The Rewrite

In this solo episode, I'm getting more personal than usual. I'm talking about some of the things I used to believe about myself - not because they were true, but because they were repeated enough. Either I was repeating them to myself internally, or I was taking things other people were saying and internalizing them, creating my own narrative in my head.I think it matters because a lot of what we think is "just who we are" is actually something we learned really early on and never questioned. When I think back to my childhood, a few themes stand out: figuring things out on my own, being independent way too early, not always feeling fully seen or understood (I was one of five kids), and learning to read the room instead of expressing what I needed.But one of the biggest beliefs I carried for a long time was that I was not smart. I didn't learn to read early like the other kids. I faked it for way longer than I should have. There wasn't a lot of support at home around school - no one reading me books, no bedtime stories, no one making sure I did my homework. I got pulled out of class a lot for remedial help, and while that was meant to support me, it just made me feel different. Dumb. Like everyone was looking at me.In this episode, you'll learn:How childhood beliefs follow you into adulthood: figuring things out on your own, being independent too early, learning to read the room instead of expressing what you needWhy I believed I wasn't smart for years: I didn't learn to read early, faked it for way too long, got pulled out for remedial help, and felt dumb every timeHow that belief shaped my entire life: "I'm not academic. I'm not the type of person who goes to college. That's not meant for me. I'll have a job, not a career."The neuroscience of why these beliefs stick: your brain wires itself based on repetition and experience - if you repeatedly feel behind or not enough, your brain builds a pattern around that and keeps running it even when your life changesThe distinction that changes everything: "What I thought was 'this is just who I am' was actually 'this is what my brain has learned', and if it's learned, it can be updated"Why rewriting doesn't happen overnight: it looks like letting yourself learn without judging how long it takes, trying things you would've avoided before, trusting your thinking instead of dismissing it, allowing yourself to grow into something you didn't think was for youWhy your brain prefers what it knows (even if what it knows isn't ideal): familiar feels safe, and when you start doing something different, your brain doesn't go "this is better", it goes "this is new" (and that's where most people stop)How to keep going: if you keep choosing the new response, if you give your brain new experiences to work from, it starts to update (slowly, but it does)Why old patterns still show up sometimes: "I still catch myself defaulting to 'I'm not smart, I'm not enough', but now I notice faster and I have a different response available"If you've ever thought "this is just who I am" or "this is how I've always been," I want you to question that a little bit. There's a really good chance it's not who you are - it's just what you've learned. And if it was learned, it can be rewritten.Connect with me:Instagram: @vandercreativeco and @itsjamievander

In this solo episode, I'm talking about something that's been happening in my life lately: full spring cleaning mode. Every drawer decluttered, every closet organized, getting rid of all the things. And yes, part of this was maybe to avoid doing my taxes, but there's something deeper happening here.When there's clutter everywhere, your brain is constantly processing it. Even if you don't realize it, it's like little tabs running in the background, draining your energy. The same thing happens mentally when you've got a million things bouncing around in your brain: things you need to do, things you don't want to forget, things you keep thinking about but aren't actually acting on. All of that is mental clutter.In this episode, you'll learn:Why your brain works better in an environment that feels clear, and how clutter (physical or mental) drains your energy even when you don't realize itWhy I love a good list: not because I'm trying to be super organized or perfect, but because it gets everything out of my head and onto paper so I can stop thinking about it (it's like closing all those little tabs)The truth about momentum: clarity creates momentum, not perfection, not having everything figured out - just clarity (knowing what's in front of you, knowing what actually matters right now)Why sometimes the fastest way to get clarity is to clear something: reorganize your desk, clear your schedule, clear the mental load - just clear somethingThe 15-minute tidy timer trick: if you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you can't get moving, set a 15-minute timer and just start doing something (the momentum will carry you forward)How getting moving creates clarity about what the next right step is (you don't need to know the whole path - just start and the momentum will show you)Next time you feel overwhelmed or don't know what the next right move is, just set a 15-minute timer, jot down a quick list, and get moving. The momentum will carry you forward. That's how you decide what the next right step is: by gaining clarity, by moving forward, and by just starting.Connect with me:Instagram: @vandercreativeco and @itsjamievander

In this conversation with my friend Sharai Dawn, a boutique brand strategist and creative director who helps established entrepreneurs crystallize what they're known for and stop diluting their message, we dive into what it takes to rewrite your life when you've spent decades being told who to be. Sharai's story takes us from growing up as a Jehovah's Witness (which she describes as a high-control group, some would say a cult), to running away at 17, to ending up in another abusive family dynamic, to a nine-year marriage that escalated to physical violence - all while building a successful business and raising two daughters.Sharai gets devastatingly honest about the moment she knew she had to leave: holding her 18-month-old daughter when her ex-husband physically attacked them both, hearing her baby scream in a way she'll never forget. She shares why it took her a year after that moment to even consider divorce (because he could name his behavior and she thought awareness meant change), how she had to leave her spiritual community when they couldn't understand the level of manipulation and danger, and why reading Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud helped her realize: sometimes things are dead or dangerous, and you need to cut them off.In this episode, you'll learn:How Sharai went from one high-control group to the nextWhy COVID was the tipping pointWhy it took a year to file for divorce even after that momentHow leaving her spiritual community was necessary for safetyWhy she had to get to a point of hopelessness before she could become fearlessHow grief from divorce mirrors grief from deathWhy boundaries transformed everythingHow the apps became an experimentHer business evolutionSharai's story is a masterclass in resilience, boundaries, and reclaiming your right to write your own story. If you've ever felt like you're living someone else's expectations, or if you're in the valley right now and judging yourself for being there—this episode will remind you: you're more resilient than you realize.Connect with Sharai:Instagram: @thesharaidawnWebsite: https://thesozostudio.comMentioned in this episode: Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud

In this episode, I'm talking about something a lot of people feel but don't always have the language for: the feeling of "why does this keep happening?" Maybe in one season of your life it looked like constantly overgiving in friendships - always being the one who shows up more, the one who adjusts, the one who keeps the peace instead of saying what you actually need. And then later, different people, different environment - now it's showing up in your business. You're over-delivering for clients, saying yes when you want to say no, undercharging, avoiding setting clear boundaries because you don't want to disappoint anyone.On the surface, those look like completely different situations. But underneath? It's the same pattern. The same need to be liked, the same fear of conflict, the same belief that you have to earn your place by giving more.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the same pattern keeps showing up in different situations: people-pleasing in friendships becomes over-delivering in business, holding back in relationships becomes softening your message onlineThe neuroscience of why your brain recreates familiar patterns: it's constantly trying to predict what happens next using past experiences, and familiar doesn't always mean good - it just means known (and your brain prefers known over unknown)Why awareness alone doesn't break the pattern: you can know logically "I've done this before" and still feel pulled into it because your brain doesn't update based on awareness - it updates based on experienceHow your nervous system recognizes patterns as familiar and safer than creating something new (even if the new option is technically better), because new equals uncertain and uncertain requires more energy, attention, and regulationWhy rewriting your life isn't just about deciding on something new - it's about walking your brain through a different process: notice the pattern, regulate your response, understand what's driving it, choose something different, and follow through enough times that your brain recognizes it as the new normalWhy choosing differently often feels uncomfortable at first (not because it's wrong, but because it's unfamiliar), and how that discomfort is actually the proof that you're creating a different experience for your brainThe shift that starts it all: stop reacting to what's happening and get curious about what's underneath it (what feels familiar about this? what part of me is choosing this? what belief might be sitting under this pattern?)If you've ever felt like "I keep ending up in the same type of situation," "I keep hitting the same ceiling in my business," or "I keep falling back into the same habits", that's not random. That's a pattern your brain has learned and is continuing to run because it's more efficient that way. Once you see the pattern clearly, you're no longer fully inside of it. You're stepping outside of that loop. And that's the first step in rewriting it.Connect with me:Instagram: @vandercreativeco and @itsjamievander

In this solo episode, I'm breaking down what I actually mean when I say "rewrite your life", because I use that phrase a lot and I know it can sound big or vague or like one of those things that means something different to everyone. So I wanted to slow it down and explain where this idea came from, how it connects to your brain, how it actually works, and what rewriting your life really looks like in real life, in everyday terms.This isn't about becoming a new person. It's about changing the patterns that are quietly running in the background and shaping how you think, decide, and move through your life and business. From a neuroscience perspective, your brain is constantly working off of past experiences. It uses memory, emotional patterns, and repetition to predict what's going to happen next. It doesn't wake up each day neutral - it wakes up with a story already loaded, and that story influences what you notice, what you avoid, what feels possible, what feels risky, what feels familiar.In this episode, you'll learn:Why your brain doesn't wake up neutral - it wakes up with a story already loaded from every day you've lived before, and that story influences what you notice, avoid, and what feels possibleHow adults are living lives run by internal maps formed years ago (built around survival, people-pleasing, over-responsibility, staying small, holding everything together), and why your brain doesn't automatically retire old strategies just because your life has changedWhy most change fails: not because people don't want it badly enough, but because the process doesn't match how the brain and nervous system actually workHow I developed The Rewrite Method: not as a catchy acronym first, but as a framework built on how real change actually happens in the brain and body (then intentionally shaped it into something people could remember)The 7 steps of The Rewrite Method broken down: Regulate (create safety for change to begin), Envision (give your brain a target), Witness (notice the patterns shaping your behavior), Reframe (shift emotional response to change outcomes), Integrate (practice until it's familiar), Transfer (build support systems to reduce strain), Engage (take messy action so your brain can learn from feedback)Why clarity is what most people are actually missing - not more information, motivation, or a better strategy (when your brain doesn't know what direction you're moving in, it defaults to familiar patterns even if you don't like them)How The Rewrite Clarity Map helps you slow down, regulate first, get clear on what you actually want, and identify your next right move (it's free, practical, and designed to help you get clear before you try to change anything)When I talk about rewriting your life, this is what I mean: not erasing the past, not becoming someone else, but consciously updating the patterns your brain is using to guide your present. If you want a simple place to start, The Rewrite Clarity Map is there for you.Get The Rewrite Clarity MapConnect with me:@vandercreativeco@itsjamievander

