Unwritten with Steph

Send us Fan Mail

From gigging musician to psychology grad and beloved teacher, Shawndell Marks shows us what it looks like to honor your creative calling—no matter where you are in life. This conversation is all about giving yourself permission to be heard.

www.shawndellmarksmusic.com

takeaways

• Creativity is a lifelong journey that never ends.
• Music has the power to evoke deep emotions and memories.
• Education can be a transformative experience, especially later in life.
• Overcoming fear is essential to pursuing one's passions.
• Success is defined by personal fulfillment and purpose, not fame.
• Being a single mom presents unique challenges but also opportunities for growth.
• Traveling solo can lead to significant personal development.
• Reconnecting with nature can be a powerful way to reset and recharge.
• It's important to follow your bliss and pursue what excites you.
• Teaching music can be as fulfilling as performing.

https://www.stephshanks.com

https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenwithsteph

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephshanks/

https://www.youtube.com/@stephshanks

https://www.tiktok.com/@stephshanks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.facebook.com/stephshanksphotography

Send us Fan Mail

Kelly Kendall joins me for a heartfelt conversation about identity, healing, and the magic of capturing someone’s soul through photography. We go deep into worthiness, self-acceptance, and what it means to truly be present in your life—on and off camera.

You can follow Kelly and her beautiful work at:
 📸 @kellykendallstudios on Instagram and Facebook
📍 Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin

About Kelly:

Kelly Kendall is a portrait and branding photographer who helps women step into their power and be seen. At Kelly Kendall Studios, she creates an experience that goes beyond headshots—guiding clients to show up confidently in their brand, business, and life. With a deep love for connection and storytelling, she helps women embrace their worth, own their visibility, and step fully into who they are. Her work is more than photography—it’s about empowerment, authenticity, and showing the world the real you.

https://www.stephshanks.com

https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenwithsteph

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephshanks/

https://www.youtube.com/@stephshanks

https://www.tiktok.com/@stephshanks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.facebook.com/stephshanksphotography

Send us Fan Mail

Brett Topham believes local government can be where big problems get solved. We dive into his unconventional path—from hospitality to finance to politics—and explore his ideas for smart fiscal planning, public-private partnerships, and why a hundred-year-old pool might just hold the heart of a town.

https://www.stephshanks.com

https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenwithsteph

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephshanks/

https://www.youtube.com/@stephshanks

https://www.tiktok.com/@stephshanks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.facebook.com/stephshanksphotography

Send us Fan Mail

Amber Swenor trusted the quiet inner whisper—and it changed everything. In this episode, we talk about making bold moves, releasing external expectations, and building a life that feels as good as it looks. Tune in for a heart-centered convo on business, bravery, and what it means to be free.

Learn more about Amber Here:

https://www.amber-swenor.com/

https://www.stephshanks.com

https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenwithsteph

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephshanks/

https://www.youtube.com/@stephshanks

https://www.tiktok.com/@stephshanks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.facebook.com/stephshanksphotography

Send us Fan Mail

Kyle Martin started out in the skateboarding world, running a skate shop and park in Reedsburg, WI. But when a devastating flood washed it all away, he picked up a paintbrush—and never looked back. Nearly two decades later, Kyle has become a staple artist in Wisconsin, capturing its beauty through vibrant landscape paintings. In this episode, we talk about his winding journey from skate decks to easels, the mental game of creativity, overcoming limiting beliefs, and what keeps him inspired.

https://www.stephshanks.com

https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenwithsteph

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephshanks/

https://www.youtube.com/@stephshanks

https://www.tiktok.com/@stephshanks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.facebook.com/stephshanksphotography

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when you step away from the career you’ve built for decades? Shelley Mordini shares her incredible transformation—from high school teacher to intuitive medium, travel expert, and guide for those seeking deeper meaning in their lives.

https://www.barabootours.com/

[email protected]

https://www.stephshanks.com

https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenwithsteph

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephshanks/

https://www.youtube.com/@stephshanks

https://www.tiktok.com/@stephshanks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.facebook.com/stephshanksphotography

Send us Fan Mail

Susie Moon never saw herself as a leader—until she became one. In this conversation, we unpack how she turned a love of connection into a thriving business, the lessons she learned from corporate life, and why being true to yourself is the best marketing strategy. Plus, she shares some game-changing networking tips for introverts and extroverts alike.

Find more info about Susie here:
https://susiemoon.net/

https://www.stephshanks.com

https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenwithsteph

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephshanks/

https://www.youtube.com/@stephshanks

https://www.tiktok.com/@stephshanks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.facebook.com/stephshanksphotography

Send us Fan Mail

What does it mean to truly savor life, even in the face of uncertainty and grief? My guest, Andrea Auten, is a writer, teacher, and widow who has learned to navigate life’s biggest transitions with grace and courage. We discuss everything from honoring the past to stepping into an unknown future and the lessons we can all take from her incredible journey.

https://www.stephshanks.com

https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenwithsteph

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephshanks/

https://www.youtube.com/@stephshanks

https://www.tiktok.com/@stephshanks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.facebook.com/stephshanksphotography

Send us Fan Mail

What if the way we move through life is just like a dance? In this episode, Amy Torseth-Teelan reflects on her journey of teaching dance, nurturing relationships, and finding meaning after loss. We dive deep into the give and take of relationships, the beauty of resilience, and how allowing ourselves to feel pain can lead to deeper healing.

https://www.stephshanks.com

https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenwithsteph

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephshanks/

https://www.youtube.com/@stephshanks

https://www.tiktok.com/@stephshanks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.facebook.com/stephshanksphotography

Send us Fan Mail

Bravery, Business & Breaking the Mold with Laura Hulleman

What if your business was designed to love you back? 💡 In this episode, I sit down with Laura Hulleman, creator of the Endotype Formula and host of the Raving Coaches podcast. After spending four transformative months working with Laura, I can tell you—her approach to branding and marketing is unlike anything else.

We dive into:
✨ Why traditional marketing strategies don’t work for everyone
✨ How to trust yourself and build a business that aligns with who you truly are
✨ The connection between business, bravery, and breaking free from expectations

Plus, Laura shares how imposter syndrome is often just bad marketing in disguise and why your business should support you, not the other way around.

🎧 Tune in for a deep, eye-opening conversation on how to create success your way!

✨ Upcoming Opportunities ✨
💛 Ready for a luxury portrait experience that captures your confidence and essence? My Heart & Soul Portrait Sessions are designed to make you feel truly seen.
🏡 Need a space to reconnect and realign? Join me for an intimate weekend retreat where we slow down, reflect, and fill our cups back up.

👉 Like, subscribe, and leave a review if this episode resonates with you! And don’t forget to check out Laura’s Endotype Formula at endotype.com or listen to Raving Coaches wherever you get your podcasts.

https://www.stephshanks.com

https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenwithsteph

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephshanks/

https://www.youtube.com/@stephshanks

https://www.tiktok.com/@stephshanks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.facebook.com/stephshanksphotography