Shift Happens: From Pain to Purpose

What happens when the girl who holds everything together on the outside finally realizes she’s falling apart inside? By nineteen Amber Richards had already sold her first home. By adulthood she had climbed to Vice President of Sales and Marketing in the homebuilding industry. But success has a way of hiding pain ; not healing it. At twenty-three, eight months pregnant, my friend lost her father suddenly, and the grief she never had space to process began shaping her life in ways she didn’t fully understand at the time. She grappled with not feeling good enough in childhood, which began a theme that would keep showing up in her relationships as she felt the need to prove herself. She questioned, if people knew the real her - the imperfect version - would thy still accept her? Love her? Today we talk about what happens when the life you built to protect yourself stops working  and you’re finally forced to face the patterns underneath it. This is Amber’s story RESOURCES  FREE STORY METHOD GUIDE- to help you process, own and share your story  FOLLOW @alexisnandra @shifthappensthepod @amberichard  

What do you do when your perfectly healthy two-year-old stops responding as they typically do? Today on Shift Happens, we’re talking about the kind of shift that no mother prepares for. How do you learn how to do life with a child with profound autism? How do you grieve what you thought life would look like — while still fighting for the child right in front of you?Today, you’re going to hear from a mother who didn’t just survive that reality — she transformed it. Tiffany Sumner found herself navigating being a single mom to a child with profound autism, and the crushing loneliness that so many caregivers silently carry. But instead of staying silent, she went public. What began as survival became advocacy. What felt like devastation became purpose.This conversation is about grief and grit. It’s about a mother who never gets to clock out.And about what happens when the hardest chapter of your life becomes the reason someone else feels less alone. This is Tiffany’s story. FOLLOW @alexisnandra @shifthappensthepod @tiffanysumner RESOURCES FREE STORY METHOD GUIDE- to help you process, own and share your story 

What does abuse actually look like — especially when it doesn’t feel like abuse at first? How does someone so young begin carrying shame that was never theirs to hold? And why do so many survivors spend years in silence? Today’s conversation is with Cindy Arevalo — and her story asks us to sit with some uncomfortable but necessary questions about power, trust, grooming, and the quiet psychological weight of secrecy. Because the truth is, abuse rarely begins with fear. Often, it begins with attention. With trust. With what feels safe — until it isn’t. And for many survivors, what follows isn’t just trauma, but years of confusion, self-blame, and silence that shapes how they see themselves, their worth, and their voice. In this episode, Cindy shares what it looked like to carry that silence, how her abuse showed up in her adulthood — and what it took to finally confront the past, break the secrecy, and refuse the shame that was never hers. This is Cindy’s story. RESOURCES  FREE STORY METHOD GUIDE- to help you process, own and share your story  FOLLOW @alexisnandra @shifthappensthepod @_cindy_arevalo

What does the word manifestation stir up in you? On today’s episode of Shift Happen the way you think might be challenged. If you are a person of faith , the word manifestation can feel… complicated. For some, it sounds empowering. For others, it sounds like we’re trying to play God. And for many of us, it just raises questions. So today, we’re having an honest conversation about what manifestation actually means, how it intersects with Christianity, and I challenge if prayer might be more connected than we think. I’m joined by Jordan Cheyenne — manifestation and mindset mentor, keynote speaker, founder of The Manifestation Academy, and host of Eat Pray Manifest. Known for blending neuroscience and identity reprogramming with practical tools for growth, Jordan teaches ambitious men and women how to release limiting beliefs, rewire their thinking, and step into aligned success — without burnout, hustle, or self-sacrifice. Through her programs, live events, and mentorship, she’s helped over 8,000 students worldwide break through financial ceilings, shift their relationship with money, and build lives rooted in confidence, clarity, and self-trust. But beyond the titles, I’m most interested in her heart — her faith journey, and how manifestation has actually played out in her own life. This is Jordan’s story. RESOURCES  FREE STORY METHOD GUIDE- to help you process, own and share your story    FOLLOW @alexisnandra @shifthappensthepod @jordancheyenneoffical  

How do you build wealth without worshiping it? How do you lead at a high level without losing humility? And how do you stay deeply connected in your marriage while building something that constantly demands more of you?  We don’t talk enough about the tension between faith and success.We celebrate the blessing, but we wrestle quietly with the weight of it. On this episode of Shift Happens I sit down with Mario and Franny Arrizon — a couple who met in high school, started their journey in the financial industry at just 18 and 19 years old, and built a life and business side by side from the ground up. Today, they lead a firm of more than 8,000 agents nationwide, have helped tens of thousands of families pursue financial independence, and continue to lead from a foundation rooted in faith, humility, and legacy.As children of immigrants raised by parents from Mexico, their story isn’t just about growth — it’s about stewardship, resilience, and learning how to hold abundance with open hands. This is Mario and Franny's story.   RESOURCES  FREE STORY METHOD GUIDE- to help you process, own and share your story    FOLLOW @alexisnandra @shifthappensthepod @marioarrizon @frannyarrizon      