In this conversation with Rebecca Stanisic, a writer with nearly two decades of experience, speaker, and content strategist who helps small businesses create content with less stress, we dive into what it means to be an "accidental entrepreneur." Rebecca's journey started with a parenting blog in 2009 - she had a baby and a toddler and just wanted "a little piece of the internet." What she didn't know was that this blog would spiral into ads, sponsorships, freelance writing, and eventually a full content strategy business.Rebecca gets beautifully honest about why she misses the naivety of the early days (when the pressure was different and excitement was high), how she built her business in two-hour nap time blocks and three-hour preschool windows, and the moment she decided to stop saying "I'm a stay-at-home mom" and start owning "this is a business." She shares why imposter syndrome and generalized anxiety disorder have followed her through her career, how people saw her expertise before she did, and why the best thing she ever did for her business was say out loud: this is a business.In this episode, you'll learn:Why Rebecca is an "accidental entrepreneur" who built her business in naptime blocks and took her first client contract "between 9 PM and 11 PM if that's okay"The turning point that changed everything: "The best thing I ever did was say it loud: this is a business. Every decision then became, is this a good business decision or not?"Why she still sometimes said "I'm a stay-at-home mom" for years without shame, and how the power of owning your title and positioning changes the way people see you (and how you see yourself)How her blog is still her "home base" that drives traffic through Pinterest, why journalists still pitch her because they found her through search, and how it's evolved from personal storytelling to info-based contentHer approach to content strategy: stop creating so much new content and instead reframe and reuse what you already have - because you can't compare one person's content plan with anotherRebecca's story is a masterclass in patience, flexibility, and giving yourself permission to evolve. If you've ever felt like an "accidental" anything, or if you've struggled to own your title and say it out loud with confidence, this episode will remind you: just say it. Lean hard into it. And watch what happens.Connect with Rebecca:Instagram: @bitofmomsenseWebsite: www.rebeccastanisic.comPodcast: Plot Your ContentBook a free session to see what works for youServices: 1-hour Content Spark Session + 7 days of support, or 8-week program with Rebecca as your content director

Most people are exhausted long before they ever do anything. Not because the task is hard, but because their brain has been leaking energy all day without them even realizing it.Small leaks. Constant leaks. Death by a thousand tiny demands.In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the five biggest energy leaks that drain your brain before you've even started your day, and what actually helps (without doing a full life overhaul). Because here's the thing: people think they lack discipline, but really their brain is running on fumes by 10 AM.As a certified neuroscience coach, I see this constantly. Your energy doesn't show up after motivation or habits or consistency - it comes way before all of that. And if your brain is burning 60% of its capacity on invisible stressors, everything feels harder than it needs to be.In this episode, you'll learn:Why your energy (not motivation or habits) is the foundation of everything—and it's not woo-woo, it's your actual cognitive and nervous system energyThe 5 different leaks to pay attentionWhy a simple task can take all day: not because it's hard, but because your brain never stays long enough to reach flow stateWhat actually helps (practical edition)You're not tired because you're weak or lazy. You're probably tired because your brain is working overtime behind the scenes. Once you start plugging those energy leaks, everything gets easier: decision-making, focus, follow-through. Your whole life feels more doable because your brain isn't burning 60% of its capacity on invisible stressors.Support your brain, and your brain will support you back.Ready to plug your energy leaks?If this resonated with you, please rate this episode (it helps way more than you know!) or send it to someone who needs to hear it.Connect with me on Instagram: @vandercreativeco and @itsjamievander

In this conversation with my friend Carly Hickey, a registered nurse with over 10 years of ICU experience and founder of ACE Planning Company, we dive into something most people never think about until it's too late: preparing for aging, serious illness, and the unexpected. Carly helps individuals and families get proactive about advance care planning - making hard conversations feel less overwhelming and a lot more empowering.Carly gets beautifully honest about why she left the bedside after a decade of loving her ICU job, how losing her stepfather suddenly at 61 (seven days after taking him in for a sore neck) changed everything, and why watching families leave the ICU alone after losing a loved one made her realize: there has to be a better way. She shares her journey from nurse to entrepreneur (not a typical path for nurses), the mental health struggles she faced after leaving her identity as an ICU nurse, and how starting a business became her "passion project" while nursing her baby at midnight.In this episode, you'll learn:Why advance care planning falls into "important but not urgent" on the Eisenhower matrix (and why that makes it so easy to ignore)The brutal reality: we have "bringing home baby" classes to prepare for caregiving at the beginning of life, but no preparation for caregiving at the endHow Carly took her stepfather in for a sore neck and he passed away seven days later - completely unexpectedly at 61Why the trauma of sudden loss can be the most psychologically traumatizing (and how preparation can soften that blow)The social and economical constructs that make it rare for nurses to become entrepreneurs (scope of practice, liability, insurance, HIPAA compliance, expensive EMRs)How nurse seniority works: when you leave a hospital, you start at the bottom of the food chain again (which made Carly rethink her career when her husband's job became mobile)The moment she decided to start her business: sitting in bed during the pandemic, seeing targeted ads, and telling her husband "I'm starting a business. I'm doing it."Carly's story is a powerful reminder that time is fleeting and our most important resource. If you've been avoiding conversations about aging parents, advance care planning, or what happens when the unexpected hits - this episode will give you permission (and a roadmap) to start.Connect with Carly:Instagram: @aceplanningcoWebsite: www.aceplanningco.comTake the Advance Care Planning Audit Quiz on her websiteFree phone calls available - always happy to answer questionsComing soon: Podcast with an ICU physician, nurse, and healthcare ethicist

In this solo episode, I'm getting brutally honest about something that has tripped me up more times than I care to admit: my resistance to taking messy action. I've spent years fine-tuning things in the background - tweaking, editing, reworking, adjusting the font, rewriting the offer, changing the idea, making the plan better, clearer, more strategic. And on the surface? That looks productive. But if I zoom out, a lot of it has been avoidance.This year, one of my main goals is simple: take messy action. Stop polishing things in private and start putting them into motion before they feel perfect. Because if I don't put things out into the world without giving it too much thought, chances are I'm going to fine-tune them long enough to come up with the next amazing idea, and the first idea will go up on the shelf, probably never to see the light of day.In this episode, you'll learn:Why fine-tuning in the background feels productive but is often just avoidance in disguiseThe brutal truth: if you don't put something out into the world, you don't have to risk someone not liking it or see that it's not working - you can live in the blissful idea of potential (and potential feels safe)How perfectionism isn't laziness— - t's protection (your brain would rather stay in "almost ready" than face possible outcomes)Why perfectionism can look like high-achieving, responsible, strategic work when it's really just fear wearing a productivity costumeThe neuroscience of why your brain predicts outcomes based on past experiences: if something didn't go well before, your brain nudges you toward "safer" activities like tweaking, planning, reorganizingWhy those activities feel productive but don't trigger the same level of vulnerability as actually doing the thingHow "engage" is one of the steps in The Rewrite Method for a reason, and why it's not random that it's in thereIf you're someone who has 10 notebooks filled with ideas, half-built programs sitting in Google Docs, a million Instagram drafts, or offers you keep refining but never release - I totally get it. I'm right there with you. But at some point, you have to let the world respond. You have to engage. Not recklessly, not without thought, but imperfectly.Rewriting doesn't happen in theory. It happens in motion. Your brain learns through lived experience. If you want a new result, you have to create new data. And new data only comes from engaging.So this year, I'm choosing to move before I feel fully ready - not recklessly, not chaotically, but intentionally imperfect. If you've been stuck in that "almost ready" phase of your life too, maybe this is your nudge. Engage. Let it be messy. Let it teach you. Let it be an experiment. Let your brain update.Ready to stop fine-tuning and start engaging?If you want support taking messy action and rewiring your patterns, you know where to find me.Connect with me on Instagram: @vandercreativeco and @itsjamievander

