PODCAST · education
Bring Your Big Energy Podcast
by Bring Your Big Energy
Welcome to The Bring Your Big Energy Podcast, where life gets messy, growth gets real, and your spark gets reignited. I’m Stacey Kulongowski, bestselling author and coach, bringing you stories, mindset resets, and real talk about the energy it takes to rise. From 1:1 "Shine Today with Stacey K" episodes, to deep courageous guest conversations, this is where intensity points, laughter, and truth collide and you remember just how powerful your Big Energy really is.
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Embracing Second Chances
In this heartfelt episode of Bring Your Big Energy, Stacey sits down with author, musician, and retired clinical social worker Jeanine M. Jones for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, healing, faith, and second chances.With over 38 years in mental health, Jeanine shares the powerful personal story that changed the course of her life — a terrifying health scare in her late 20s that forced her to confront perfectionism, chronic stress, and the pressure of trying to carry everything for everyone. What followed was a life-changing moment of surrender, spirituality, and rediscovery.Together, Stacey and Jeanine explore:The hidden signs of burnout and overwhelmHow trauma can shape perfectionism and people-pleasingThe connection between mental health, music, and healingWhy listening is one of the greatest gifts we can giveHow to find the right therapist and prioritize self-careWhat it means to move toward purpose, passion, and peace in every stage of lifeJeanine also shares insights from her book God Gives Second Chances and opens up about how faith, music therapy, journaling, and learning to let go helped her rebuild a more meaningful life.This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t always happen all at once — sometimes it begins with a whisper, a song, or a moment that asks us to finally listen.
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From Spiraling to Stepping Into Power
This episode is a live coaching session, not a polished interview. Listeners are brought directly into the coaching process as Stacey guides Lisa Van Slyke through the real-time unpacking of limiting beliefs, emotional triggers, identity shifts, and the hidden patterns keeping her stuck.Through powerful coaching questions, reflection exercises, mindset reframes, and honest breakthrough moments, Stacey helps Lisa uncover the deeper roots behind perfectionism, people-pleasing, fear of visibility, and the exhausting habit of dimming herself to make others comfortable. Rather than simply talking about transformation after it happens, this episode allows listeners to witness the actual coaching work that creates it.As the session unfolds, Lisa vulnerably explores childhood bullying, addiction recovery, divorce, reinvention, confidence struggles, and the fear of fully stepping into visibility online and in life. Together, Stacey and Lisa work through the stories, emotional barriers, and internal resistance that have shaped her identity and begin creating a new path forward grounded in confidence, self-worth, authenticity, and aligned action.This episode offers an inside look at what transformational coaching can actually sound and feel like in practice: messy, emotional, honest, insightful, and deeply human.Topics include:• Coaching through fear of visibility and judgment• Identifying and reframing limiting identity stories• Breaking patterns of people-pleasing and perfectionism• Processing emotional triggers tied to rejection and trauma• Rebuilding confidence after addiction, divorce, and life transitions• Learning how to stop spiraling and start taking aligned action• Creating a life and identity rooted in authenticity instead of approvalThis is not surface-level inspiration or polished perfection. It is real coaching, real vulnerability, and real transformation unfolding live in real time.
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Under the Stars: What Happens When We Stop Living Inside Our Limits
In this episode of Bring Your Big Energy, Stacey sits down with Rozanne Pilbeam, an outdoor confidence guide, writer, adventurer, and retreat facilitator who helps women build confidence in the outdoors and deepen their self-trust.Rozanne shares her incredible journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, sleeping under the open sky, and learning what happens when we move beyond the limits we thought were keeping us safe.Together, Stacey and Rozanne explore fear, resilience, self-trust, the power of taking life one step at a time, and how the outdoors can teach us what we are truly capable of. Rozanne also shares the inspiration behind her Under the Stars retreats, where women learn foundational outdoor skills, explore their relationship with fear, and experience the expansion that comes from doing something they never thought they could do.Learn more about Rozanne:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serial_nomad YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@serial_nomad TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@serial_nomad Blog: www.serialnomad.com Website: www.rozannepilbeam.comFor behind-the-scenes reflections, free coaching tips, and more Big Energy inspiration, join Stacey’s newsletter at: www.bringyourbigenergy.com!!
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Live Like You Were Dying. Buy the Dang Castle.
What if the life you’re living… isn’t actually the one you would choose?And what if the only reason you’re still in it is because it makes sense on paper, meets expectations, and feels safer than asking for more?In this episode of the Bring Your Big Energy podcast, Stacey sits down with Ayla Den Hartog, who quite literally said “what if”… and answered it by uprooting her entire life and moving her family into a 1500s castle in the south of France.Yes—a real castle.But this conversation is about so much more than buying a castle.It’s about what happens when you stop following the default path and start building a life that actually fits you.From navigating fear, family expectations, and uncertainty… to living without heat, losing electricity for months, and learning resilience in real time—Ayla shares the unfiltered truth behind what it actually takes to choose an unconventional life.In this episode, we explore:* What keeps people stuck in lives that “look good” but don’t feel right *How to move forward when nothing feels certain *The mindset shift that turns fear into action* Why “you can always go back” is more powerful than you think*What it really looks like to trade comfort for growth *How small steps can lead to life-changing decisionsAnd the two mindset shifts that changed everything:* Live like you were dying * What’s meant for you will find youIf you’ve been feeling the pull toward something bigger—but keep telling yourself it’s not realistic—this episode is your sign.You don’t have to buy a castle.But you might need to stop playing small.Because the life you actually want?It’s not as far away as you think.CONNECT WITH AYLAYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChateaudePazayac Instagram (Chateau): https://www.instagram.com/chateaudepazayac/ Instagram (Ayla): https://www.instagram.com/ayladenhartog Podcast: Not That Kind of CEOIf you loved this conversation and want more tools, stories, and behind-the-scenes inspiration to help you build your own version of a Big Energy life, head to:www.bringyourbigenergy.com. Sign up for the newsletter for coaching tools, real-life insights, and more conversations like this.
