytelling through her one-woman show, 140 Pounds: How Beauty Killed My Mother.
• The inspiration behind her work stems from her mother's tragic death during a botched cosmetic surgery and the unresolved trauma within her family.

Navigating Identity and Success

• Growing up as a Vietnamese-American, Susan grappled with cultural expectations, the weight of perfectionism, and her dual identity.
• She shares how these pressures shaped her drive for success and her ongoing battle to redefine what success truly means.

Creating Art Through Healing

• Susan tracked down her mother’s surgeon, studied legal depositions, and explored her family’s history to process her grief and build her narrative.
• Her storytelling blends heartbreak with humor, showing how vulnerability can lead to liberation and deeper connections.

Reflections on Body Image and Society

• Susan discusses how intergenerational trauma influences body image and self-worth, tying her mother’s experiences in the beauty industry to broader cultural expectations.
• Her TEDx talk, “How to Make Peace with Your Belly Fat,” reframes body insecurities through empathy and empowerment.

Entrepreneurship and the Immigrant Dream

• Susan reflects on her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, building a thriving nail salon business from nothing to create a better life for her family.
• She emphasizes the sacrifices and resilience of immigrant families and the lessons they teach about perseverance and resourcefulness.

Impact Through Creativity

• Susan’s memoir, The Manicurist’s Daughter, is now taught in colleges and used as a tool for healing in therapy settings.
• Her podcast, Model Minority Moms, explores the challenges of being everything for everyone while learning to prioritize oneself.

To learn more about Susan Lieu check out her book The Manicurist’s Daughter and her podcast Model Minority Moms and on instagram at instagram.coms/susanlieu. 

Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! 

Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram. 

Dating in the modern world can feel like a whirlwind—endless swiping, ghosting, and frustration. But what if you could navigate it with confidence and clarity? 

In this episode of The Second Degree Podcast, Emily Merrell sits down with Evan Marc Katz, a dating coach for smart, strong, successful women, to uncover what really works in dating today. 

Evan shares why traditional dating rules don’t serve us, how to filter through the noise of dating apps, and why chemistry alone won’t sustain a relationship. 

Whether you’re single, dating, or looking for a fresh perspective on love, this episode is packed with game-changing insights!

Highlights:

• How Evan transitioned from aspiring screenwriter to top dating coach
• Why dating apps feel broken—and how to actually use them effectively
• The biggest mistakes smart, successful women make in dating
• The CEO mindset for dating—treating men like interns, not hiring the wrong one
• How to tell if a first date is worth a second (or third!)
• The role of chemistry vs. compatibility in a lasting relationship
• Why effort matters more than perfection when choosing a partner

To learn more about Evan Marc Katz check out his website https://www.evanmarckatz.com/  and on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realevanmarckatz/ 

Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! 

Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

 In this episode of The Second Degree with Emily Merrell, we sit down with Yesenia Reinoso, award-winning bilingual founder of Y Communicate. 

Yesenia shares her expertise on how businesses can effectively craft their unique story, establish a strong brand presence, and leverage PR and corporate communications to scale. From debunking misconceptions about PR to offering actionable tips on thought leadership and visibility, this episode is packed with invaluable insights for entrepreneurs ready to take their brand to the next level.

Highlights:

• The role of storytelling in branding and corporate communications
• Misconceptions about PR and why it’s more than just media coverage
• How to craft an authentic, impactful brand story
• When and how to implement PR into your business strategy
• Thought leadership and the power of affiliations for growing visibility
• Building in-house communications teams and the importance of crisis management

To learn more about Yesenia Reina check her out on instagram at @y.communicate

Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! 

Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram. 

On this week's episode of The Second Degree podcast, Emily Merrell connects with Emma Andrews, an intuitive medium and teacher, to discuss all things spirituality, intuition, and the magic of connecting with loved ones who have passed. 

Emma shares her incredible journey from photographer to spiritual guide, her powerful experiences with mediumship, and how she teaches others to trust their intuition and embrace radical self-love. Get ready to dive deep into self-discovery and the unseen forces that guide us.

Highlights:

• Emma’s journey from Scotland-based photographer to intuitive medium
• How intuition is a skill everyone can develop
• What it’s like to connect with loved ones through mediumship
• The power of self-love and how it supports intuitive development
• A simple yet powerful exercise to discover your own intuitive yes and no
• Emma's tools for balancing intuition and setting boundaries
• How Emma’s mediumship helps clients find healing and closure

To learn more about Emma Andrews check out her website at https://www.emma-andrews.com/ and follow her on instagram at @emmarews.

Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! 

Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram. 

In this episode of The Second Degree Podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with Jenny Maenpaa, a burnout coach and licensed psychotherapist, to explore the unique challenges faced by high-achieving millennial women. 

Jenny, known for her candid and empowering approach, dives into the struggles of perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the impact of the pandemic on personal aspirations.

Listeners will gain insights into why many women feel they’ve lost control over their lives and how societal expectations can exacerbate anxiety. The conversation also touches on generational dynamics between millennials and Gen Z, highlighting the differences in workplace attitudes and social interactions.

Jenny shares her philosophy on coping strategies, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging anxiety rather than suppressing it. With humor and honesty, she encourages listeners to embrace their journeys, even when they don't align with societal timelines. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of modern life while seeking empowerment and connection.