In this conversation with my friend Andrea Krones, co-founder and creative director at Inkling Design, we dive into what it actually takes to build a design and web agency over 21 years - including all the undercharging, overdelivering, and confidence-building that happened along the way. Andrea supports heart-centered, female-founded businesses with branding, websites, and marketing materials, and her journey from cautious junior graphic designer to confident agency owner is full of pivots, partnerships, and hard-won lessons.Andrea gets refreshingly honest about charging $400 for her first website (spoiler: she made $2/hour), why she never thought she'd be capable of being a business owner, and how bringing on her business partner Kelly in 2017 changed everything. We talk about the difference between having freelancers and having someone equally invested in your business, why she took a nutrition degree before discovering graphic design even existed, and what it's like to navigate hiring a team when some portfolios make "bits of her soul die."In this episode, you'll learn:How Andrea accidentally started her business by telling a friend she could design websites (when she'd never designed one before)Why she charged $400 for her first website and made $2/hour—but got referred like crazy because she was "cheap as well"The brutal truth about undercharging and overdelivering: "It was the best scenario for clients, not the best scenario for me"How she left her full-time job for a part-time one, then had to make a choice when they wanted her full-time: safety or all-in on her businessWhy she was "always very cautious and a perfectionist" and never thought she'd be capable of being a business ownerHer biggest lesson for young designers: "Charge your worth. You don't have to undercharge in order to get clients if you're good."Andrea's story is a masterclass in patience, persistence, and learning to trust yourself slowly over time. If you've ever felt like you weren't capable of being a business owner, or if you've undercharged your way through the early years, this episode will remind you: you're not alone, and you're building something real.Connect with Andrea:Instagram: @inkling.design and @its.andrea.kronesLinkedIn: Inkling-Design and Andrea KronesWebsite: inklingdesign.ca

Your brain is getting flooded with millions of bits of information every second. You can't possibly focus on all of it. So your reticular activating system (RAS) steps in and decides what you pay attention to. Think of it like a bouncer at the door of your brain - some things get in, everything else stays outside.But here's the wild part: your RAS decides what gets through based on what you believe, what matters to you, and what you expect to find.In this solo episode, I'm breaking down one of my favorite neuroscience concepts that explains why your life feels the way it does, why you notice certain things and miss others, why you stay stuck in old patterns, and why some goals feel impossible until suddenly they don't. Once you understand how your RAS works, you can't unsee it, and you'll finally understand why you keep repeating the same patterns year after year, even when you genuinely want change.In this episode, you'll learn:What the reticular activating system (RAS) is and how it acts like a bouncer for your brain, filtering millions of bits of information every secondWhy your RAS highlights what you believe, not what's true (if you think everyone is judging you, it shows you the one person who looks at you funny and ignores the 10 people smiling)How your RAS proves your existing stories right - not because it's sabotaging you, but because it thinks it's being helpfulWhy you suddenly notice the car you want to buy everywhere, hear your name in a crowded room, and remember negative feedback more than positive feedbackThe brutal truth: if you say "I want to grow my business" but deep down believe "I'll probably fail," your RAS filters through the belief, not the intentionWhy you notice obstacles more than solutions, risk more than possibilities, and reasons to stay small instead of reasons to go biggerHow your nervous system controls your RAS filter: when you're stressed or overwhelmed, your RAS goes into protective mode and highlights threats, problems, and worst-case scenariosWhy regulation matters so much: a regulated nervous system gives your RAS permission to widen its filter and notice possibilities, options, support, and opportunities that were always there5 practical ways to retrain your RAS: set clear intentions (not vague ones), ask better questions ("What would make this easier?" instead of "Why is this so hard?"), use micro proof (tiny follow-through creates emotional significance), interrupt old stories with neutral reframes, and regulate firstThe powerful weekly practice: "What do I want my brain to notice more of this week?" (not the whole year, just this week)Why this isn't manifestation or toxic positivity - it's literal neuroscienceThis is how your internal reality shifts, which is how your external reality shifts. Not because you thought positive thoughts, but because your filter changed. You're not broken if you keep noticing the negative—your RAS is just doing what it's trained to do. You're not unmotivated if you keep missing opportunities—your brain literally filters them out because it doesn't think they're relevant. And you're not failing if you keep circling back to the same patterns - your brain will always default to whatever story it knows best.The beautiful part? You can retrain it. Not through pressure, not through perfection - just through repetition, intention, and a regulated nervous system. Once your filter changes, the way you experience your life will change with it.Ready to retrain your RAS?If you want support retraining your brain, working with your nervous system, and rewriting the patterns that shape your business and your life, you know where to find me.Connect with me on Instagram: @vandercreativeco and @itsjamievander

Why do I keep saying I want this, but my actions don't match? Why am I resisting something I know is good for me? Why does change feel so exhausting even when it's something I choose?If you've ever wondered this, you're not alone, and you're definitely not broken. As a certified neuroscience coach, I can tell you this is literally how your brain is built. This frustration shows up in pretty much every coaching conversation I have with my clients, so today we're breaking down why your brain fights change (even the good kind) and how to work with it instead of treating it like the enemy.In this solo episode, I'm diving into the neuroscience behind resistance, self-sabotage, and why you can want something with your whole heart and still feel massive resistance when it comes time to actually do it. Spoiler: your brain's ultimate purpose is to keep you alive - not happy, not fulfilled, not successful. Just alive. And the easiest way it does that? By relying on the familiar.In this episode, you'll learn:Why your brain equates familiar with safe and new with possible threat (even when the new thing is a goal you consciously want)The two parts of your brain constantly fighting each other: your prefrontal cortex wants growth, but your limbic system wants safetyHow your limbic system interprets your goals: "I want to start showing up online" = exposure and judgment = dangerWhy your nervous system determines whether change feels doable or impossible (if you're stressed, even the simplest things feel overwhelming)The truth about resistance: it's not laziness, it's a signal that your system needs grounding before it can take on moreWhy your brain won't let you stack new habits on top of an overloaded system (it won't risk destabilizing you)How old patterns pull you back: your brain loves to predict the future based on past patterns because it's efficient and requires less energyWhy you fall back into habits you don't even like (those pathways are well-practiced, and your brain will always choose the well-worn path unless you slowly carve a new one)5 ways to work with your brain instead of fighting it: make it smaller than you think, pair change with something familiar (habit stacking), regulate before you act, give your brain a safety plan, and celebrate tiny winsThe reframe that changes everything: instead of "Why can't I do this?" try "What part of me doesn't feel safe with this yet?"Your system isn't trying to ruin your life. It's trying to protect you based on outdated information. Once you see it that way, the whole relationship changes. You soften. You move out of shame and into awareness. And from awareness, rewiring becomes a lot easier.If you've been frustrated with yourself because change feels harder than it should, just breathe. You're not behind. You're not dramatic. You're not under-motivated. You're human, and your brain is just doing its job. The resistance you feel isn't a flaw, it's a signal. A signal that your system needs support, not shame. A signal that you're not wrong, you're just rewiring.Once you start working with your brain instead of strong-arming it, everything gets easier. Slow, steady, grounded, and actually sustainable.Ready to rewire your habits and regulate your nervous system?If you want support learning how to work with your brain instead of against it, you know where to find me.Connect with me on Instagram: @vandercreativeco and @itsjamievander

In this conversation with my dear friend Carly Ottaway, we dive deep into what it actually takes to write a book, share your story, and step into the identity of "bestselling author" when imposter syndrome is screaming at you. Carly is the author of Coming Home: Your Path to Your Favorite Self and Permission to Do It Your Way, creator of The Mirror Effect, and founder of the award-winning boutique marketing agency Web of Words.But this episode isn't just about the book, it's about the metamorphosis that happened while writing it. For six months, Carly broke out in hives every single night as she prepared to share her story with the world. She resisted the memoir style for years, convinced her story "wasn't big enough." And she was writing without knowing what the end of her story would be - literally journaling through a pandemic, a house fire, rebuilding everything, and raising two young kids while running a thriving business.In this episode, you'll learn:How Carly's book became the catalyst for her to fully step into her favorite self (the book is about becoming your favorite self, and writing it forced her to embody it)Why she broke out in hives for six months while preparing to publish, and how they disappeared the day she had a healing breakthroughThe moment she realized: "If I could write this book when I was going on such limited sleep, I can do anything"How her 7-year-old daughter became her best accountability buddy (and why there was no way she wasn't going to follow through once she told her kids)The struggle of claiming the title "writer" and "author" before the book is published (and why you need to say it out loud anyway)Carly gets beautifully honest about the identity shift that comes with becoming an author, why she needed to write this book to become the author of the next one, and how she's now stepping into a new season where everything feels aligned. She's launching a podcast, doing more speaking, and stepping into opportunities she dreamed about as a kid, all because she finally came home to herself.If you've ever felt like your story isn't "big enough" to share, or if you've been hiding behind the keyboard telling everyone else's story instead of your own, this episode will give you permission to step forward. Your story matters. And sharing it might just be the catalyst for your own metamorphosis.Connect with Carly:Instagram: @carlyottawayWebsite: www.carlyottaway.comGet the book: www.cominghomebook.comAgency: Web of Words