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130 MPH Crash. 14 Surgeries. Rock Bottom to Reinvention.
130 MPH crash. 14 surgeries. Rock bottom…and a second chance at life.In this episode of the Bring Your Big Energy Podcast, Stacey sits down with Christian Struthers, whose life changed in an instant after a devastating high-speed crash that left him with 17 major injuries and fighting just to survive.But this isn’t just a story about hitting rock bottom.It’s about what happens after.Before the crash, Christian was living fast—driven by ego, addiction, and what he now calls “empty fun.” After the crash, everything shifted. What followed was a journey of rebuilding—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.Today, Christian is a speaker, community builder, and living proof that your lowest moment can become the foundation for your greatest purpose.In this conversation, we explore:What rock bottom really feels like—and how to rise from itThe shift from “I have to” → “I get to”Letting go of identity, ego, and past mistakesHow to rebuild your life one decision at a timeThe difference between empty fun and fulfilled purposeIf you’re in a hard season, feeling stuck, or questioning what’s next—this episode is your reminder:Your story is not over.Rock bottom isn’t the end. It’s where reinvention begins.More information on Christian: IG: @realliferamble https://www.instagram.com/realliferamble?igsh=MWhmdGgyZm9iaTYzeg==FB: Christian Struthers https://www.facebook.com/share/18Rmj7k3pC/?mibextid=wwXIfr🎙️ Listen/Watch to more conversations like this on the Bring Your Big Energy Podcast on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and YouTube 👉 Subscribe + follow for weekly episodesSIgn up for our newsletter at www.bringyourbigenergy.com for behind the scenes inspo, coaching tools and more conversations like this!
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You’re a doctor now?? With that GPA?
A 2.16 GPA was never supposed to lead here.But for Dr. Alan Mueller, that number didn’t define the outcome—it disrupted the path.In this episode, we unpack how what looked like a limitation became the starting point for something far more aligned, energized, and meaningful. Instead of following the traditional trajectory, Alan found himself on a nonlinear path—one shaped by curiosity, second chances, and the willingness to keep going when things didn’t make sense on paper.From burnout to breakthrough, this conversation explores what happens when you stop chasing what you “should” be doing and start paying attention to what actually lights you up.We talk about redefining success, navigating unexpected turns, and why the most fulfilling careers are often the ones you never could have planned.If you’ve ever felt like your future has been dictated by your past—this is your reminder that the best paths are not usually well paved.Because sometimes the number that looks like it holds you back… is the exact thing that sets you on the path you were meant to find.More about Alan:www.adaptivechallengeconsulting.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/muelleralan/https://www.linkedin.com/company/adaptive-challenge-consultinghttps://www.instagram.com/adaptivechallengeconsulting/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Adaptive-Challenge-Consulting/307532799370421Want more: Head over to www.bringyourbigenergy.com for more VIP, BTS and free coaching tips!
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Trapped on a Bridge: Panic, Patterns and Freedom
What if one moment changed everything?Greer Cooper was driving across a seven-mile bridge—no exits, no shoulder—when her body started to shut down.Her hands began tingling.Her chest tightened.She couldn’t breathe.And in that moment, she truly believed she might die.That experience became the Intensity Point that forced her to confront what was really happening beneath the surface, because while her life looked “put together” on the outside, internally she was struggling in ways no one could see.In this episode, we go deep into:What panic actually feels like in your bodyThe hidden ways we live in constant fight-or-flightWhy high-functioning women are silently strugglingThe thought patterns that keep us stuck in fearAnd how to begin rebuilding trust with yourselfThis is a conversation about more than panic attacks.It’s about what happens when your body forces you to slow down…When you can’t outrun what’s going on inside anymore…And when you finally decide something has to change...If you’ve ever felt like everything looks fine on the outside—but inside feels like a different story—this episode will hit.More About Grier:Website: PanicFreeFormula.comDownload Grier’s FREE ebook: Heal Panic Attacks NaturallyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/grier.cooperInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/griercooperLeft wanting so much more?For more tools, insights, and conversations to help you step into your next level, visit BringYourBigEnergy.com and join our newsletter.