On this episode of Shift Happens, we’re stepping into the tension between survival and surrender. Deirdre Edwards lost both of her parents by the age of 25. She later found herself in a loveless marriage, raising two kids, and ultimately rebuilding her life from a one-bedroom apartment — only to walk into work one morning and be told her position was eliminated.  Ninety days of severance. No savings. No child support. What do you do when you’re almost 50, starting over again, and faith is all you have left? This episode is about grief, identity, hyper-independence, shame, radical provision… and the moment on a beach when she heard God whisper, “It’s all true. I am real.”   FOLLOW @alexisnandra @shifthappensthepod @renewedcreative RESORUCES  FREE story guide - to help you process, own and share your story 

Season two is starting with a story that’s not polished, pretty, or wrapped in a bow. It’s raw and real and it’s exactly what many of us need to hear. Today I’m sitting down with Sumaya Cifor. She’s a single mom to her daughter Skylar, a real estate agent in so cal, my own bestie and a woman who has carried parts of her story in silence for years… until now. This conversation is about a little girl whose innocence was stolen… and the woman who spent years trying to make sense of it. It’s about confusing attention for love, sexuality for worth, navigating betrayal inside a marriage, divorce, and what it feels like to trust God when everything is stripped away — and deciding you won’t let trauma be your personality. Because shift happens… but cycles don’t break themselves. This is Sumaya's story.  FOLLOW @alexisnandra @shifthappensthepod @sumayacifor RESOURCES FREE STORY METHOD GUIDE- to help you process, own and share your story 

If you’ve ever wondered, ‘Does my story even matter?’—this episode is going to remind you that it absolutely does.Today on Shift Happens, I’m joined again by Thais Eliasen. She is someone who deeply understands the power of sharing your story.We’re diving into what happens when you stop hiding behind your pain and start using it as purpose. Because here’s the truth—your story carries healing, not just for you, but for the people who need to hear it. And when you step into that truth, it can also open doors for opportunity, connection, and yes—even profit.In this conversation, we’ll talk about the courage it takes to own your story, how storytelling becomes a pathway to freedom, and why no one else can replicate what you’ve lived through. Thais and I are going to unpack the beauty, the rawness, and the transformation that comes when you finally stop running from your past and start embracing it. RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@thaiseliasen@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod 

Have you ever felt like the very thing you turned to for comfort ended up destroying your life?Have you ever watched addiction steal friendships, family, and years of your life — or the life of someone you love?What does it really take to stop using, to face the pain sober, and to start rebuilding from nothing?Today’s guest knows that journey intimately. Katherine Sorensen once battled alcohol and drugs— and it nearly ruined everything. But she survived, rebuilt, and now dedicates her life to helping others fighting addictionKatherine’s story is raw, unfiltered, and deeply inspiring. In this episode, we’ll talk about the moments that led her into addiction, the rock bottom that made her realize change was necessary, what sobriety cost her, and how she rebuilt a life she almost lost. This is a story about pain, courage, and ultimate redemption RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@soberkatt@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod 

As a parent, have you ever looked at your child and wished the world would see them for who they are — especially if they have a disability or delay? Have you ever felt the ache of wanting them to feel fully included, only to realize the simplest things, like clothing, can make them feel different?Imagine a world where every child is celebrated exactly as they are — where even what they wear gives them confidence, dignity, and joy.Today’s guest is building that world. Elicen Renz is the founder of Benny Bee, an adaptive clothing brand designed to empower every kind of child. At Benny Bee, the mission is simple yet powerful: to honor all abilities and remind the world that no one is defined by their difficulties or delays.Elicen’s journey to building this brand is rooted in heart, grit, and a vision for inclusivity that goes far beyond fashion. What started as a response to a need has become a movement thaat’s giving kids confidence and giving parents hope.In this conversation, we’ll dive into Elicen’s personal story, the why behind Benny Bee, the challenges of starting something so unique, and her vision for a future where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated. RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@bennybeewear@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod 