If you've ever felt inconsistent, behind, or like you keep making promises to yourself that you don't keep, this episode is for you.Self-trust isn't glamorous. It's not something people brag about on Instagram. But it's one of the most practical things you can work on if you want anything in your life or business to actually change. And as a certified neuroscience coach, I can tell you: this isn't about being motivated enough or disciplined enough. It's your brain doing exactly what it's designed to do.In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the neuroscience of self-trust - why most people think they're inconsistent when really their brain has just stopped believing the things they say they're going to do. Self-trust is basically the agreement between your words and your behavior. And your brain? It's tracking patterns, not judging you.In this episode, you'll learn:What self-trust actually is: the agreement between your words and your behavior (and how your brain logs every single promise you make)Why your brain learns patterns like "every Monday I say I'm starting fresh, by Wednesday it's gone" - not in a shameful way, just in a data-collection wayThe signs that self-trust is low: second-guessing, avoiding simple tasks, procrastinating even when you want something, feeling overwhelmed by stuff that shouldn't be overwhelmingHow your brain conserves energy when it doesn't believe you'll follow through (and stops activating the systems that help you take action)Why self-trust doesn't break down from big failures - it erodes in small, normal, everyday ways (telling yourself you'll go for a walk and then not going, saying you'll start Monday and moving it to next Monday)The neuroscience of micro-commitments: how tiny, boring follow-through rebuilds self-trust through repetition and dopamineWhy you can't build self-trust from a dysregulated nervous system (your brain starts predicting threat everywhere, even when it's just a simple task)The power of the 10-minute timer trick for tasks you keep avoiding (spoiler: you usually keep going after it goes off because you've built momentum)The one question to ask yourself: "What is one tiny thing I can follow through on that proves to my brain I am reliable?"This isn't about needing a new personality or a perfect morning routine. Your brain just needs proof. Proof that your words and your behavior are lining back up. Once you build that, you get momentum, you get confidence, and you start showing up with steadiness that actually feels like you.If you've been feeling like a failure at life, like you always procrastinate, like you can never stick to anything, you're not failing. You're just human. And your brain is doing exactly what it's built to do. So start small. Pick something doable. Give your brain and your nervous system a reason to believe you again.The version of you who trusts herself? She will appear. She just needs a little bit of evidence.Ready to rebuild your self-trust?If you want support regulating your nervous system and actually implementing the changes you want in your life and business, you know where to find me.Connect with me on Instagram: @vandercreativeco and @itsjamievander

In this conversation with my friend Stephanie Eagleson, we dive deep into what it means to honor your intuitive gifts, even when they don't fit into the box of your profession. Stephanie is an RMT, energy healer, and spiritual mentor who supports others in connecting deeper within themselves as both human and divine beings—and her journey from working in a gym to building her own healing sanctuary is a masterclass in listening to your soul nudges.Stephanie shares how she was never satisfied treating physical pain as just physical pain. She knew there was always something deeper—an energetic or emotional root that the body was trying to communicate. And over time, as she allowed herself to own her spiritual gifts and stop dimming her light in masculine-energy spaces, she started receiving powerful messages and visions for her clients that changed everything.In this episode, you'll learn:How Stephanie used massage therapy as her "gateway" to becoming the energy healer she was always meant to beWhy your body's pain isn't just physical—it's a message trying to flag something deeper for youThe evolution from hiding her spiritual gifts in a gym setting to fully owning her woo and building a business around itHow pregnancy became the catalyst for two major business pivots (hello, divine nesting!)Why she separates her "tune-up" sessions from her deep energetic healing sessions—and how to honor what clients actually needThe difference between being a human being and a divine being (and why we need to harmonize both)How grief shows up energetically in the body and why 100% of her clients feel lighter after sessionsWhy the people who energetically drain you aren't "bad clients"—they're just misalignedHow divine orchestration weaves connections you could never plan yourself (like how she and I met through Sarah Lambert!)What's next: Stephanie's new spiritual church/mastermind hybrid space launching this week for her birthdayStephanie gets beautifully honest about the personal journey of learning to work authentically, why her hands would scream at her when she wasn't being true to herself, and how she finally stopped explaining what Reiki was and just started owning her gifts. If you've ever felt like you're meant for more than the box your career fits into, or if you've been dimming your intuitive abilities because they feel "too woo," this episode will give you permission to step fully into who you are.Connect with Stephanie:Instagram: @the.stephanie.eagleson (best place for quick responses—DM her!)Website: www.stephanieeagleson.comEmail list: Get notified first about all her exciting updates

If you're sitting here in mid-January thinking you're already behind on your goals, let me stop you right there: you're not late. You're right on time.In this solo episode, I'm breaking down why your new year doesn't actually start on January 1st for most of us, and the neuroscience behind why that's completely normal. Spoiler: your brain picks the reset that feels real to you, not the one the calendar tells you to care about.I'm diving into temporal landmarks, why your nervous system treats your beautiful goals like potential threats, and why habits fall apart by week three (hint: it's not because you're inconsistent or unmotivated). Your brain just loves efficiency, and it will always choose the familiar path—even if that path is overthinking, procrastinating, or playing small.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the "new year feeling" hits later than January 1st for most people (and why that's your nervous system, not procrastination)How your brain uses temporal landmarks to signal a reset—and why routine coming back matters more than the calendarWhy your nervous system defines "danger" as things like launching new offers, raising prices, or being seen in a bigger wayThe real reason habits fall apart by week three (your brain loves familiar paths, even unhelpful ones)How neuroplasticity actually works—small repetition, emotional significance, and reward (not willpower)The Rewrite practice: "If I wasn't telling the same old story, what else could be true?"Why you don't need a perfect plan—just three things: a direction, a regulation practice, and a new internal storyHow your identity drives your behavior (if you see yourself as someone who shows up, you will show up)This isn't about becoming a new version of you. It's about supporting the version of you who's already capable, already growing, and already rewriting the way you move through life and business. You don't need a new you—you need a regulated you, a supported you, and maybe a rewired you.So if you're listening to this thinking you're already behind, let me be clear: you're not behind. You're not late. You didn't miss anything. Your new year starts the moment your nervous system feels settled enough to actually make decisions that aren't based in chaos. The calendar is a suggestion. Your body decides the real start date.Ready to rewrite your year?If you want support with strategy, nervous system work, and hands-on help in the back end of your business, you know where to find me.Connect with me on Instagram: @vandercreativeco and @itsjamievander

"Am I dying?"Three words from his 12-year-old son changed everything for Dr. Howard Polansky. After 16 years as a dentist (a career he admits he was average at, at best) Howard found himself in the ICU watching his son fight for his life. Twenty-nine days in the hospital. Nineteen in the ICU. Five emergency surgeries. And in that moment when his son asked that question, Howard made a decision: if life is this fragile and I'm miserable with the path I'm on, burn the ships. It's over.In this episode, Howard shares the raw truth about building an identity around a career that never truly fit, the $800,000 debt trap that dental school has become, and why so many high-achieving professionals forget how to dream. But here's where it gets wild: Howard figured out how to get his house payment down to $24.19, and he's been teaching others to do the same ever since.In this episode, you'll learn:Why science-based careers often lead professionals to forget how to dream beyond the next milestoneThe real math behind your mortgage that banks don't want you to see (hint: 60% of your payment isn't helping you at 3% interest)How Howard used lines of credit strategically to pay off a condo in 8 months instead of 30 yearsThe identity crisis that happens when you walk away from a career you invested everything inWhy the average business owner sees $65,000+ in cashflow improvement in their first 12 months using his system (with some saving $290,000)How to break open the "titanium safe" so when you make a payment today, you can get the money back tomorrowThe difference between building a work-life balance vs. a life-work balance (and why the order matters)Howard gets brutally honest about being an "average dentist at best," why he finally listened to his heart after leading with his head for decades, and how helping one dentist friend accidentally became his entire new career. If you've ever felt trapped by the debt you accumulated chasing a career that doesn't light you up, or if you're a business owner drowning in monthly payments, this episode will completely shift how you think about money.Connect with Howard:Website: www.financiallyled.comLinkedIn: Dr. Howard PolanskyTake the Cash Flow Quiz (3 minutes, 12 questions): https://leakingcash.scoreapp.com/

What happens when you're sitting in a boardroom, looking out the window, and suddenly realize: "Is this really how I want to spend the next 20 years of my life?"In this episode, I'm sitting down with my friend and fellow business owner Amy Sussex, a business operations consultant who helps visionary women entrepreneurs streamline their systems and step confidently into their CEO role. Amy's rewrite story is a masterclass in trusting yourself through multiple pivots (from corporate supervisor to wellness business owner to operations consultant) and she's getting ready for her next evolution into the COO space.Amy opens up about the anxiety and panic attacks that led her to leave her federal government job, the organic way her wellness business evolved into operations consulting (spoiler: it started while she was literally massaging a client), and why family members who work corporate jobs just don't get the entrepreneurial journey the same way.In this episode, you'll learn:How to recognize when you're waiting for retirement instead of actually living your life nowWhy every business pivot requires you to trust yourself in ways your corporate mindset never prepared you forThe signs that it's time to let go of clients who no longer fit your business direction (even when you've built real relationships)How bettering yourself in one area naturally leads to business opportunities you never expectedWhy stepping into leadership roles has probably been your pattern all along - you just didn't see it yetThe real difference between being "flighty" and evolving into your favorite selfAmy shares the vulnerable truth about navigating identity shifts, dealing with judgment from people outside the entrepreneurial world, and why the hardest part of growth is often letting go - of clients, of old versions of your business, and of the need to do everything yourself.This conversation is for anyone who's ever felt stuck in the "golden handcuffs" of a stable job, anyone who's pivoted and worried about being judged, and anyone who's ready to trust that all their past experiences have been leading them exactly where they need to go.Connect with Amy:Instagram: @amysussexWebsite: https://thebusinessmanagementco.comPodcast: Beyond Your BusinessFree Resource: 10 Essential Business Processes - https://thebusinessmanagementco.com/10processes