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This Will Not Be the End of My Story: Surviving Abuse, Speaking Up, and Driving Change
⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and trauma. Please listen with care.What happens when the person you believed was your soulmate at 14 slowly becomes someone you no longer recognize—and nearly 20 years later, you realize staying is no longer an option…because leaving is the only way to survive?In this deeply powerful and courageous conversation, I sit down with a survivor, advocate, and author who shares her story of navigating domestic abuse, a complex and traumatic divorce, and a legal system that caused even more harm.This is not just a story of survival—it’s a story of awakening, truth, and challenging broken systems she refused to accept.We talk about the slow and often invisible progression of abuse, the impossible decisions that come with leaving, and the courage and resilience it truly takes to rebuild your life when everything feels stacked against you.We also explore what happens after survival—how pain can become purposeful, and how one voice can help drive real change.This episode is heavy. It’s real. And it matters.If this conversation resonates with you in any way, please know: you are not alone.📘 Learn more about Mae Scott and her work:maescottofficial.com📖 Get her book:An Embarrassment of Pandas: Exposing an Abusive Family and a Flawed Systemhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/9798218853433🆘 Resources & SupportNational Resources:The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233https://www.thehotline.orgNational Resource Center for Domestic Violence: 1-844-762-8483https://nrcdv.orgColorado Resources:Rose Andom Center: 720-337-4400https://roseandomcenter.orgPorchLight: 720-853-8850https://porchlightfjc.orgGateway Domestic Violence Services: 303-343-1851https://gatewaydv.orgSafeHouse Denver: 303-318-9989https://safehouse-denver.org💌 Want more conversations like this?Join my newsletter for real stories, tools, and inspiration to help you rebuild, rediscover, and rise into your fullest self:👉 BringYourBigEnergy.com
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One Year to Live: The “So What, Now What” Mindset That Changes Everything
What happens when your life changes overnight—and you’re forced to rebuild everything from the inside out?In this powerful episode of the Bring Your Big Energy podcast, Stacey K sits down with Jay Waddell—entrepreneur, former business school professor, author, and heart transplant survivor—for a deeply human conversation about resilience, identity, and what it really takes to move forward when life doesn’t go as planned.At age 60, Jay suffered a massive stroke that left him unable to drive, work, or care for himself.But what he did next is nothing short of extraordinary.Refusing to accept the limitations placed in front of him, Jay immersed himself in the science of neuroplasticity—spending two hours a day for an entire year rewiring his brain. Eighteen months later, he returned to work.And just as he began to rebuild, life tested him again.Jay would go on to spend nearly a decade living with end-stage heart failure—eventually being told he had just one year to live.And when faced with the ultimate decision—whether to accept a life-saving heart transplant—he initially said no, believing someone else deserved it more.Ultimately, he chose to move forward.And that decision changed everything.Today, at 71 years old, Jay is living with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. He is the author of Voices From the Heart, founder of a heart transplant support group, and is currently working on his next book, Flip It—a collection of stories about navigating life’s hardest moments and choosing how to move forward.In this episode, we explore:How to rebuild your life when everything is stripped awayThe power of Neuroplasticity and disciplined mindsetWhy resilience is built one small step at a timeThe meaning behind “so what… now what”How to navigate fear, uncertainty, and life-altering decisionsWhat it means to “flip” your story instead of being defined by itJay’s philosophy is simple, but life-changing:Life is non-linear.Adversity is inevitable.And when it hits—you always have a choice.So what… now what?This episode is a masterclass in perspective, courage, and the power of choosing how you move forward.🔗 Connect with JayJay is currently collecting real stories for his upcoming book Flip It—focused on how people move forward after life’s hardest chapters.If you have a “flip story” or feel called to share your journey, he would love to hear from you.📧 Email: [email protected]📱 Phone: 720.273.6570You can also find his book Voices From the Heart: A Collection of Inspiring Heart Transplant Stories on Amazon.⚡ Want more Big Energy?If this episode resonated and you’re looking for more tools, stories, and real-talk conversations to help you navigate your own journey—👉 Sign up for the newsletter at Stacey’s website.
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Wander Where the Eye Dances:Live from Dancing Eye Gallery on Art, Entrepreneurship and Community
This episode of the Bring Your Big Energy Podcast is a little different, and that is exactly what makes it so special.Recorded live from the Dancing Eye Gallery in the heart of downtown Northville, this conversation with gallery owner Theresa Schierloh is less studio interview and more living, breathing community experience. With customers wandering in, books being signed mid-conversation, art surrounding us, and the energy of downtown unfolding in real time, this episode captures the magic of what happens when we slow down, connect, and let creativity lead.Theresa is the longtime owner of the iconic Dancing Eye Gallery, a beloved Northville destination she has cultivated for more than 30 years. But she is so much more than a business owner—she is a community builder, curator of connection, unofficial mayor of Northville, and a true believer in the power of art, conversation, and authentic expression.In this live and wonderfully unscripted conversation, we explore:* How Teresa built Dancing Eye Gallery into a community anchor* The role of art, creativity, and local business in bringing people together* Why slowing down matters in a world that rewards rushing* What it means to protect your energy by choosing what—and who—truly fits* How community is built through conversation, interpretation, and shared experience* Why being fully yourself is the greatest superpower of allThis episode is playful, thoughtful, layered, and full of the kind of spontaneous moments that only happen when you create in public and leave room for life to join in!If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build a business, a space, and a life rooted in authenticity, creativity, and human connection—this one is for you.Come wander with us.More about Dancing Eye Gallery:Insta: @dancingeyegalleryWebsite: https://dancingeye.com/Want more Big Energy Inspiration? Join the Big Energy Hype Squad at www.bringyourbigenergy.com
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F*ck the Fairytale: Alcohol, Perfectionism & Rebuilding Your Life
In this episode of The Bring Your Big Energy Podcast, Stacey K sits down with Mandy Merrifield — transformational coach, founder of The Confidence Hour, and author of F*ck the Fairytale: Find Your Own Magic — for a raw, powerful conversation about identity, recovery, and rewriting the “should” life.Mandy takes us back to her biggest Intensity Point: the day she stopped drinking after years of alcoholism that escalated to a breaking point. She shares what it was like to lose everything — career, stability, identity — and how she rebuilt her life from the ground up with radical honesty, support, and one foot in front of the other.Together, Stacey and Mandy explore:The moment Mandy knew: “I can’t do this anymore.”How perfectionism and the “good girl” identity can quietly destroy usWhy “alcohol is not just accepted — it’s expected” (and how to navigate that culture)The power of telling the truth and “owning the narrative”Letting go of pride and ego during the rebuildDepression, nervous system support, and the real tools that helped her keep goingWhere the “fairytale” conditioning starts — and how to question the shouldsIf you’ve ever felt like your life looks “right” but feels wrong… if you’re exhausted by expectations… or you’re standing at an Intensity Point and don’t know what comes next — this episode will meet you there with honesty, hope, and momentum.📚 Mandy’s book: F*ck the Fairytale: Find Your Own Magic 🎧 Listen in — and let this one ignite your next brave step.Want exclusive insights and behind the scenes with Bring Your Big Energy and Stacey K, sign up for the Exclusive Energy Hype Squad newsletter at www.bringyourbigenergy.com.Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of addiction/alcoholism and depression.