What happens when life keeps handing you the same painful lesson until you finally decide to stop repeating it? Today’s guest, Raena O’Neil, knows what it means to start over—with nothing but a suitcase and a son to care for. From getting swept into Vegas’ nightlife scene… from becoming a young mom and walking away from multiple toxic relationships… to holding her mother’s hand as she passed, and finally realizing she had her own demons to fight—Ranae’s journey is about more than survival. It’s about healing, self-trust, and radical reinvention. In this conversation, Ranae opens up about how her mother’s addiction shaped her, how co-dependency nearly broke her, and how she used every rock bottom as a reason to rise. We talk about the grief she buried, the weight she carried (physically and emotionally), and how lymphatic drainage transformed not only her body, but her purpose.This episode is for anyone who’s ever asked:— “Why do I keep ending up in the same kind of relationship?”— “What am I trying to fix on the outside that still hurts on the inside?”— And, “Is it too late to become the version of me I know I was made to be?” This is your reminder that it’s never too late—if you’re willing to stop settling, do the inner work, and finally stop sacrificing yourself for someone else.RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@lymphatic_organic@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod

What do you do when your parent is tragically taken from you? How do you keep going after  life keeps hitting you again and again?In this gripping episode, Jeremy Swanson shares the story he’s held onto for nearly a decade—starting with the day his father was suddenly and violently taken from him. What followed was a spiral of unimaginable loss, heartbreak, and rock bottom moments that tested every part of who he was: as a son, a husband, a father, and a man of faith.From wrestling with rage and responsibility to rebuilding his life piece by piece—Jeremy’s story is one of raw honesty, pain, and purpose.If you’ve ever felt like life won’t let up, this episode will meet you in the depths and remind you that survival is only the beginning. RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@itsbrettbooker@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod

What do you do when the person who shaped your world is suddenly gone?In this vulnerable and soul-stirring episode, Brazilian pop artist Carol Grando opens up about the devastating loss of her mother at just 16 years old—and how that grief became the catalyst for her musical journey. She shares how music became more than just an art form—it became her lifeline.Carol talks about what it means to carry deep faith in a world full of noise, rejection, and pressure to quit. Through heartbreak, doubt, and moments of silence where it felt like no one was listening, she kept showing up. Not just for her dreams—but for the younger version of herself who needed to believe it was possible.This is an episode about resilience, identity, and the healing power of expression. Whether you’ve faced unimaginable loss, chased a creative dream, or ever found yourself on the edge of giving up—Carol’s story will meet you there. RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@itsbrettbooker@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod

What would you do if one decision changed the course of your entire life? Have you ever felt like your past disqualified you from a better future? Or wondered if it’s really possible to start over after you’ve hit rock bottom? At just 20 years old, Brett Booker was sentenced to 11.5 years in prison. But his story isn’t about staying stuck in a system—it’s about defying the odds, reclaiming identity, and using rock bottom as a foundation for growth. In this episode, Brett walks us through his childhood, the choices that led him into drug dealing, and the life-altering moment everything came crashing down. Now a coach and mentor helping others break free from their own strongholds, Brett shares what it looks like to start over when the world has already labeled you—and how to rewrite your story no matter where you’ve been. If you’ve ever struggled to believe that your past doesn’t define you, this conversation is your wake-up call. Brett doesn’t just talk about second chances—he lives it. RESOURCES Are you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW @itsbrettbooker @alexisnandra @theshiftcreative @shifthappensthepod

Have you’ve ever wondered, “Am I asking for too much in my relationship?” or “Why do I keep attracting the wrong people?”—if so this episode is for you. Today, I’m joined by Emily Freeman, a sought-after dating coach who helps women break free from toxic patterns and start dating from a place of alignment and healing, not fear. In this conversation, Emily shares how her own story led her to this work, what attachment styles reveal about the way we love, and whether an anxious-avoidant relationship can actually work. We talk about high standards vs. unrealistic expectations, the lie that you’re too much, and the power of not settling—even when it feels like everyone else is.Whether you’re single, dating, or healing from heartbreak, Emily’s wisdom will help you feel seen, grounded, and more hopeful about love than ever before.RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@emilyfreemancoaching@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod

What happens when you grow up with little but dream of building a lot? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Laleh—cosmetic dentist, business owner, wife, and mother—to unpack how her early experiences of financial instability and her parents’ sacrifices lit a fire to succeed. From finishing dental school before 24 to carving a name for herself in a male-dominated industry, Dr. Laleh shares the behind-the-scenes pressures, the moments she was underestimated, and how she chose to rise anyway. We explore the mindset shifts required to juggle a growing practice and growing family, and why waiting for permission is never the answer. This conversation is a powerful reminder that no matter where you start, you have the power to create your own opportunities—and redefine what success looks like on your terms.RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@doctorlelah@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod

Today Alexis speaks with YOU, while answering your burning questions. From how to start a business to pivoting and more she shares all the insights from how she built her company The Shift Creative.  RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod 

Have you ever felt like you building a business all by yourself? Or maybe you have felt like no one really understands why you are going after your dreams as hard as you are...From topping the real estate charts in Southern California to launching Coterie, a premier women’s networking community, Autumn Ceniza is on a mission: help women in business succeed without feeling alone. In this episode, Autumn shares her journey balancing a booming career, family life, and building spaces where women connect, collaborate, and rise together. Tune in for insights on the power of networking, the mindset shifts that fuel business growth, and how to create meaningful relationships that propel you forward. Follow@autumnceniza@meetcoterie@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod Resources Are you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals!

How Obeying God Leads to True Wealth: A New Vision for Success with Jenna Peterson What happens when you treat showing up online like it’s your job—and trust God’s call to move, even when it’s uncomfortable? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jenna Peterson, digital sales educator, multi-millionaire entrepreneur, devoted mom, and woman of faith who retired her husband through scaling her online business. We dive deep into how Jenna combines practical strategies for growing and monetizing your digital presence with radical obedience to God’s voice. She shares why consistency on social media isn’t optional if you want success, how divine nudges have shaped her biggest business moves, and the lessons she’s learned from following God into unknown territory. If you’re ready to show up boldly online and build a life of impact and income—with faith at the center—this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped for your own journey.Follow@jennapeterson@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod Resources Are you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals!

Have you ever wondered what possibilitiesmight unfold if you dared to choose the uncomfortable path? Or why expanding into new chapters of life and business so often comes with tension and fear? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jasmine Star—entrepreneur, international speaker & top podcast host —for a raw and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to pivot with purpose. Together, we explore the inner battles we face when stepping into bigger arenas, and why leaning into discomfort is the true catalyst for transformation. Jasmine also shares the deeply personal journey of adopting her daughter, Luna, and parts of the process she wishes others knew. She adds how her family dynamic may not be for everyone, but how it works for and her husband, J.D. Her authenticity in sharing reminds us that there is no right or wrong way to have a healthy and thriving family and work relationship. If you’re standing on the edge of a new season, unsure if you’re ready to leap—this episode will remind you that expansion always comes on the other side of courage. Follow@jasminestar@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod Resources Are you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals!

Can faith coincide with the decision to divorce?What does life look like as a single mom trying to navigate it all? What if the parts of your story you’re most tempted to hide… are the ones God wants to use the most?On this episode of Shift Happens, I’m joined with Thais Eliasen—founder and CEO of T PR, a powerhouse in the world of public relations, a single mom of four, and a woman whose story challenges what it means to live with both faith and fallout.Thais is a Christian who’s walked through divorce—not once, but twice. And while that alone can carry a lot of weight, especially in faith circles, it’s only part of her story. What makes her powerful is how she’s chosen to rebuild—with courage, with truth, and without pretending to have it all figured out.In this conversation, we talk about what happens when the life you pictured falls apart, and how to keep trusting God in the middle of heartbreak, healing, and even dating again.If you’ve ever felt like your story disqualified you—or that faith and failure couldn’t coexist—this one will remind you: nothing is wasted.RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@thaiseliasen@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod 

In this deeply moving and faith-filled episode, I sit down with my right-hand girl Brooklynn to unpack the power of perspective in our pain. Pain is something we all face—it doesn’t discriminate by age, race, background, or bank account. But while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can control how we respond.Together, we reflect on the story of Job—who, despite unimaginable loss and suffering, declared, “When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” We dive into what that really means and how, like gold, we too are refined in the fire. I share parts of my own journey as a burn survivor, the early days of searching for meaning, and how scriptures on light, fire, and scars transformed my understanding of purpose.From mining field trips to biblical metaphors, this episode is an honest reminder that the things meant to break us can actually build us—and that our scars are not just signs of survival, but proof of healing and strength.This episode is an invitation to shift your lens on pain, find hope in the fire, and come forth brighter—like gold.RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod 

In this raw and powerful episode of Shift Happens, I sit down with Monica Linda—founder of Girl Squad Media, a thriving photography and videography company built on creativity, resilience, and heart. Monica opens up about the traumatic events of her childhood and how those experiences, while painful, shaped her into the woman and business owner she is today.We dive into her healing journey, how unresolved pain can quietly influence our careers and relationships, and the intentional work she’s doing to break generational cycles. Monica also shares thoughtful advice for creatives who feel stuck, scared, or unsure of how to start. This episode is for anyone who’s been through hard things but still feels called to rise—and create something beautiful in the process.RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@girlsquadmedia@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod 