This is my first solo episode since the launch, and I'm diving into something that affects every single one of us trying to rewrite our lives: fear and self-doubt.Your brain isn't designed to help you thrive - it's designed to help you survive. It would rather keep you stuck in known disappointment than let you step into unknown possibility. In this episode, I'm breaking down why your nervous system treats your bold Instagram post like a literal lion chasing you, and what to do about it.I'm getting personal and sharing how my own story (living on my own at 16, not graduating high school, skipping college) created limiting beliefs that told me I wasn't smart enough or capable enough to build a successful business. Spoiler: those beliefs were wrong, but they were sneaky.In this episode, you'll learn:Why your brain actively works against your growth (and why that's actually okay)How limiting beliefs run the show even when you don't realize itThe 90-second technique for feeling your feelings so they don't control your actionsWhy "being too busy" to show up is usually fear in disguiseHow to regulate your nervous system so you can show up authenticallyThe real reason people can sense when you're not fully behind what you're sharingIf you've ever felt not smart enough, not ready enough, or not credentialed enough to do the thing you're called to do—this episode is for you.Connect with me:Instagram: @vandercreativecoNew personal brand: @itsjamievander

From religious cult survivor to CEO advising million-dollar brands across 17+ countries. From silent and voiceless to angel investor on television. From armored corporate warrior to soft, authentic leader building an ecosystem for female founders. Ashley Deland's story is proof that you can rewrite the rules of your life at any moment - and that evolution is not only possible, it's powerful.Ashley is a strategic business advisor, investor, and multi-business founder who serves as CEO of Maison Deland and Business Mastery Academy (the world's first ICF-accredited business coaching program for women). She's the founder of the clothing line Female Founder, author of Unreserved, and has advised million-dollar brands while mentoring thousands of entrepreneurs globally. She's also currently filming a television show that will premiere at South by Southwest, educating women on how to grow, scale, and position their businesses for exits or investments.But three years ago, Ashley made a decision that changed everything: she leaned heavily into authenticity. On the very first episode of her podcast She Wears the Pants, she shared her story publicly for the first time - including being molested daily by her best friend's father, growing up in a religious cult where women had no voice or choice, the crisis of identity when her family relocated to Canada's richest town, and eventually being excommunicated from the religion. She shared it all, thinking it was about self-expression. But hundreds of women from around the world messaged her, thanking her for her courage and strength.That's when Ashley realized: she didn't tell her story for herself. She told it for them.That moment of vulnerability transformed everything. It softened her previously masculine, armored corporate energy. It inspired her book Unreserved. It became one of the causes for her television show being created. And it taught her that you can decide to be whoever you want to be - that the evolution of a woman is a beautiful thing, and you don't need anyone's permission but your own.This conversation explores the power of teaching people how to treat you through how you show up, why success in masculine energy served Ashley for so long until it didn't, and how giving permission to yourself creates ripple effects that give others permission too. We talk about modern motherhood with her 3-year-old daughter Haven, the importance of bringing your family into rooms of power so they witness what's possible, and why your marriage is your biggest business decision as an entrepreneur.Key Takeaways:Authenticity and vulnerability can transform not just who you are, but the global impact you createYou don't tell your story for yourself - you tell it for those who need to hear itSitting in your truth means speaking from the scar, not the woundYou are a product of your marketing - you teach people how to treat you based on how you show upThe evolution of a woman is beautiful, and you get to rewrite the rules at any momentPermission is the mantra - when you give yourself permission to evolve, you give others permission tooYour marriage is your biggest business decision, especially as an entrepreneurBringing your children into rooms of power shows them firsthand what's possible for womenOperating in masculine energy can serve you until it doesn't - evolution is allowedService over self: always think about how your story serves others, not just yourselfConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleydelandWebsite: ashleydeland.comBusiness Mastery Academy: bmacertification.comMaison Deland: maisondeland.comBook: UnreservedClothing Line: Female FounderTV Show: Premiering at South by Southwest in March

Let's be honest - the holidays can be magical AND stressful. Between burnt cookies, mall meltdowns, and the pressure to make everything perfect, it's easy to lose the joy in the season. But what if you could rewrite your holiday experience? Not by controlling every detail, but by controlling the one thing you actually can: how you respond to the chaos. In this solo episode, I'm sharing the simple PEN framework that will help you stay calm, present, and joyful this holiday season - even when your child is lying on the floor of the mall in their Christmas best, refusing to get up.Because here's the truth: your family feeds off your energy. When you're frazzled and stressed, they become frazzled and stressed. When you're calm and intentional, everything shifts. The PEN framework stands for Pause (regulate before you react), Examine (get curious about the story you're telling yourself), and New Narrative (rewrite the story to support the experience you actually want). It's not about toxic positivity or pretending everything is perfect. It's about being intentional with your thoughts and responses so you can create the magical, memorable holiday season you actually want - not the stressed-out survival mode most of us default to. Because the pen is always in your hand. You're the author. And you get to decide what happens next.Key Takeaways:Your family feeds off your energy - when you're stressed, they become stressedYou can't control external circumstances, but you can always control your responseThe pause is where the power is - creating space between trigger and responseAwareness is everything - you can't change what you're not noticingRewriting your story trains your brain to choose calm over chaos"Doing less lets me be more present" - perfection isn't the goal, connection isEvery choice and word is an opportunity to be intentionalThe PEN framework: Pause (regulate), Examine (get curious), New Narrative (rewrite)Download the FREE Holiday Rewrite Mini Workbook:This workbook walks you through the PEN framework with helpful prompts to shift your mindset and energy all holiday season long. Get intentional about creating the magical, memorable Christmas you actually want.

What happens when you realize you can help people, but you can't help them heal to the level you know is possible? Dr. Taylor Smeenk, chiropractor and founder of Empact Wellness, faced this exact moment after building what looked like a successful practice - full schedule, loyal patients, steady growth. But she felt capped. She was trying to be everything for everyone, which wasn't sustainable for her or truly effective for patients. That realization led her to build something radically different: a holistic wellness sanctuary with chiropractors, massage therapists, naturopaths, psychotherapists, reiki healers, IV therapy, and red light therapy - all under one roof, all communicating with each other to ensure no gaps in patient care. But getting here wasn't smooth. Her first attempt at opening her own space ended in eviction after signing a lease she shouldn't have signed with someone she barely knew. She admits she was "young and dumb," more comfortable living in other people's shadows than stepping into her own light. The crash and burn gave her three months to figure it out - and what she created in that pressure cooker moment blows her away to this day. Now she's in the middle of another rewrite: learning to thrive in peace instead of chaos. As someone who performs well under pressure, her physical body has had enough of that pattern. She's teaching herself to lead from a soul-led place instead of forcing and pushing. Her latest tool? Horseback riding. Because when you're galloping and panic, you lose your focus - just like in life and business. The only thing you can control is your inner environment, not all the external factors. This conversation is about recognizing when "successful" isn't sustainable, building teams that truly collaborate for patient care, and understanding that the next level requires releasing the limiting beliefs that got you here.Key Takeaways:Success without sustainability isn't real success - you can't be everything for everyoneSometimes you need to crash and burn to build something truly aligned with your visionBeing comfortable in other people's shadows keeps you from stepping into your own powerThriving in chaos is a strength, but your body will eventually demand you learn to thrive in peacePerfectionism and imposter syndrome delay starting - messy action beats perfect inactionThe only thing you can truly control is your internal environment, not external chaosHorseback riding teaches profound lessons about calm leadership under pressureBuilding a soul-led business means prioritizing healing depth over schedule densityConnect with Dr. Taylor:Personal Instagram: @drtaylorsmeenkPersonal Website: drtaylorsmeenk.comBusiness Instagram: @empactwellnessBusiness Website: empactwellness.comServices: Chiropractic, Functional Medicine, Massage Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Psychotherapy, Reiki, IV Therapy, Red Light Therapy