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Coherence Over Force + Body-Led Big Energy
Coherence Over Force + Body-Led Big EnergyIn this episode, Stacey sits down with Dr. Z (Danielle “Dr. Dee” Zanzarov), Executive Health Strategist, founder of South Bay Wellness, and creator of the Coherent Longevity™ and Body-Led™ approaches.Dr. Z works with high-performing women who look successful on the outside, but inside feel exhausted, inflamed, anxious, or disconnected. Her message is a game-changer: symptoms aren’t failures, they’re intelligent signals your body is out of coherence. And real energy doesn’t come from pushing harder. It comes from coherence, not force.We cover:Dr. Z’s Intensity Point and what forced her to stop “pushing through”What coherence actually means (and why it matters for leadership)Why nervous system regulation is the foundation for energy + healthMicro-tools you can use fast (no hour-long meditation required)Why you are an “experiment of one” and curiosity changes everythingHer upcoming Pocket Coherence Coach appFind Dr. Z: www.SouthBayWellness.comwww.DrDee.comWant more Big Energy each week?Join Stacey’s Energy Hype Squad newsletter => www.bringyourbigenergy.com
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Crafting Connection with Confidence
In this episode of the Bring Your Big Energy Podcast, Stacey sits down with Toby Brazwell — sales leader, speaker, community advocate, and author of The Empowerment Chords — for a powerful conversation on connection, confidence, and authentic leadership.With more than 15 years of experience building high-performing teams and mentoring leaders, Toby shares how confidence is not something you’re born with, but something built over time through preparation, listening, and genuine connection. Drawing from his journey in music, sales leadership, and even a City Council campaign, Toby reveals why confidence is truly a team sport — and how investing in yourself and others creates stronger relationships, deeper trust, and lasting growth.Together, Stacey and Toby explore:Why connection is the foundation of leadership and successHow preparation and listening strengthen confidenceThe role of community in personal and professional growthHow to build authentic confidence over timeWhy helping others strengthens your own resilienceIf you want to lead with greater confidence, communicate more authentically, and deepen your connection with others, this conversation will inspire and equip you.Key reminders from Toby:* Confidence is built over time.* Confidence is a team sport.* Why you? Why not you?Connect & Continue the Growth:Find Toby Brazwell on Facebook to follow his work, insights, and community impact.And if you want more tools, inspiration, and leadership energy delivered straight to you, sign up for Stacey’s Energy Hype Squad Newsletter at:👉 www.bringyourbigenergy.com
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From Burnout to Brilliance: A Creative Awakening
On this episode of Bring Your Big Energy Podcast, I’m joined by Elana Merzin — marketing and social media designer, founder of The WildHERness Collective, and a woman who sees the world through color, healing, and connection.This is a powerful conversation for anyone who has ever felt too sensitive, too intuitive, too creative, or too different for the systems they were trying to survive inside.With over 15 years in nonprofit and Jewish communal spaces, Elana opens up about burnout in impact work — the kind that hits your body, your spirit, and your sense of identity. What happens when the work you care about deeply starts to consume you? When your empathy becomes exhaustion?We talk about:• Burnout in mission-driven spaces • Creativity as medicine • Reclaiming your inner child • Neurodivergence as a strength • Why community is essential for healing • The courage it takes to show off your gifts instead of hiding themElana shares how the pandemic became a turning point — leading her back to art, to stillness, and ultimately to founding The WildHERness Collective, a space designed for wildly creative, empathetic women in impact to reconnect with their purpose.If you’ve ever felt like your sensitivity was a liability instead of a superpower — this episode is for you.Big Energy isn’t about being louder. It’s about being fully expressed.If this conversation resonated, make sure you’re on my newsletter list. Sign up HERE for deeper reflections, tools, and behind-the-scenes Big Energy leadership insights you won’t find anywhere else.
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Wickedly Branded: Turning Big Energy into Magnetic Visibility
In this episode of the Bring Your Big Energy Podcast, Stacey sits down with Beverly Cornell—Founder of Wickedly Branded and creator of the Brand Magic Method—a colleague and friend of 30 years.Beverly supports women-led service businesses (coaches, consultants, creatives) who are doing all the “right” things, yet still feel disconnected from their brand, overwhelmed by visibility, or unsure how to clearly express what they do. Together, Stacey and Beverly dig into why real growth doesn’t come from pushing harder or chasing trends—it comes from alignment.In this conversation, you’ll hear:Why branding is identity work (especially for women)How to simplify visibility by choosing one platform and going all inThe “next 4–6 steps” approach to building momentum without burnoutPractical ways to repurpose content so you’re not constantly starting from scratchHow self-trust changes everything: your message, your confidence, and your businessIf you’ve been feeling like your business has evolved but your brand hasn’t caught up—or you’re tired of performing for the algorithm—this episode is for you.Connect with Beverly + Wickedly Branded: Website + newsletter: wickedlybranded.com Podcast: Marketing Magic in the Messy Middle (available on all podcast platforms)And if you love these kinds of conversations, make sure you’re on my newsletter list too. Join HERE for weekly big energy, leadership tools, and updates on new podcast episodes.