Have you ever felt like you were doing all the right things but still hitting the same walls? Do you feel like you keep repeating the same destructive patterns? Today on Shift Happens, I’m joined by Bizzie Gold — entrepreneur, thought leader, and founder of BREAK Method.After years of working with high-performing clients and noticing patterns in human behavior, Bizzie set out on a mission to investigate why people stay stuck in destructive cycles, even when they desperately want to change. This search led her deep into the world of brain mapping and emotional rewiring — tools she now uses to help people break free from subconscious programming that’s been running their lives.In today’s conversation, Bizzie breaks down what emotional rewiring actually is, how our brains are often liars feeding us distorted narratives, and why true transformation starts by understanding the subconscious stories we believe.This episode will challenge the way you see yourself, your mind, and your potential. Your brain is a filthy liar book linkhttps://www.amazon.com/Your-Brain-Filthy-Liar-Self-Deception/dp/1967424292/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HAWkTVlpnx7kLWrNU_yKXlORV64u4rPupVr8maMv-NuydcFtAm3e8t-X6UI57u7z2pZXVpZkCHM1W8n3bR7HCbTLM0D2JNzxdKZKxjmyC22uxJL9vS1l1eG_4P3UImhCryrrhpiiPLya2XrsmNLUyKRkfUIstPdExbGEF4ysKU8F5ZmJRK9m_oR5UnCn6ceRtC_qlXgHrQ7axIAd4rURgA.BYcu2A0W6VXKUI9QAtFNDwUORU-6-NelngU14p7JSZQ&dib_tag=se&qid=1748958598&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250226011&s=books&sr=1-4

What do you do when life feels like it’s stacked against you? How do you rebuild when you’re a single mom with no clear path forward?What happens when the hustle finally collides with radical purpose?In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Kayla Cardona, of Netflix’s Selling the OC, to talk about her incredible transformation—from a rough childhood and struggling as a young single mom, to working multiple jobs just to survive, and ultimately being thrust into the spotlight and having life as she knew it changed forever. Kayla opens up about the lowest moments of her life, the relentless hustle it took to keep going, and the radical encounter that changed everything: giving her life to Jesus. She shares how her relationship with God reshaped her identity, her priorities, and the way she sees success today.Whether you're in a season of survival or searching for deeper meaning, Kayla’s journey reminds us that no one is too far gone for a comeback—and that purpose often begins in the most unexpected places.RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@kaylacardona @alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod 

What do you do when your life changes with a single diagnosis? How do you explain cancer to your children—when you're still processing it yourself? What happens to your creativity, your identity, your faith, when everything is stripped down to survival?In this powerful and deeply personal episode, I sit down with artist and creative force Laura Stewart of Unseen Forces Creative to explore the raw, transformative journey she’s walked since being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. We talk about the early days of her diagnosis, the moment she chose to shave her head, and the impact it had on her family. She shares how she chose to embrace cancer and fully LIVE. Laura shares how her artistic life evolved through the pain and what she held onto when everything felt uncertain. We also reflect on our creative collaborations and how she finds meaning and alignment in the projects she chooses.Whether you’re navigating your own diagnosis or supporting someone through theirs, Laura’s wisdom offers comfort, clarity, and hope. RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@unseen_forces_creative@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod

Have you ever felt like life was too much to carry? Do you or someone you love struggle with suicidal thoughts or self harm? How do you keep going when the weight of grief or depression feels unbearable?In this powerful and raw conversation, I sit down with Ashley Dirksen - someone I have had the honor of pouring into and walking alongside through some stormy seasons. She opens up about her journey through self harm, suicidal ideation, and the loss of her brother to suicide. She answers the questions 'what signs should family/friends be looking for if a loved one is struggling with mental health?' and 'how can we effectively show up for them?' With vulnerability, she shares how her pain became a catalyst for purpose through her faith, therapy, and the support of a loving community. Ashley is now the founder off Too Much Apparel, a screen printing company that creates feel-good clothing designed to spark joy and conversation. We dive into the tools that have helped her stay grounded, and she offers advice for those supporting loved ones battling suicidal thoughts. This episode is a moving reminder that even in the darkest places, hope and healing are possible. RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@ashleydirksen@toomuchapparel @alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod

Have you or a close family member struggled with addiction? Have you seen first hand the effects it has on the people closest to you? Perhaps, it has created in yourself the desire to earn love or be "good enough" so that person will quite their addictive behavior. If you can resonate- this is for you.  In this raw and heartfelt episode of Shift Happens, I sit down with my friend Rilee, the powerhouse behind Balloonworks. While many know her for the stunning balloon installations and collaborations with top brands, there’s a deeper story behind her success. Rilee opens up about growing up with divorced parents, navigating a complicated relationship with her mom who battled addiction, and the emotional weight of reconciling after four years of no contact. We dive into her close bond with her dad, her protectiveness over him, and if there is hope for reconciliation for him and her mom. Rilee also shares her struggles in toxic relationships, her desire for true love, and her renewed exploration of faith. This episode is a testament to doing the hard inner work, rising from pain, and showing younger girls that no matter your childhood, you can build something beautiful and meaningful.RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@[email protected]@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod

2x author Cristina O’Connell  is immersed in the dance world owning 2 dance studios, and most recently led her dance team in Disneyland parade. But not everything can be as magical as a day at Disney. Despite her many achievements, her personal life has been marked by tragedy. Cristina shares her raw and powerful story of navigating infertility, enduring multiple miscarriages, and grappling with grief while balancing the demands of life and business. She opens up about the silent suffering that so many women face, the fear of sharing her struggles, and the pivotal moments that led her toward healing and renewed faith. Cristina’s vulnerability reminds us that even in our darkest seasons, there is still hope, purpose, and the possibility of restoration. Whether you’ve walked a similar path or love someone who has, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and strengthened.FOLLOW@onpointedancestudio@ cristinaeoconnell@alexisnandra@theshiftcreativeRESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! 

Do you find it difficult to balance work and family life? Are you passionate about building your dreams AND investing in your marriage, relationships, and faith but doing it all seems... impossible?In this episode of Shift Happens, I sit down with renowned luxury interior designer Lindye Galloway—founder of Lindye Galloway Studio and LeMaé Home to discuss the reality of owning a successful business. Known for her elevated aesthetic and trend-setting designs featured in Architectural Digest, Forbes, and Restoration Hardware, Lindye opens up about the layers beneath the polished surface.We dive into the challenges of being a working mom—balancing ambition with motherhood, the guilt and sacrifice that come with striving to build something meaningful, and how those very sacrifices can shape children’s perception of strength, resilience, and purpose. Lindye shares how she hopes her kids see her not just as a mom, but as a woman who showed up fully in both business and life.We also explore the complexities of working alongside a spouse—navigating different personalities, communication styles, and the intentional work it takes to protect both the business and the marriage. And of course, we talk about the ever-evolving world of interior design—how to stay ahead of trends without losing your creative identity, and what it means to lead in a visually saturated industry.This conversation is a beautiful blend of business, family and the permission to define success on your own terms.FOLLOW:Lindye GallowayLe Mae @alexisnandra@theshiftcreativeRESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals!  

Are you in a season of waiting? Have you struggled with waiting on God's timing especially when it comes to romantic relationships?In this thought-provoking episode of Shift Happens, I sit down with my dear friend Beatrice to explore her story of faith, culture, and courage. She opens up about the cultural expectations she faced around dating and relationships as a Romanian—and why she chose a different path. We dive into what it means to trust God with your love life, especially when His timing doesn’t match yours, and how she holds onto hope while waiting for the right person.Beatrice also shares the inspiration behind starting her own podcast, what she’s learned through heartbreak, and how her experiences have shaped her views on identity, purpose, and pivoting in both life and work. This episode is full of raw honesty, wisdom, and encouragement for anyone navigating the tension between cultural norms and personal convictions.Whether you’re single, in a season of waiting, or needing a reminder that God’s plan is worth trusting, this conversation will speak to your heart.FOLLOW:@letstalkrelationships_@alexisnandra@theshiftcreativeRESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals!  

From surviving a childhood filled with trauma, neglect, and emotional abandonment, to stepping into foster care only to find more instability and heartbreak—Dr. Danisha Keating’s story is one of unrelenting resilience. She was living in a small apartment, raising her siblings, juggling multiple jobs, and barely surviving. But survival wasn't her final destination.In this powerful episode, Danisha shares how the system meant to protect her ultimately failed her—and how she used her voice, her pain, and her story to rewrite her future. Now holding a Ph.D., she speaks boldly about the foster care crisis, generational trauma, and the power of storytelling to transform not just her life, but the lives of others.This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt voiceless, forgotten, or like their past defined their future. Her story will shake you, inspire you, and leave you asking: What story am I not telling that could set me free?HIGHLIGHTS- The power of manipulation to make you believe you are the problem as a child- The impact of a chaotic home life and abuse - Foster care and the system that's supposed to help- Surviving life and raising siblings as a young adult - From Survival to Ph.D; a true testament to using your pain for purpose - Learn the power of being a voice for those who feel voiceless - Why storytelling is a superpower RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so I can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! FOLLOW@drdanishakeating@alexisnandra@shifthappensthepod 