What happens when your coworker says "she's always smiling" and your husband looks confused because he doesn't recognize that version of you? That's the moment Sarah Kinlin realized her corporate job was getting the best of her while her family got the worst. After 20+ years following all the rules, leading teams of 70 people working 24/7 in manufacturing, she was the happy, smiling leader at work - and grouchy, stressed, exhausted at home. The wake-up call at that Christmas party changed everything. She took a lateral move from 70 people to 2, got paid the same money, and suddenly had TIME. Time to ask "who is Sarah Kinlin?" Time to put herself first. Time to build a business as a speaker and coach. She started with one mindset coach, then another for business strategy, another for speaking craft, and eventually a spiritual coach to trust her own intuition. Her original plan? Manufacturing consultant. But that wasn't what lit her up. What she really wanted was to be a world-renowned speaker - and now she's living it. She went from needing to qualify herself with "I used to work at Johnson & Johnson for 25 years" to simply saying "I'm Sarah Kinlin. I get paid to show up and light up rooms." The most profound part? Her vision for the future isn't speaking to 20,000 people in an arena - it's facilitating experiences outside, with people's bare feet in the grass, more silence than speaking. Because she's learned that getting outside, grounding herself barefoot before every speaking engagement, is her secret to showing up fully. This conversation is about recognizing when success is costing you what matters most, understanding that putting yourself first strengthens every relationship, and knowing that your best life comes from balancing grit (relentless pursuit) with grace (forgiveness and rest).Key Takeaways:When work gets your best self and family gets your worst, something needs to changeTaking a lateral move can buy you time to build what you actually wantPutting yourself first isn't selfish - it strengthens all your relationshipsYou might need multiple coaches for different aspects of your growth journeyYour business evolution might surprise you - trust what lights you up over what makes logical senseLetting go of your corporate identity takes time, but eventually you just become YOUThink "I get to do this" instead of "I have to do this" - reframe everythingGrit (relentless action) + Grace (loving yourself, taking breaks) = achieving big scary goals with easeYour vision might need to evolve - if you can't hold it, it might not be the right oneLearn More About Sarah:Sarah Kinlin is a professional speaker, coach, educator, and author who helps leaders move from overwhelmed to focused with the right balance of grit and grace. After 20+ years in corporate manufacturing and warehousing leadership, she left to build Pearl Performance Inc. (named after her daughter's middle name). She speaks to audiences about living their best lives, coaches on mindset and leadership, and works with youth hockey teams on mental performance. Her book "Grit, Grace, and Goals: Lessons from my Dad, Leader of Nine Kids and a Nuclear Station" published in April 2025. Sarah's unique grounding practice: taking her shoes off and walking barefoot outside before every speaking engagement. She lives just outside Guelph, Ontario with her husband Steve and three kids (ages 21, 18, and 11).Connect with Sarah:Website: sarahkinlin.comInstagram: @pearlperformanceinc (active daily)Book: "Grit, Grace, and Goals" available on Amazon and sarahkinlin.comFREE: Audio of first chapter (read by Sarah): share.hsforms.com/1gYudCk_0Ri65WsbBsrdx6Qqwt29Upcoming: Grit, Grace & Goals Workshop Series - November 18, 25 & December 2

What happens when you spend nine years building a business you love, only to have motherhood completely shake your foundation? Puja Malhotra, founder of Roop Creative Agency, thought she had it all figured out. Corporate dropout turned boutique branding expert, building beautiful brands for entrepreneurs - she was living the dream. Then came IVF during a pandemic, pregnancy hidden from clients out of fear they'd think her less ambitious, and a baby that shattered the Instagram fantasy of laptop-in-one-hand-baby-in-the-other success. The false advertising of motherhood hit hard. Suddenly she was falling out of love with the business she'd spent nearly a decade building - not because she lacked ambition, but because she'd lost sight of what she wanted that ambition to look like. Two years into motherhood, something had to change. She hired a coach, restructured her priorities (putting herself first for the first time), and made the bold decision to drop an entire service offering. Social media management was bringing in income, but it was draining her soul and keeping her from the design work that lit her up. Now she only works on branding and websites - the parts of her business that make her excited to show up. She's building systems that let her pick up her son from school every day (a non-negotiable inspired by her own grandmother), protecting her boundaries fiercely, and surrounding herself with a village of ambitious moms who get it. This conversation is about relearning what success means when your life changes, understanding that freedom is the real luxury of entrepreneurship, and discovering that saying "no" to good opportunities creates space for aligned clients who light you up. Puja's journey proves that you don't have to do it all - you just have to do what matters most.Key Takeaways:The false advertising of motherhood can shake even the most established entrepreneur's foundationCapacity is something you have to learn to honor - sometimes saying "no" to the right opportunities is necessaryYour priorities must shift when life changes: self first, then partner, then kids, then businessBuild your life first, then build a business to support that life - not the other way aroundFreedom is the real luxury of entrepreneurship that we often take for grantedDropping services that drain you creates space for aligned work that lights you upProcess and boundaries aren't rigid - they're protective structures that honor your capacityGoing the extra mile for aligned clients matters more than discounting your servicesYour clients' success becomes your success when you genuinely care about their growthLearn More About Puja:Puja Malhotra is the founder and creative director of Roop Creative Agency, a boutique branding studio helping entrepreneurs and creatives build aligned, impactful brands through strategy-led design. With over 15 years of experience in marketing, branding, and web design, Puja blends clarity and creativity to help clients transform their ideas into timeless, intentional brands. A former corporate marketer turned entrepreneur, IVF mom, and passionate advocate for honest conversations around ambition and motherhood, she's built a business that grows with her life rather than against it. Her work focuses exclusively on branding and websites, allowing her to show up fully for both her clients and her son.Connect with Puja:Website: roopcreativeagency.comInstagram: @roopcreativeagency & @thepujamalhotra (more unhinged on Threads!)Services: Brand Kits, Website Intensives, Full Branding & Website PackagesNew Offerings: Designer Dates (quick mentorship sessions) & The Corporate Dropout (3-month intensive mentorship)Shop: roopcreativeagency.com/shop

What happens when mysterious bug bites on a relaxing Mexico vacation turn into shingles, months of misdiagnosis, and a complete life unraveling? For Ameera Virani - who spent over two decades producing global events for icons like Oprah, Deepak Chopra, and Tony Robbins - it became the wake-up call that saved her life. After years of pushing through the "perfect" nine-to-five while building a side business, being the perfect mom, and stretching herself impossibly thin, her body finally said "enough." What doctors thought might be Lyme disease (but thankfully wasn't) sent Ameera into a spiral of doomsday thinking, especially given her history of losing loved ones young. But here's where her story gets profound: instead of just treating the physical symptoms, she went back to everything she'd learned from those spiritual mentors and started questioning her deepest beliefs. Why was she so afraid of dying? Where did that come from? And most importantly - what did she truly desire to feel in her life? The answer wasn't just "health" - it was safety, abundance, and peace. But when she dug deeper, she discovered that the very thing she wanted most (money for safety) conflicted with her subconscious belief that money was unsafe. No wonder she kept cycling through earning and spending, mounting debt she couldn't explain. Through this illness and later through the sudden death of her eldest brother (her symbol of safety and security), Ameera learned that rewriting isn't a one-time event. Old patterns resurface with new challenges. But when you know how to do the inner work, you collapse the timelines and create a life that feels peaceful, abundant, and fulfilling - not despite the challenges, but because you've learned to hold the success your nervous system once pushed away.Key Takeaways:Your body will force you to stop when you won't listen to the subtle signs of burnoutThe thing you desire most might conflict with your subconscious beliefs about that thing (like wanting money for safety while believing money is unsafe)Affirmations alone don't work when your body doesn't believe them - you have to embody the feeling firstRewriting limiting beliefs isn't one-and-done; life will test you again, but you'll collapse the timelines each timeGrief and loss can trigger all your old patterns, but the inner work you've done becomes your lifeboatWhat you desire, what you value, and what you believe must align for your nervous system to feel safe holding successProtect your energy during healing - consume only uplifting content and surround yourself with positivityCelebrate others' success because in doing so, you're calling yourself higher and affirming your own worthinessLearn More About Ameera:Ameera Virani is a life and business design coach with over two decades in leadership, strategy, and entrepreneurship. She's produced and hosted global events featuring icons like Oprah Winfrey, Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Maya Angelou, and Tony Robbins. Through her personal journey of burnout, misdiagnosis, and profound loss, Ameera discovered that brilliant, accomplished women were excelling on paper yet quietly feeling overextended and unfulfilled. Now she teaches women how to magnetize success and wealth that doesn't cost their peace, guiding them to align mindset, energy, strategy, and action so they can design lives that feel clear, confident, abundant, and deeply fulfilling. Host of The Designed Life podcast.Connect with Ameera:Website: ameeravirani.comInstagram: @ameeraviraniLinkedIn: Ameera ViraniPodcast: The Designed LifeFREE Workshop: Visioneering (November 19th with replay available) - visioneering.showit.site