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Resilience in Action: Advocacy, Entrepreneurship & Starting Over
In this powerful episode of the Bring Your Big Energy Podcast, Stacey K sits down with Kimberly Willis — stage three breast cancer survivor, financial coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Survivors Corner.Kimberly shares how a life-altering diagnosis became the catalyst for profound personal growth, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. What began as survival transformed into purpose — and today she’s building community, empowering survivors, and helping others take control of both their health and their finances.Together, Stacey and Kimberly explore:• What resilience really looks like in the face of uncertainty• The role of community support in healing and empowerment• How advocacy changes outcomes in healthcare journeys• Turning pain into purpose-driven entrepreneurship• The importance of mental health, grief, and honoring loss• Time management and focus for mission-driven entrepreneurs• Measuring impact beyond money — by the lives you touchKimberly’s story is a reminder that it’s “only crazy until it happens.” The moments that break us open can also awaken us.If you’ve ever faced an Intensity Point, questioned your next chapter, or felt called to build something meaningful from hardship — this episode will speak directly to you.🎧 Tune in and be reminded: resilience isn’t about bouncing back — it’s about rising forward.✨ Connect with Kimberly:Website HERE LinkedIn HEREInstagram HEREAnd if this conversation resonated with you, make sure you’re on my newsletter list. I share leadership tools, personal reflections, and practical ways to build confidence, resilience, and authentic energy every single week. Join us HERE and keep bringing your big energy.
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Transforming Through Travel
What if the life you’re craving is waiting on the other side of a plane ticket?In this episode of the Bring Your Big Energy podcast, I sit down with Laura Ericson — cultural bridge-builder, entrepreneur, and founder of Laura Ericson Group Trips — to talk about reinvention, courage, solo travel, and the kind of personal growth that only happens when you step outside your comfort zone.After a divorce became an unexpected catalyst for rediscovery, Laura made a bold move. In 2021, she walked away from a 14-year career in higher education and launched her own group travel company. Since then, she has guided over 300 solo travelers through transformative journeys across 10 countries in just over four years.But Laura doesn’t design typical vacations.She ventures beyond tourist hotspots, shining a light on misunderstood destinations like Cuba, Kenya, and Colombia. As a podcast host, writer, content creator, and impact-focused travel curator, she creates immersive cultural experiences that don’t just cross borders — they break down barriers.In this conversation, we explore:How travel can be a powerful catalyst for reinventionWhy leaving your comfort zone is essential for growthThe concept of “Type 2 Fun” — embracing challenge for long-term transformationSolo travel and the unexpected confidence it buildsTrusting intuition over anxietyOvercoming fear to pursue entrepreneurship and adventureWhy it’s never too late to start overLaura reminds us that courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s moving anyway. That travel can be deeply healing. And that sometimes the most meaningful growth comes from saying yes before you feel fully ready.If you’ve been feeling restless… called to adventure… or quietly wondering if there’s more available to you — this episode is your sign.Because life is short. You can always find another job.And it’s never too late to start over.Connect with Laura:Website: www.lauraericson.comType 2 Travel Podcast: https://type2travelpodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolawhiskey/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelauraericsonTravel Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lolalovestravel✨ If this episode sparked something in you, make sure you’re on my newsletter list. I share leadership insights, personal growth tools, behind-the-scenes reflections, and early access to events and programs.✨ Join us and keep building your Big Energy: HEREAnd if you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s ready for her next chapter.
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Episode 12: Finding Your Flow: A Journey of Healing
In this episode of the Bring Your Big Energy Podcast, Stacey sits down with Lisa Roche, healer, founder of Nagare Life, and host of the Find Your Flow podcast, for a deeply grounding conversation about healing, resilience, and rediscovering your natural flow.Lisa shares her personal journey of overcoming a debilitating spinal injury and how that experience became a catalyst for profound healing and self-discovery. Together, Stacey and Lisa explore what healing really means — not as something to “fix,” but as a process of remembering who you are, listening to your body, and giving yourself permission to slow down.This conversation highlights the power of pause, the role of meditation and sound healing, and why asking for help is often one of the most courageous steps we can take. Lisa reminds us that healing is available to everyone — sometimes we just need an invitation to remember that truth.If you’re navigating an intensity point, feeling disconnected, or craving a more aligned way to move forward, this episode offers both reassurance and practical insight.Key TakeawaysHealing is a journey of rediscovery, not a destinationEvery person has the innate capacity to heal themselvesPausing and listening inward is essential for true healingResilience is built through small, intentional stepsFinding flow means discovering what works for you, not following a formulaAbout Lisa RocheLisa Roche is a healer and the host of Find Your Flow, an unfiltered podcast exploring what really happens when life stops working — and how burnout, breakdowns, and breakthroughs can become pathways back to alignment.For nearly 15 years, Lisa has guided individuals toward deep healing using a blend of holistic modalities. She is a Feng Shui Expert, Reiki Master Teacher, Medical Intuitive, and Channeler for Transformative Meditations, and the founder of Nagare Life, where she inspires intentional living rooted in balance, beauty, and purpose.Lisa is also a contributing author to The Energy Medicine Solution and Born to Rise. She is currently based in Pennsylvania and preparing for an exciting move to Ireland.Connect with Lisa🌿 Website & all links: nagarelife.com🎧 Podcast: Find Your Flow (now on YouTube)💬 Community, blog, resources available via her websiteWant more conversations like this?Join the Energy Hype Squad newsletter HERE for early access, exclusive content, and tools to help you lead and live with intention.