Highlights:

• Mouthy Feminism: Jenny describes herself as a "mouthy feminist," explaining that her upbringing shaped her confidence and advocacy for herself and others. She humorously recounts conversations with her father about how his parenting style influenced her feminist views.
• Millennial Stressors: The discussion highlights the myriad stressors affecting millennial women, including perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and societal pressures exacerbated by the pandemic. Jenny emphasizes how many women feel they have lost control over their lives due to circumstances beyond their influence.
• Generational Dynamics: Jenny and Emily explore the differences between millennials and Gen Z, noting how millennials are often caught between the expectations of older generations and the newer perspectives of younger ones. They discuss the impact of social media on mental health and societal interactions.
• Coping Strategies: Jenny shares her approach to coaching, which involves acknowledging anxiety rather than suppressing it. She advocates for leaning into feelings of discomfort and using creative outlets as a means to process emotions.
• Reflections on Aging: The conversation touches on the anxieties surrounding aging, particularly for women approaching 40 who feel they haven't achieved their life goals. Jenny offers insights on reframing these feelings and finding empowerment in personal narratives.
• Conclusion: The episode concludes with a call to embrace one's journey, recognizing that each individual's path is unique and shaped by both personal choices and external factors.

To learn more about Jenny Maenpaa check out her website https://www.jennymaenpaa.com/ and on instagram at @itsjennymaenpaa

Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! 

Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram. 

On this episode of The Second Degree Podcast, Emily Merrell chats with Allison Carter, the vibrant founder of Allison Carter Celebrates. 

They explore Allison's journey from second-grade teacher to powerhouse business coach, event planner, and subscription box creator. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leveraging authenticity in business, finding joy in life's celebrations, and redefining success on your terms. 

Allison shares how her love for connection and creativity helped her build multiple thriving businesses—all while staying true to her values.

Highlights:

• Allison’s Background and Journey:
  • Transition from second-grade teacher to entrepreneur.
  • Starting her business with digital party guides and subscription boxes.
  • Balancing creativity and strategy to grow multiple ventures.
• The Power of Celebrations:
  • Allison’s belief in celebrating big and small moments.
  • How her brand evolved to focus on building personal and professional joy.
• Authenticity in Business:
  • Leveraging a personal brand to create meaningful connections.
  • Standing out in a crowded market by being unapologetically yourself.
• Navigating Modern Entrepreneurship:
  • The challenges of digital marketing in the era of AI.
  • Tips for fostering genuine relationships with clients and audiences.
• Building a Business Aligned with Your Life Goals:
  • Why Allison traded the dream of being on The Today Show for meaningful time with her family.
  • Encouraging listeners to define success on their own terms.
• Fun Facts and Personality:
  • Allison’s quirks, like her inability to smell and her favorite emojis.
  • Her obsession with spicy Kindle reads and Big Brother marathons with her family.

To learn more about Allison Carter check out her website allisoncartercelebrates.com and on instagram at @allisoncartercelebrates

Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! 

Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram. 

In this enlightening episode of The Second Degree Podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with Jennifer Hanway, a board-certified holistic nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and wellness expert. 

Jennifer shares her journey from West End dancer to sought-after health coach, offering invaluable insights on nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being for high-achieving women. Listeners will gain practical tips for balancing hormones, optimizing energy levels, and achieving sustainable health goals without compromising their busy lifestyles.

Highlights:

• Jennifer's transformation from professional dancer to holistic health expert
• The importance of personalized nutrition and its impact on hormonal balance
• Debunking common diet myths and the pitfalls of one-size-fits-all approaches
• Strategies for maintaining energy and focus throughout demanding workdays
• The role of sleep and stress management in overall health and productivity
• Practical tips for incorporating healthy habits into a busy schedule
• How to navigate social situations while sticking to health goals
• The connection between gut health and mental clarity
• Empowering women to take control of their health journey
• Jennifer's advice for sustainable lifestyle changes and long-term wellness

This episode offers a wealth of knowledge for women looking to optimize their health, energy, and performance in both their personal and professional lives.

To learn more about Jennifer Hanway check out her website jenniferhanway.com and on instagram at @jenniferhanway

Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! 

Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram. 

In this enlightening episode of The Second Degree Podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with Jennifer Hanway, a board-certified holistic nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and wellness expert. 

Jennifer shares her journey from West End dancer to sought-after health coach, offering invaluable insights on nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being for high-achieving women. 

Listeners will gain practical tips for balancing hormones, optimizing energy levels, and achieving sustainable health goals without compromising their busy lifestyles.

Highlights:

• Jennifer's transformation from professional dancer to holistic health expert
• The importance of personalized nutrition and its impact on hormonal balance
• Debunking common diet myths and the pitfalls of one-size-fits-all approaches
• Strategies for maintaining energy and focus throughout demanding workdays
• The role of sleep and stress management in overall health and productivity
• Practical tips for incorporating healthy habits into a busy schedule
• How to navigate social situations while sticking to health goals
• The connection between gut health and mental clarity
• Empowering women to take control of their health journey
• Jennifer's advice for sustainable lifestyle changes and long-term wellness

This episode offers a wealth of knowledge for women looking to optimize their health, energy, and performance in both their personal and professional lives.

To learn more about Jennifer Hanway check out her website jenniferhanway.com and on instagram at @jenniferhanway

Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! 

Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.