What happens when you check all the boxes life told you to check - school, marriage, job, house, kids - only to discover the script you were following wasn't meant for you? Britt Holmes knows this story intimately. After years of climbing the corporate ladder, enduring the thankless grind of agency life, and rushing through the "checkbox life" to hit arbitrary timelines, everything changed at 24 weeks pregnant. What was supposed to be a fun extra ultrasound turned into a devastating genetics appointment where she was told her unborn child had zero chance of survival - and she had to decide that day whether to continue the pregnancy. That traumatic experience delivering a stillborn baby while battling hyperemesis so severe she couldn't keep pain medication down, then leaving the hospital with an ugly painted box instead of a car seat, broke her wide open. But it also taught her that everyone is fighting an invisible battle. Four pregnancies, two living daughters, a loveless marriage where she did 90% of the parenting, the loss of her best friend (her dog of 13 years), and finally the courage to leave after 18 years together - Britt's story is about getting knocked down repeatedly and choosing to get back in the ring every single time. Now as a divorced single mom running Merit Media Inc., she's rewriting what success looks like by asking herself daily: "If I could do anything today, what would I do?" Her journey from corporate robot to loud, outgoing entrepreneur who refuses to dim her light is a masterclass in resilience, intentional living, and the power of choosing differently every single day.Key Takeaways:The "checkbox life" (school, marriage, job, house, kids, happily ever after) isn't a guarantee of happinessEveryone is fighting an invisible battle - be kind, because you never know what someone is carryingChild loss and pregnancy trauma change you at your core and teach profound compassionGoing from 100% time with your kids to 50% custody requires relearning your entire identityFinancial independence gives you the power to leave situations that no longer serve youIf you have the same problem for six months, it's not a problem - it's something you've accepted as your truthSmall daily choices about how you spend your time compound into a completely rewritten lifeBuild a life you don't need to escape from, rather than constantly planning your next vacationYour mom's wisdom: "You're a fighter. Get back in the ring." - Ding, ding.Learn More About Britt:Britt Holmes is a loss mom, corporate dropout, and divorced single mom of two who's rewriting what success looks like. After walking away from the agency world where she spent years being told her work wasn't good enough while working 12-16 hour days, she built Merit Media Inc. from the ground up. Her agency specializes exclusively in advertising, using her corporate experience to cut out the BS and provide cost-effective solutions for small businesses - particularly in the health and wellness space. Juggling motherhood, healing, and entrepreneurship, Britt shows the unfiltered reality of building a business and life that doesn't fit the default script. Her ultimate dream? Building her business to the point where she can work as a recreational coordinator at a retirement home, planning pub nights and crafts with elderly people.Connect with Britt:Website: meritmedia.comInstagram (Personal): @britthomeslive - "the fun one that's really bright and colorful and says it like it is"Instagram (Business): @meritmediaincSpecialization: Advertising for small businesses, particularly health and wellness

What if the thing blocking your business growth isn't your strategy, but your relationship with money? Intuitive and spiritual coach Binu Dhindsa spent years helping women with their relationships, only to discover that money blocks showed up in every single conversation. Despite running programs and coaching clients, she'd break even on her taxes year after year, spending thousands on her own growth while her bank account refused to match her energetic success. The breakthrough came when she finally spoke the truth out loud at an event: "I feel so successful energetically, but the money doesn't match." That vulnerable admission launched a complete rewrite of her money story. From binging books off her successful brother's shelf (including "The Science of Getting Rich" from the 1970s), to reprogramming her subconscious mind through YouTube videos, to having honest conversations with her accountant husband about her spending, Binu embarked on a journey to understand money as spiritual energy. Now in her fifties with three adult children, she's on a mission to help spiritually-inclined women leaders release their money blocks and understand that money in the hands of good women changes worlds. This conversation explores why we're conditioned to think talking about money is greedy, how childhood conditioning creates our money blueprint by age 10, and why the simple mantra "I love money and money loves me" can transform your entire relationship with abundance.Key Takeaways:Money blocks show up in every area of life, especially relationships and business growthBy age 10, your money blueprint has been set by childhood conditioning - but it can be rewrittenTalking about money is the first step to healing your relationship with itMoney is neutral energy meant to be used and circulated, not hoarded or given all awayThe question "Are you running a hobby or a business?" can be a powerful wake-up callYour "why" for making money doesn't have to be globally profound - it just has to be meaningful to youMoney in the hands of good-hearted women creates positive change in the worldWhen you make money, everybody benefits - this mantra shifts scarcity mindsetLearn More About Binu:Binu Dhindsa is an intuitive and spiritual coach, inspirational speaker, podcast host of High Vibes with Binu, and certified hypnotherapist. A mom of three adults with a master's in epidemiology and biostatistics, her love for researching human behavior started in academia and evolved into helping spiritually inclined women leaders release self-judgment, shatter subconscious illusions, and open up to infinite possibilities. She specializes in helping women understand money as spiritual energy and teaches that abundance at an energetic level allows you to manifest and attract more wealth to help more people. Her mission: to be a leader of leaders and eradicate judgment while empowering women to live extraordinary lives.Connect with Binu:Instagram: @binudhindsaPodcast: High Vibes with BinuFREE: Spirituality & Money Group on Telegram - t.me/+pnnH0Yh73840NjlhSignature Program: Limitless Mentorship & Mastermind (6 months, for spiritual entrepreneurs)

What if the physical pain you've carried for years isn't actually physical at all? Sarah Lambert discovered this truth the hard way when she realized her debilitating stomach issues - painful enough to make her faint in public - were actually suppressed emotions manifesting in her body. But this revelation came after watching her mother collapse from chronic fatigue at age 41, unable to lift her head from the pillow for 15 years. Growing up as the last child dropped off and picked up from the babysitter, Sarah witnessed firsthand what happens when you try to do it all without tools to regulate your nervous system. Her mother - a VP at a major ad agency going through divorce, grief, and a midlife crisis - simply burnt out. That moment became Sarah's "why" for building a business that prioritizes nervous system health alongside business growth. During maternity leave in 2018, she launched a photography course that made six figures in year one, allowing her to quit corporate and rewrite the script her mother's life had written. Now as a business mentor and embodiment strategist, Sarah helps other moms scale to seven figures without sacrificing their wellbeing. Her signature "fuck off Fridays," intentional calendar design, and emphasis on feeling emotions rather than suppressing them have created both financial success and the freedom to show up for her kids in ways her parents couldn't. This conversation explores the dangerous cost of being "strong" by hiding emotion, why burnout isn't just about needing rest, and how your biggest hardships become your greatest wisdom and life's purpose.Key Takeaways:Your body keeps the score - suppressed emotions manifest as physical illness and painBurnout isn't just about rest; chronic fatigue and illness can result from years of nervous system dysregulationThe strongest thing you can do is feel your emotions, not suppress them behind a mask of strengthYou can love your parents and honor their struggles while consciously choosing to do things differentlyMovement creates momentum - too much space without purpose can drain energy just as much as overwhelmBeing in "state" (aligned nervous system energy) matters more than the number of hours you workMarketing is shifting from pain-focused to desire-focused as people become more proactive about wellbeingLearn More About Sarah:Sarah Lambert is a business mentor and embodiment strategist for successful coaches, healers, and course creators who want to scale without sacrificing their lifestyle, flow, or alignment. She built her business during nap times on maternity leave in 2018 - proof that big visions don't need perfect timing, they need bold decisions. Through her signature frameworks and intuitive strategy, she helps established entrepreneurs build 7-figure offer ecosystems, collapse launch pressure, and sell in a way that feels as good as it converts. Her work turns content into currency and authority into autopilot sales, without hustle or high-stakes strategy. When she's not supporting clients in creating freedom-based income, she's being mom to her two kids and living a spacious lifestyle with her husband.Connect with Sarah:Instagram: @thesarahlambertCurrent Offer: Big Fucking Deal Program ($33 - three trainings plus daily audio activations)Special Training: $22 training worth thousands

What do you do with a childhood that gave you incredible creative parents who pursued art fearlessly, but also showed you the devastating impact of addiction and industry collapse? If you're storytelling coach Alex Street, you learn to take what serves you and intentionally rewrite the rest. Growing up with British immigrant parents who boldly left home as teenagers to chase their artistic dreams - his father becoming Canada's top photographer and his mother performing on West End stages - Alex inherited both their creative passion and their struggles. But here's where his story gets interesting: he's not rejecting his past, he's consciously choosing which parts to carry forward. From his father's battle with alcoholism and bankruptcy when photography went digital, to his mother's feeling of being caged while raising kids instead of performing, Alex witnessed the beautiful and the broken. Today, as a father of three and successful coach, he's actively rewriting the parenting manual - bringing intentionality to everything from emotional awareness to daily mantras like "today's a great day." This conversation explores how we inherit more than we realize, how rewriting isn't a one-time event but a daily choice, and why becoming aware of old patterns is the first step to choosing new ones. It's a masterclass in acknowledging your story while refusing to let it write your future.Key Takeaways:Why your Story Matters, to building your confidence and your brandWhat storytelling really isHow to start sharing your story in a simple and clear wayLearn More About Alex: Alex Street knows the power of one clear story. From performing on stage as an actor to spending 15 years as a pastor, he’s seen how the spoken word can move people to action. Now, as the creator of the StoryArc Method™ and author of StoryArc, he helps impact-driven leaders craft messages that inspire teams, engage customers, and build unforgettable brands.When he’s not helping brands find their voice, Alex drinks a lot of coffee, watches a lot of Survivor, and plays a lot of board games, his wife of 20 years and their three Gen Z kids in Midland, Ontario. And he’s just getting started.Connect with Alex:Instagram: ⁠Connect directly ⁠(he promises no robots!)Podcast: ⁠No Boring Stories⁠Upcoming: One-day live speaking workshop in Newmarket, Ontario "Make Speaking Magical LIVE". Learn more here: ⁠www.alexstreet.ca/makespeakingmagical⁠