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Episode 11: From Foster Care to Founder: Live at Bamboo Ann Arbor
What happens when your Intensity Point becomes your life’s purpose?In this special first-ever live taping of the Bring Your Big Energy Podcast at Bamboo Ann Arbor, Stacey Kulongowski sits down with Kamille Tynes, Founder & CEO of Konnected with Care—a social impact tech company transforming how foster youth and child welfare systems stay connected and supported.Kamille shares her lived experience entering foster care at 14, the moment she realized she had to become her own advocate, and how that early courage shaped everything that came next—from demanding change at the University of Michigan to helping create one of the nation’s strongest scholarship models for former foster youth.Together, Stacey and Kamille explore:* Hidden gaps in foster care and why “you don’t know what you don’t know”* Advocacy, courage, and what it means to “do it afraid”* Turning pain into purpose—and purpose into systems-level change* Why belief isn’t the absence of fear… it’s action with fear* How community, connection, and faith fuel Big EnergyThis episode is a reminder that your story is not just something you survived— it might be the blueprint for what you’re here to build. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T_uMpYSj0TAConnect with Kamille / Konnected with Care:Website: https://getkonnected.co/Email: [email protected]: Konnected with Care + Kamille TynesWant more Big Energy?Subscribe/follow the Bring Your Big Energy Podcast + join the Energy Hype Squad newsletter for behind-the-scenes, tools, and episode drops.https://bringyourbigenergy.kit.com/80791d8674
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Episode 10: From Caregiving to Enoughness. Reclaiming Energy, Marriage & Self After Burnout
What happens when caregiving becomes an Intensity Point—and burnout becomes the doorway back to yourself?In this episode of the Bring Your Big Energy Podcast, Stacey K sits down with Carrie Severson, keynote speaker, author, and recovering caregiver, for a powerful conversation about burnout, recovery, and the radical concept of enoughness.Carrie shares her deeply personal journey of navigating burnout as both a high-achieving entrepreneur and a caregiver advocating for her husband through cancer treatment. Together, Stacey and Carrie explore how caregiving can quietly consume your nervous system, identity, and energy—and how awareness, advocacy, and intentional self-care can lead to profound healing and transformation.This conversation dives into:Why recovery isn’t about doing more—but remembering you are already enoughHow burnout shows up physically, emotionally, and relationallyThe hidden weight of caregiving and why many don’t identify as caregivers at firstHow advocacy in healthcare can become a source of empowermentTools like breathwork, visualization, and nervous system “microdosing” for daily resilienceWhy saying no is essential for balance, healing, and long-term sustainabilityThis episode is for caregivers, partners, leaders, and anyone standing at an Intensity Point—feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected, yet sensing there’s more on the other side.Burnout isn’t the end of your story. It’s the spark inviting you to rebuild with intention, compassion, and courage—and come home to yourself with Big Energy. ⚡👉 Subscribe to the Energy Hype Squad newsletter HERE for exclusive behind-the-scenes moments, Big Energy tools, and first access to new episodes and events.To learn more about Carrie:https://open.spotify.com/show/3CVYcG3hIeutzGgQcOPCOVhttps://www.tiktok.com/@carrieseverson https://www.instagram.com/authorcarrieseverson/https://www.youtube.com/@authorcarrieseverson
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Episode 9: From Cult Control to Hollywood & Advocacy: Reclaiming An Identity.
Content Advisory:This episode contains strong language and discusses themes of trauma, cult involvement, psychological manipulation, and mental health. Listener discretion is advised.The Show:What happens when your identity is stripped away—piece by piece—and you’re left to rebuild yourself from the inside out?In this deeply moving episode of the Bring Your Big Energy podcast, Stacey K sits down with Dar Dixon—award-nominated actor, producer, director, and survivor of both the Iranian Revolution and a dangerous doomsday cult—for a powerful conversation about identity, resilience, and reclaiming personal freedom.Dar shares how surviving political upheaval, enduring years of psychological manipulation, and ultimately escaping a cult shaped his sense of self and his mental health. He opens up about the subtle, gradual nature of undue influence, the painful loss of identity that comes with leaving a cult, and the long road back to autonomy. Along the way, Dar reveals how acting became a form of therapy, storytelling became a way to reclaim his voice, and purpose emerged from the space between who he was and who he became.Using the SPARK framework as a backbone, this conversation explores:how identity fractures during trauma and manipulationwhy the “space between identities” is the most vulnerable—and transformative—place to bethe role of belonging, denial, and intuition in cult dynamicshow resilience is built one choice at a timeand how storytelling fuels healing, advocacy, and social justiceThis episode isn’t about shock value. It’s about reclamation. It’s about rebuilding a life with intention, courage, and truth—and proving that even after profound loss, it’s possible to step back into your power.✨ This is Big Energy in its rawest, most honest form.🔗 Learn More & Connect with DarDar’s website & email updates: https://www.dardixon.com/IMDb (Acting / Producing / Directing): https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1237219/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dardixon1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dardixon1/
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Episode 8: An Invitation to Explore. Trusting the Nudge Toward More.
What happens when your life still fits—but your perspective on it changes completely?In this episode of the Bring Your Big Energy podcast, Stacey K sits down with Amber Prong, an ER nurse whose world was shaken to the core during the COVID-19 pandemic—not in a way that made her walk away from nursing, but in a way that expanded how she sees herself, her work, and what’s possible.Amber shares how that intense season became an Intensity Point that shifted her perspective and sparked a deep desire to explore, reflect, and reconnect with herself. While continuing her work as a nurse, she chose to branch out—embracing adventure, traveling to more than 30 countries, and discovering new ways of defining success, fulfillment, and resilience.Together, Stacey and Amber explore:how moments of intensity can become invitations to explorewhy expansion doesn’t require burning your life downhow adventure builds confidence, adaptability, and claritythe power of trusting your intuition—even when the path isn’t obviousand how redefining success can open doors personally and professionallyThis conversation is for anyone who feels a quiet nudge toward more—more curiosity, more perspective, more aliveness—and is learning to trust that exploration can happen alongside commitment.To learn more about Amber’s inspiring travels and journey, find her on Instagram at @ambermprong or connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amber.prong
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Episode 7: The Truth About the New Year (Messy AND Meaningful)
The New Year doesn’t always feel shiny, motivated, or full of momentum—and this episode tells the truth about that.In this deeply honest and grounding conversation, Stacey K explores the emotional reality of stepping into a new year: the exhaustion, the grief of transitions, the pressure to “have it together,” and the quiet hope that still lives underneath it all.This episode is more than reflection—it’s a guided experience.Stacey gently walks you through her SPARK Energy Transformation Process, offering a simple, intentional framework to help you process the year you just lived and begin the new one without overwhelm, perfection, or pressure. Through Stacey’s leaned-in coaching style, you’ll be gently guided through self-reflection, purpose-setting, releasing what no longer serves you, choosing small aligned actions, and reconnecting with the version of yourself you’re becoming.Rather than resolutions or rigid goals, this episode invites you to take small, meaningful steps forward, honoring both where you are and where you’re headed. You’ll learn how to hold struggle and hope at the same time, why progress matters more than perfection, and how emotional intelligence is the key to navigating change.If January feels heavy… if you’re tired but still dreaming… if you want a new year that feels aligned instead of forced—this episode is your permission slip and your roadmap.Grab a pen, get comfortable, and let this episode guide you through starting the year with intention, compassion, and Big Energy.
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Episode 6: Menopause, Muscle & Mindset: Building Your Strongest Midlife Yet
In this empowering episode of the Bring Your Big Energy Podcast, Stacey sits down with Wendy Kleinke, personal trainer, menopause coach, and fierce advocate for women stepping into their strongest midlife.Wendy brings a powerful message: menopause isn’t the end of anything — it’s the beginning of living your life with more clarity, intention, strength, and self-trust than ever before.Together, Stacey and Wendy unpack what it really means to navigate menopause with courage and confidence, not confusion or fear. Wendy breaks down the hormonal shifts that shape midlife, why strength training becomes essential after 40, and how nutrition, stress management, and self-care work together to rebuild vitality from the inside out.They also talk honestly about the emotional side of midlife — the isolation women often feel, the pressure to “push through,” and the freedom that comes when women start having open, unfiltered conversations about what they’re experiencing.In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why understanding your hormones is the foundation of midlife well-being • How stress impacts every part of your physical and emotional health • Why strength training is non-negotiable for women over 40 • How to make cardio enjoyable — not punishing • The nutrition shifts every midlife woman should know (“Protein is king; fiber is queen”) • How small daily wins create massive long-term transformation • Why self-care is not selfish — it’s survival • How tracking symptoms can help you identify patterns and reclaim controlWendy’s wisdom reminds us that menopause is not something to survive, it’s something to harness. This episode is your invitation to rise, rebuild, and step into the most powerful version of yourself yet.You can learn more about Wendy's programs at: Life Beyond Hormones on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
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Episode 5: Rebuilding Hope. Fearlessly Paying Forward.
In this deeply moving episode, Stacey sits down with Erica Neubert Campbell, breast cancer survivor, advocate, and author of The Mastectomy I Always Wanted, for a conversation that radiates courage, connection, and purpose.After decades spent supporting cancer patients, Erica suddenly found herself walking the path she once guided others through. What followed was a journey of profound self-reflection, spiritual awakening, and an unexpected moment of generosity that ignited her mission: helping women face mastectomy decisions without fear, shame, or isolation.Erica opens up about what it takes to release old identities, embrace vulnerability, and offer the kind of honest images and stories women search for at 2 a.m. but rarely find safely. She shares how documenting her reconstruction brought healing, clarity, and a rediscovery of self and how one brave act can become a lifeline for countless others.Together, Stacey and Erica explore:• The moment that shifted her from surviving to truly serving• How courage creates ripples of hope for women everywhere• The emotional, spiritual, and psychological layers of breast cancer• The power of community, compassion, and storytelling• How to reframe fear, reclaim identity, and trust the healing process• Small but mighty steps women can take when a diagnosis arrivesErica’s story is a testament to the kinetic energy that emerges when someone transforms hardship into purpose and then boldly pays it forward.This episode is for anyone navigating breast cancer, loving someone who is, or seeking inspiration on how to build a life anchored in bravery, truth, and hope.Explore Erica’s work:• Buy her book on AMAZON• Learn more on her WEBSITE about her mission, resources, and advocacy:
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Episode 4: She Believed She Could. So She Did.
Today’s episode is a masterclass in courage, reinvention, and the kind of faith-fueled trust it takes to leap into the unknown.I’m joined by Monica Dressler, owner of Burn Boot Camp Northville, former 25-year law partner, and a woman who proves it is never too late to rewrite your story. After decades in a successful legal career, Monica felt the unmistakable pull toward something that lit her up: building a community where women feel strong, confident, supported, and unstoppable.With nothing but passion, a willingness to experiment, and a deep belief in God’s plan for her life, Monica made a radical career pivot, draining her 401(k), stepping into small business ownership, and trusting that the spark inside her would guide the way. Today, she leads one of the most empowering fitness communities in Michigan, helping women discover the strongest versions of themselves, inside and out.In this conversation, Monica opens up about:✨ The Intensity Point that made staying in her old career harder than taking the leap✨ How passion became her only “qualified” skill and why it was enough✨ The identity shift from law partner to community leader✨ The fears that almost stopped her and the belief that was louder✨ What reinventing yourself really looks like at midlife✨ Why preparation, purpose, and prayer are the foundation of every next chapter✨ How Burn Boot Camp is transforming women’s lives daily✨ What she teaches her teen daughters about confidence, empathy, and standing strongMonica’s story is a reminder that your life is yours to live: boldly, authentically, and in alignment with what sets your soul on fire.If you’re standing at the edge of a leap…this episode is your sign!About Monica DresslerMonica Dressler is the owner of Burn Boot Camp Northville, where she inspires, motivates, and empowers women to become their strongest and most confident selves through fitness and community. After a 25-year career as a law partner, Monica courageously reinvented her life and stepped into her true calling — proving it’s never too late to pursue what you’re passionate about.Where to Find Monica🌐 Burn Boot Camp Northville🔗 LinkedIn📘 Facebook
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Episode 3: Turning Neurodiversity into a Leadership Superpower
In Episode 3 of Bring Your Big Energy, Stacey sits down with Jen Bordes for an inspiring and deeply authentic conversation about turning life’s biggest challenges into unexpected strengths. Jen opens up about her journey with ADHD, the obstacles she faced, and how those very differences became the driving force behind her success in real estate.Through vulnerability, humor, and powerful self-reflection, Jen shares how embracing who she truly is helped her break the mold, build confidence, and create a career that aligns with her strengths. This episode is a reminder that our struggles don’t define us, our choices do. And sometimes, the things we once viewed as limitations become our greatest superpowers.In This Episode• How ADHD shaped Jen’s mindset, resilience, and leadership • Why authenticity is the key to personal and professional growth • How to turn challenges into strengths in work and life • The power of self-understanding and self-advocacy • Real-life examples of embracing your path and trusting your journeyYou’ll Love This Episode If You…• Are navigating ADHD or neurodiversity • Want to build more confidence in your unique strengths • Are seeking a career path that aligns with who you are • Crave honest conversations about growth, motherhood, mindset, and authenticity • Are ready to embrace the parts of you that make you differentMemorable Moments:• “It’s not about fitting the mold; it’s about creating your own.” • “Labels don’t define us; our choices do.” • “Our challenges often illuminate our unique strengths.”Tune in and walk away with a renewed sense of empowerment, inspiration, and permission to show up as your full self — big energy and all.Where to get more info on Jen and how she can help you too: Head on over to her website, connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at: [email protected].
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Episode 2: The Adult Gap Year
What happens when a high-achieving partner at a global consulting firm hits pause—and rebuilds her life from the inside out—and now helps others do the same?In this episode of Bring Your Big Energy, Stacey sits down with leadership and life coach Suzanne Roske, Founder of Vamonos Executive Coaching and author of I’m Supposed to Be Doing This. Together, they explore what it means to truly stop striving, listen to your inner voice, and rediscover what success looks like on your own terms.At the height of her career, Suzanne took an adult gap year from her partner role—pressing pause on the constant pace of corporate life to reflect, recharge, and realign. That year changed everything. It became the catalyst for her next chapter: helping others reconnect with their spark through intentional pauses, retreats, and transformational coaching.This conversation is an inspiring reminder that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when you finally slow down.You’ll learn:Why “hustle” isn’t the only path to achievementThe difference between a vacation and an intentional pauseHow redefining success can change everythingPractical ways to create space for reflection—right where you are
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Episode 1: Welcome to the Bring Your Big Energy Podcast
Welcome to the Bring Your Big Energy Podcast — the space where real talk meets transformation. Host Stacey Kulongowski, bestselling author and executive coach, kicks off Episode 1 with a powerful, heartfelt conversation about burnout, rebuilding, and rediscovering your spark.In this debut episode, Stacey opens up about the personal story that inspired her bestselling book Bring Your Big Energy and shares the moment that changed everything. You’ll learn what “Big Energy” truly means (hint: it’s not about being the loudest in the room, but the most aligned), and get your first look at her transformational SPARK process — the five-step roadmap to reclaim your clarity, courage, and confidence.If you’ve ever felt stuck, drained, or like you’ve outgrown the version of success you built, this episode is your permission slip to rebuild with purpose. Expect warmth, wisdom, and the kind of honesty that feels like a deep exhale.Because messy can be good and it just takes one spark to shift everything!
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Welcome to The Big Energy Podcast | Official Trailer
Get your heart ready — The Big Energy Podcast is launching soon!Join Stacey Kulongowski, executive coach and author of Bring Your Big Energy, as she shares real stories, courageous conversations, and practical tools to help you rebuild, reimagine, and reignite your spark.This short trailer gives you a taste of what’s coming, talk show meets transformation, with real talk, real stories, and a whole lot of heart. 💫Follow now and be the first to catch full episodes when they drop!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The Bring Your Big Energy Podcast, where life gets messy, growth gets real, and your spark gets reignited. I’m Stacey Kulongowski, bestselling author and coach, bringing you stories, mindset resets, and real talk about the energy it takes to rise. From 1:1 "Shine Today with Stacey K" episodes, to deep courageous guest conversations, this is where intensity points, laughter, and truth collide and you remember just how powerful your Big Energy really is.
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Bring Your Big Energy
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