Have you ever walked alongside a loved one battling a terminal illness? Have you faced the unbearable grief of losing someone close to you? Or maybe you’re trying to figure out how to keep moving forward—finding joy, building a business, and truly living—even in the midst of deep sorrow. In this episode, I sit down with Jesi Haack to talk about the raw realities of grief, from navigating the diagnosis of a loved one to coping with their passing. We dive into what it means to live life to the fullest—not just after grief, but during it. Professionally, Jesi shares the lessons she’s learned as a creative turned business owner, and what it’s like to build something alongside a friend. We also discuss the role of a supportive spouse and why having the right people around you can make all the difference. Follow@jesihaackdesign@slaackproductions@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod

Can you really be a Christian in Hollywood? What if you thought you married for all the wrong reasons? How does a marriage survive when both people have different goals?I sit down with actress, model, and devoted follower of Jesus, Michelle McCoy, to dive into her incredible story of faith, healing, and perseverance. Michelle opens up about her upbringing, her journey in the entertainment industry as a Christian, and navigating social media while staying true to her beliefs. But perhaps the most vulnerable part of our conversation is when Michelle shares her harrowing experience of suffering a facial burn from a tabletop fire accident- an event that tested her confidence and faith in ways she never expected. As a fellow burn survivor, I deeply relate to her emotions, and together, we unpack the mental, emotional, and spiritual healing process that comes with trauma.Michelle’s story is one of unshakable faith, resilience, and using pain as a platform for purpose. Whether you’re facing your own battles or searching for inspiration, this episode will leave you with a renewed perspective on overcoming adversity and trusting God in the midst of trials.FOLLOW@Michellekimmccoy@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! 

Do you have a story that you know should be shared, but have kept it hidden?  Do you struggle with wanting to be known, but parts of your story hold you back from being fully YOU? This mini-shift explores what it means to have the responsibility of using your story and the weight you feel when you stay silent! I go over 4 ways to powerfully own your story so you can be released from strongholds of shame, begin to heal, be seen for who you are, and ultimately be a catalyst for others to share their own story! Share your story with someone today, because your story may just change someone else's. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe so you don't miss another story of impact! FOLLOW ME:@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepodRESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! 

Have you struggled with the way you look - whether it's your weight, your skin, or overall confidence? Do you feel the tension between your faith and instant gratification? Maybe, you are building a business and struggle to show the REAL you... because 'who would care anyway'... If you are looking for encouragement to stay strong in your faith and grow in your confidence, this conversation is for you!  HIGHLIGHTSIn this episode of Shift Happens, Dani Bailor gets real about her journey of trusting God, embracing her body through different seasons, and using her authenticity to scale her business. She shares the challenges of sharing openly on socials, but how vulnerability is the key to real transformation. We discuss cultural norms when it comes to sex and her choice and biblical view to wait until marriage.  FOLLOW@dannnicakes@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! 

Debt. Uncertainty. And Desperate to go from struggling to thriving -  I sit down with web designer and entrepreneur Becca Luna,  where her story starts being raised on a hippie commune, dropping out of high school, and eventually in debt. Yet, instead of staying stuck in a life she didn't want, she bet on herself, learning web design from scratch and creating Website in a Day - a genius offer that turned her new skillsets into a thriving business. Determined to rewrite her story, she has scaled her business to over the million dollar mark under the age of 30! She is proof that you can turn 1 idea into a million dollar one!  HIGHLIGHTSHow while your upbringing does play a huge factor in the way we see the world and relationships; we get to choose our own pathBeing a team and ways to navigate conflict with your partner (especially if you work closely with them)Doing the hard work after your initial business ideaLeveraging social media to grow your businessOvercoming self-limiting beliefs and the importance of doing the inner workUsing your story IS what will bring you SUCCESS FOLLOW @iambeccaluna@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepod RESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! 