What do you do when your soul whispers "this is ours" about a 42-acre forest property you weren't even looking for? If you're Jody Heffren, you listen. After 18 years as a registered nurse working in intensive care units as an organ donor coordinator, Jody found herself standing on forest trails saying words she didn't plan: "I have to share it." That intuitive moment launched a complete life transformation that would see her leave traditional healthcare to create Rooted Woodland, a nature-based sanctuary for nervous system healing.But the real rewrite began in 2020, when the pandemic forced her to question everything she thought she knew about education, safety, and following the norm. The decision to pull her daughter out of online kindergarten and begin homeschooling became the first chip off the block of conventional thinking. From there, Jody and her family discovered alternative education, moved to their forest property, and built a business around cold plunge therapy, breathwork, and community gathering. Her story is a powerful reminder that our most profound transformations often begin with a single decision to stop doing what everyone else says we "should" do and start listening to what feels right for our family.Key Takeaways:Sometimes you have to say no to what everyone expects to discover what actually serves your familyThe first step in rewriting often feels like the scariest, but it opens doors to possibilities you never imaginedBuilding community through vulnerability and shared experience creates profound healingYou don't need formal qualifications to provide exactly what the world needs from youCold water isn't about getting good at cold - it's about getting good at handling life's inevitable stressorsPreserving childhood innocence and following your children's natural development is a radical act of loveLearn More About Jody:Jody Heffren is a former registered nurse turned breathwork and cold plunge facilitator who founded Rooted Woodland, a 42-acre forest sanctuary in Ontario's Blue Mountain region. After 18 years in intensive care as an organ donor coordinator, she now creates transformative experiences through nature-based healing practices. Jody and her husband homeschool their children using alternative education approaches, and she's passionate about building authentic community where people can be vulnerable and supported. She offers retreats, workshops, and an off-grid cabin rental, plus is launching her first closed container program for women seeking consistent community and nervous system healing.Grab Jodie's Freebie - Five Ways to Mindfully UnwindNewsletter Sign Up for first access to all offerings at Rooted WoodlandConnect with Jody:Website: rootedwoodland.comInstagram: (check bio for handle)LinkedIn: Jody Heffren - Rooted Woodland👉 Come say hi on Instagram: @vandercreativeco and tell me what you’re rewriting next.⭐️ If you loved this episode, please rate & review - it helps more than you’d think.👀 If you didn’t love it… maybe just don’t rate it.

What happens when your child's autism diagnosis triggers your deepest trauma response? For former teacher Tiffini Jacobs, it became the catalyst for the most profound rewrite of her life. After spending 20 years in the education system - first as a student, then as a teacher - Tiffini found herself trapped in patterns of control that were slowly destroying her wellbeing. When her daughter was diagnosed with autism at three and a half, Tiffini's need to "fix" and manage everything spiraled into a two-year period she describes as debilitating. But sometimes our greatest breakdowns become our biggest breakthroughs. Through breathwork, Reiki, and eventually discovering Human Design, Tiffini began to understand that her controlling nature wasn't a character flaw - it was a trauma response learned early in childhood. Now a registered psychotherapist, Human Design expert, and Reiki master, she helps women heal from the exhausting cycle of people-pleasing and self-abandonment. Her story is a powerful reminder that we don't have to wait for permission to become who we're meant to be - and that sometimes the most radical act is choosing to embody your future self right now.Key Takeaways:Control is often a trauma response learned early in life as a survival mechanismTeaching can become a "trauma bond" for those who learned to seek approval through being "good"Your future self doesn't have to be an unreachable goal - you can start being her todayReceiving is a muscle that needs to be strengthened, especially for natural giversSuccess isn't just about reaching goals - it's about understanding what you're truly seeking through those goalsInvesting in others' joy (through hiring support) creates an economy you want to live inLearn More About Tiffini:Tiffini Jacobs is a registered psychotherapist (qualifying), Human Design and Gene Keys Coach, Reiki Master Teacher and special needs advocate who helps women heal from fawning, people-pleasing, and self-abandonment. She blends nervous system repair, Human Design and trauma-informed care to guide clients back to their bodies, boundaries and power. Her work is rooted in embodiment, emotional truth, and sacred self-leadership.Connect with Tiffini:Instagram: @tiffini.jacobsWebsite: tiffinijacobs.comServices: Psychotherapy, Human Design readings, special needs advocacyUpcoming: "Unmask Her" networking events in Port Perry, Ontario👉 Come say hi on Instagram: @vandercreativeco and tell me what you’re rewriting next. ⭐️ If you loved this episode, please rate & review—it helps more than you’d think. 👀 If you didn’t love it… maybe just don’t rate it.

Sometimes the hardest rewrites aren't born from crisis - they're born from courage. Renee Walker, wellness entrepreneur and host of the Spiritually Wired podcast, shares her journey of letting go of something good to create something extraordinary. After building a thriving yoga-centered business during COVID, Renee faced a pivotal choice: stay comfortable in what was working, or trust her calling to step into bigger spiritual leadership. Her story reveals the unique challenges of rewriting when life is already good, and why sometimes the most important transformations require us to leave people behind who can't come with us to the next level. From discovering her voice through yoga to creating sacred spaces for women's authentic connection, Renee's evolution shows us that rewriting isn't always about fixing what's broken - sometimes it's about honoring what we're becoming.Key Takeaways:The most challenging rewrites often happen when we're called to let go of something good to create something greatYour nervous system will resist change even when it's aligned with your purpose - expect the discomfort of the in-betweenNot everyone will come with you on your rewrite journey, and that's okay - growth sometimes requires saying goodbyeConstantly choosing your new story is required - identity shifts aren't one-time decisions but daily practicesCreating spaces for authentic connection and vulnerability is more needed now than everLearn About ReneeRenée Walker is the founder of Renée Walker Wellness, a wellness company dedicated to empowering women to achieve optimal well-being and fulfillment. She is the host of the Spiritually Wired Podcast and leads the Spiritually Wired Membership, supporting members in elevating their mindset and spiritual connection through daily practices, coaching, and a soul-led community.A certified meditation teacher, NLP practitioner, spiritual life coach, and Reiki master with a focus on mindset, Renée brings over 20 years of personal growth and transformation experience to her work. Her holistic approach helps clients cultivate self-awareness, release limiting beliefs, and is connect deeply with their intuition.Connect with Renee:Website: reneewalkerwellness.comInstagram: @reneewalkerwellnessPodcast: Spiritually WiredMembership: Use code "ELEVATEHERE" for your first month freeUpcoming Event: Manifest Her Event - February 6th in Oakville👉 Come say hi on Instagram: @vandercreativeco and tell me what you’re rewriting next. ⭐️ If you loved this episode, please rate & review—it helps more than you’d think. 👀 If you didn’t love it… maybe just don’t rate it.

After 28 years in the fitness industry, Kim Basler found herself juggling it all - until her body and mind demanded she stop. What looked like failure from the outside became the foundation for her most meaningful work yet. Kim shares how leaving her management career during a mental health crisis led her to discover her true calling: coaching women to heal their relationships with food, their bodies, and themselves.From that pivotal Thanksgiving moment when she could barely hold it together to now hosting transformative women's circles in a yurt, Kim's story proves that sometimes our biggest breakdowns are actually our greatest breakthroughs. Her journey reminds us that surrender isn't defeat - it's the doorway to becoming who we're meant to be.Key Takeaways:Sometimes what feels like failure is actually your unraveling into who you're meant to becomeHealing isn't about becoming someone new - it's about stripping away what was never truly youThe conversations we need most often happen when we create safe spaces for authentic connectionOur struggles can become our greatest tools for helping others through similar journeysLearn About KimAfter spending decades battling disordered eating and self-worth struggles, Kim Basler turned her pain into her purpose. Today she coaches women to find peace with food, confidence in their bodies and freedom in their lives. Through her speaking, event hosting and coaching, Kim is on a mission to remind women that they are enough, exactly as they are.Connect with Kim:Website: kimbasler.comInstagram: @kimbasler_foodfreedomWomen's Circles: Hosted twice monthly in Kitchener, Ontario (DM Kim for details)👉 Come say hi on Instagram: @vandercreativeco and tell me what you’re rewriting next. ⭐️ If you loved this episode, please rate & review—it helps more than you’d think. 👀 If you didn’t love it… maybe just don’t rate it.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Rewrite.In this raw and unfiltered episode, I’m sharing my story—my rewrite. From growing up in chaos and survival mode to becoming a wife, mom, business owner, and accredited neuroscience coach, I’ve rewritten my life more than once.You’ll hear about the reality of my childhood, losing my mom at 16, starting life on my own without a diploma, and the many chapters that followed. Most importantly, you’ll hear how I realized I was holding the pen—and how every single one of us has the power to rewrite our own story.If you’ve ever felt stuck in your circumstances, trapped in the “default life,” or wondered if it’s too late to change your path—this episode is proof that your past doesn’t get to decide your future.This is your reminder: the pen is in your hand.👉 Come say hi on Instagram: @vandercreativeco and tell me what you’re rewriting next. ⭐️ If you loved this episode, please rate & review—it helps more than you’d think. 👀 If you didn’t love it… maybe just don’t rate it.