What if your childhood struggles were also the key to your growth and success? In this episode, I sit down with Jeni Castro—founder of the popular Orange County cafe - Coffee Dose - to talk about the challenges that shaped her -from her parents divorce and strained relationships to healing after loss. If you’ve ever struggled with family dynamics and grief, or you've used humor to cope and build a successful biz -this conversation will speak to you. Plus, we take a moment to reflect—what would your younger self say to you if you met them today?HIGHLIGHTS(10:12) – Have you experienced divorce—whether your own or your parents’? It can change your perspective on marriage greatly!  Hear Jeni share how it has it shaped her view on love, family, and herself. (16:15) – The unspoken pressure of a mother’s role—have you ever felt it? Listen, as Jeni details her dads expectations on her and her mother, and realizations she had about their relationship as she got older. (21:39) – Divorce happens and new relationships form. What happens when the step parent is the stereotypical kind - void of love and warmth? Plus, the striving for parental approval in our successes.  (26:53) – Grief over losing a parent, traumatic death experience, and doing the inner work to heal.  (55:18) – Imagine you meet your younger self - what would they say to you? Jeni takes us in to what her younger self would say.  RESOURCES REVIEW this episode and 3 winners will get a FREE drink at Coffee Dose! @jenilovesoscar@coffeedosecafe@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative 

Feeling hopeless? Battling infertility? Grieving the death of a loved one? This episode is for you.  Maybe you've wondered if you could ever overcome repeated heartache and still make something of yourself. This episode serves as a reminder that you can turn stories of struggle into stories of strength. I sit down with Christina Smallwood - celebrity hairstylist turned top earner for Monat - as she shares deep trials from losing her father, battling infertility, and navigating the adoption of her daughter -who was born prematurely with a brain injury- within months of each other!  Through it all, she’s become a beacon of hope, showing women that no matter what they’ve been through, they can rise, thrive, and create a life they love.This episode will leave you feeling inspired and reinforcing your belief in miracles. HIGHLIGHTS7:20 Making the decision to pivot from a successful business to an unconventional one. We ask the question,  "who are we really apart from our work?"14:00 Hone in on the power of vulnerability to connect with people 15:30 Navigating heart break after heart break; Infertility and then losing her dad unexpectedly19:12 Adoption, trauma, and how you can hold on despite circumstances that are unfair 23:00 Special needs family and the unity it brings, plus what day to day life looks like. 29:00 The destructive hold and power drinking can have over your life and how being sober provides freedom. 37:15 Hope anchors us to keep going. You are not alone.  FOLLOW@ChristinaSmallwood@AlexisNandra@theshiftcreative  RESOURCES Are you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals!  

In this episode of Shift Happens, Lori Harder shares her incredible journey of transformation, resilience, and reinvention. From growing up in a restrictive religious environment to struggling with body image, and then rising to success in multiple industries, Lori has faced and overcome countless challenges. She opens up about rebuilding her life and business, navigating the fears that come with major life pivots, and embracing a season of uncertainty. This conversation is raw, inspiring, and a testament to the power of resilience. HIGHLIGHTS1:54 - Life in a restrictive religion and the decision to walk away12:20 - Negative body image and how her childhood impacted Lori's fitness goals 18:40 - Lori and her husband have to grapple with rebuilding after severe financial loss31:00 - How Lori became a  millionaire after being in a lot of debt45:29 - Lori gives insight to how her and her husband manage conflict in their marriageRESOURCESUse code "HAPPY" for 25% off Gloci Leave a review and 2 people will receive a FREE box of Gloci!FOLLOW@loriharder@getgloci @alexisnandra@theshiftcreative  

HIGHLIGHTS8:28 A devastating phone call leaves alexis stunned. She brings us into a loss that made her question everything.12:14 Alexis describes feeling a tension between not fitting into her new Christian circle or fitting in with her old friends.17:27 She explains her counseling background and the start of the shift creative, her creative studio.21:30 Alexis explains the battle between being a creative and a business owner and boss!25:20 Alexis relives her most HUMILIATING moment in her business.36:09 Divorce, gossip, isolation and shame.44:54 “church hurt” and alexis’s take on it.47:40 co parenting and the rollercoaster it can be PLUS dating after divorce.FOLLOW ME:@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepodRESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals! 

HIGHLIGHTS1:08 Alexis explains the why behind the podcast. She details how she wanted to turn her pain into purpose2:30 Alexis shares a life altering experience that forever changed her life.7:13 How Alexis coped emotionally after her accident and realizing she was different.10:50 Seeking love and affection from her step mom and the eventual end of the toxic parental relationship.13:39 Breast cancer taking her biological mom and seeking a motherly figure.19:46 Alexis decided to rebel; filling the void she felt with drugs and drinking.25:53 Alexis takes us  into her faith journey and how it changed everything  Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe so you don't miss another story of impact! FOLLOW ME:@alexisnandra@theshiftcreative@shifthappensthepodRESOURCESAre you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals!