In this episode of Notable Peeps, Steph talks with Carolina Sotomayor about moving through grief and finding a new way forward. Carolina shares the cascade of losses that followed her father’s death and how that season led to a spiritual awakening, infertility struggles, and an unexpected path to healing through Reiki. She opens up about the realities of complicated pregnancy and birth, processing trauma, and learning to set boundaries around grief. Together they explore the shift from people-pleasing to living in alignment, why upgrades to our lives (and homes) don’t replace inner work, and practical ways to create space for feeling, recovering, and belonging. It’s an honest conversation about resilience, rebuilding identity, and believing in the impossible—one grounded step at a time.Contact Carolina: https://carolinasotomayor.com/
Some stories carry both heartbreak and healing. In this heartfelt episode of Notable Peeps, Angie Castor shares how a season of unimaginable loss facing cancer, divorce, the death of her oldest son, and the loss of her home and job completely changed the course of her life. For years, she stayed strong and pushed forward, rebuilding from the outside but never truly healing within. It wasn’t until much later, through an unexpected moment on an airplane reading a book about signs from loved ones, that she began to open her heart to spirituality and healing. That moment led her to explore breathwork, dream interpretation, and foot zoning each step helping her reconnect to her body, her intuition, and her purpose. Today, through Blissed Out Heart, Angie helps others heal and rediscover themselves through holistic practices that blend breathwork, energy work, and spiritual connection.
Learn more about Angie’s work at: www.blissedoutheart.com
Instagram: @angie.castor
Website: http://www.blissedoutheart.com
Have you ever dreamed of selling everything you own and traveling the world? That’s exactly what Lauren Gabrielle Foster did. After losing nearly everythingher job, her home, and her sense of purposeshe rebuilt her life from a 250-square-foot apartment to a cabin in the Tennessee mountains. There, she spent ten years in solitude learning how to live with less and love herself more. Then one day, she sold it all again this time by choice and set out to explore the world with only a backpack and a half.
In this episode of Notable Peeps, Lauren shares what it’s really like to live as a modern nomad how she’s traveled to 10 countries, slept in 56 beds, and funded her journey through pet sitting. She opens up about the lessons she’s learned on self-worth, fear, and freedom and how learning to be at peace alone changes every relationship in your life.
Learn More About Lauren: https://myeverydaymagic.substack.com/
When life doesn’t go as planned, how do you keep believing in the impossible? In this powerful episode of Notable Peeps, guest Evelyn LeVasseur shares how she rebuilt her sense of self after heartbreak, loss, and reinvention. From battling infertility to breaking free from the grip of diet culture, Evelyn opens up about how curiosity, compassion, and small daily choices helped her rediscover who she truly is and how she now helps other women do the same.
This conversation is a reminder that identity isn’t fixed it evolves. Whether you’re rebuilding after loss, redefining success, or learning to be kinder to yourself, this episode will meet you right where you are.
Learn more about Evelyn LeVasseur: https://www.evelynlevasseur.com/about
What does it really take to believe in the impossible? In this episode of Notable Peeps, Steph sits down with Jen VanEngelenhoven, a marriage and family therapist who spent 15 years helping individuals and couples strengthen their relationships. Jen opens up about her unlikely path from growing up in rural Missouri where college wasn’t even a thought to earning advanced degrees and building a career that impacted countless families.
She shares the powerful “house analogy” that reshapes how we think about friendships and dating, why conflict is actually a sign of a healthy relationship, and how her faith has helped her push through trials with patience and purpose. And now, after years of guiding others, Jen is pivoting into a new season of her own life exploring a passion for data analytics and research, proving that reinvention is always possible.
Ever wondered how a simple change can transform your life? Join Steph on the Notable Peeps podcast as she chats with Suzanne about her journey to health and consistency. Discover how Suzanne turned her sporadic exercise habits into a steadfast routine with the help of Peloton, and how this change has positively impacted her mental and physical well-being, career, and family life. This episode delves into the power of small, consistent actions and the importance of investing time in oneself.
Connect with Suzanne: ttps://www.instagram.com/suzanne_realtor/?hl=en
Episode on Pod Savvy Guide: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3hw9zaavHoqBf6V9OIMMXk?si=0WXe7LZ2S7SmOp-Oxax6Ew
Step into a world of empowerment with Daryl Dudley, the visionary behind "She's My Daughter." Discover how one man's mission to combat violence against women is transforming communities and inspiring men to become heroes in their own homes. From heartfelt stories of fatherhood to the revolutionary Freedom Anthem project, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about making a difference. Tune in and be inspired to take action!
More Information: http://www.shesmydaughter.com/
In this heartfelt episode of the Notable Peeps podcast, host Steph sits down with Melissa Hunt to explore the transformative power of personal development and elder care. Melissa shares her journey from feeling isolated to creating a nurturing environment for seniors, emphasizing the importance of love, care, and community. Discover how Melissa's innovative approach to elder care is reshaping lives and offering a dignified, joyful experience for the elderly. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about making a difference and believing in the impossible.
Learn More: https://eldercaresolutionsgroup.com/melissa-bio-old/
In this episode of Notable Peeps, Richard D. Waldman shares the life lessons that shaped his approach to inner peace and resilience. From a high school gymnastics coach who asked him two simple but life-changing questions, to decades of work in education, coaching, and personal growth, Richard has developed what he calls the Order to Life a clear, visual framework designed to help us move past judgment and into awareness, presence, and conscious choice.
Richard explains how the constant “chatter” in our heads often drags us into past regrets or future fears, keeping us from living fully in the present. He shows why judgment is the root of negativity, how ego needs keep us stuck, and why awareness is the first step toward change.
What happens when you pray, “Thy will be done” and everything in your life turns upside down? In this conversation, Sarah Clark opens up about her journey from living the “dream life” in Washington D.C. working in politics, traveling constantly, and climbing the career ladder to realizing that success on paper left her lonely, unhealthy, and unfulfilled.
She shares how a single prayer asking God to redirect her path changed everything: losing her job, breaking her lease, moving back to Utah, and rediscovering what truly matters. From rebuilding her life in her mom’s basement, starting over in her career, and launching a bold TikTok presence, Sarah’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the courage to trust God when life unravels.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed by your job, or unsure whether you’re on the right path, Sarah’s journey will remind you that sometimes losing everything is the start of gaining what matters most.
Connect with Sarah:
In this episode, Steph sits down with Gonzalo Peña to explore his remarkable journey from Venezuela to becoming a passionate advocate for humanitarian work and creativity. Gonzalo shares how witnessing international aid efforts in his home country inspired his commitment to making a positive impact. Through his bilingual podcast, he fosters innovation and cultural exchange, bringing stories of resilience and leadership to light. Join us as Gonzalo discusses the importance of empathy, unity, and how each of us can contribute to a more compassionate world.
Connect with Gonzalo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalopena/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3obHG0Ybr0HsPXPh7waRIY
In the world of dating, it can often feel impossible to find the right person. The journey is filled with ups and downs, and sometimes it seems like the perfect match is just out of reach. But you're not alone in this quest. Meet Edgar Eriakha, a broadcaster and storyteller who shares his own dating experiences on his podcast. Connect with Edgar:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edgar.eriakha/?hl=en Website: https://checkedgar.com/ Podcast: https://checkedgar.com/podcasts
In this incredibly heartfelt episode, Amy Atkinson opens up about navigating the impossible—the loss of her daughter Delaney to a rare genetic disease called Danon Disease. Amy shares what it was like to juggle being a real estate agent, caregiver, and advocate, all while raising three kids and fighting for her daughter's care. From the devastating day Delaney had a stroke at just 11 years old to the whirlwind of hospital visits, advocacy efforts, and founding a national nonprofit—this conversation is both emotional and inspiring.
Steph and Amy talk candidly about grief, healing, and how the memory of Delaney continues to fuel a mission to educate others and create systemic change around rare diseases and genetic testing. You’ll also hear stories about Delaney’s fearless personality, her cookie-selling charm, her love of theater, and how she inspired everyone around her.
Topics Covered:
What Danon Disease is and why genetic testing is essential
The emotional journey of losing a child after a transplant
How grief transformed Amy’s life and led to the creation of the Danon Foundation
Advocating for policy change around insurance and genetic testing
Delaney’s personality and impact on others, from real estate open houses to singing at hospitals
The healing power of support groups and community
Advice for those in the thick of grief or facing their own impossible moment
Resources Mentioned:
Danon Foundation: http://www.danonfoundation.org/
Bradley Center: http://www.bradleycentergrief.org/ Local grief support for children and families
Intermountain Healing Hearts: http://ihhearts.org/ Parent-led support network for children with heart conditions
Comfort Zone Camp: http://comfortzonecamp.org/ A camp for kids navigating grief and loss
Amy Atkinson Real Estate: http://www.amyatkinsonrealestate.com/ Amy’s real estate business rooted in compassion and community
In this powerful and raw episode, Laura Richards opens up about her divorce after 33 years of marriage and the unexpected journey that followed. What started as a separation for irreconcilable differences turned into an emotional uncovering of narcissistic abuse, betrayal, and manipulation that had quietly shaped her life for decades.
Now a coach, author, and podcast host, Laura helps women recognize and recover from narcissistic abuse, especially when it hides behind the mask of “a nice guy.” She shares what covert narcissism looks like, how to begin healing after leaving a toxic relationship, and why journaling, community, and boundaries changed everything for her.
Topics Covered:
The difference between covert and overt narcissism
How to spot red flags and manipulative patterns in relationships
Why the label doesn’t matter—your mental health does
Healing through journaling, therapy, community, and curiosity
Setting and enforcing healthy boundaries
Rebuilding your identity after narcissistic abuse
Finding joy and power in life after divorce
Laura’s Book:
"Married to a Nice Guy: Getting Over Narcissistic Abuse"
Read Laura’s story, journal entries, and healing insights in her powerful memoir.
Available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Married-Nice-Guy-Getting-Narcissistic/dp/B0D73PT1GB
Where to Find Laura:
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/laurarichpod/
Listen to her podcast: http://podfollow.com/thats-where-im-at/view
This episode of Notable Peeps, highlights Melissa Winger—an author, speaker, and nationally recognized patient experience advocate whose story is rooted in deep personal experience.
Melissa became a mom at just 18 years old. Her son was born with a rare, unnamed chromosome disorder that affects every organ system in his body. He’s nonverbal, has undergone more than 100 surgeries, and lives with complex medical needs—including a feeding tube, brain aneurysms, and severe developmental disabilities. And yet, every day, he wakes up, puts on a costume, and finds joy in music, movement, and Sesame Street.
In the early years, Melissa was often dismissed by the medical system due to her age. She was sent home from the hospital with a newborn in critical condition and told he would "figure it out." After countless ER visits and being repeatedly ignored, it was only through the intervention of a mentor that her son finally received a proper diagnosis and urgent care.
Since then, Melissa has turned her lived experience into a mission—working on national boards, developing tools now used by EMS teams across all 50 states, and authoring a book to spark awareness and change. Her story is about more than survival; it’s about stepping up to improve the system for the next family.
In this episode, we talk about:
What it was like to become a parent while still a teenager—and how that shaped Melissa’s advocacy
The national tool she helped develop that’s now used in EMS to better communicate with patients with disabilities or language barriers
The heartbreaking but empowering decision to transition her son into a group home—and how he surprised her with his independence
Why she wrote Who Cares: A Real Look at Patient Experience during the pandemic
The gaps she sees in long-term care and why we still don’t talk enough about how people with disabilities were treated during COVID
Melissa shares how years of navigating the system gave her a voice—and how advocacy turned pain into purpose. “You can't complain about it if you're not willing to step up and do something about it,” she says. And step up, she has.
Connect with Melissa:
On this episode of Notable Peeps, Jerilyn Brunson shares her extraordinary story of resilience, faith, and determination. In 2024, just five days after finalizing her divorce, Jerilyn was diagnosed with breast cancer and learned she would need a double mastectomy. As a single mother with young children and no job, her future felt uncertain, but her response to these challenges is nothing short of inspiring. Jerilyn’s Story:
Jerilyn’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, she leaned into her faith, built a supportive community, and discovered new opportunities amidst the chaos. From organizing a fundraiser that brought her community together to building a business that supports her family, Jerilyn turned adversity into opportunity through action and hope.
She reflects on the financial worries that once consumed her and how asking for help became a turning point. Miracles happened—unexpected checks arrived, friends stepped up, and support poured in. Jerilyn emphasizes that moving forward, even when life feels impossible, creates momentum that leads to solutions.
Key Takeaways:
Connect with Jerilyn:
Tune In:
Listen to Jerilyn’s incredible journey and be inspired to face life’s challenges with courage and determination. This episode is a powerful reminder that, no matter how dark the moment, there is always hope and a path forward.
Don’t miss this moving and empowering conversation on Notable Peeps!
Are you feeling stuck or held back by societal expectations? In this inspiring episode of Notable Peeps, Steph sits down with Emily Cheney, a life coach dedicated to helping women transform their lives. Emily shares her personal journey from feeling limited by external pressures to discovering her true potential through coaching.
This conversation dives into themes of self-worth, overcoming perfectionism, and the power of shifting your mindset. Emily explains how coaching differs from therapy by focusing on future possibilities rather than past traumas. Whether you’re looking to take your first steps toward personal growth or seeking inspiration to keep going, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice.
Key Takeaways:
About Emily Cheney:
Emily Cheney is a life coach passionate about empowering women to live authentically and build confidence. Her coaching focuses on helping clients uncover their potential, shift their mindset, and take meaningful action toward their goals.
Learn More and Connect:
On this episode of Notable Peeps, Steph and Kayla Shoell share a heartfelt conversation with Kayla's grandmother, Sheila Lorraine Stangy—affectionately known as “Mama.” Mama opens up about her remarkable journey of losing her hearing completely in 2023 and the life-changing moment she regained it through cochlear implants.
From the silence of total hearing loss to the emotional experience of hearing again, Mama reflects on the blessings, miracles, and faith that carried her through. She shares the challenges of living without sound, the support she received from her family, and how technology transformed her life. With wisdom and grace, Mama reminds us of the beauty in everyday sounds and the power of gratitude.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Mama’s Journey
03:05 - The Miracle of Hearing Loss and Recovery
05:53 - Navigating Life with Hearing Loss
09:04 - Cochlear Implants: The Path to Hearing Again
11:54 - Blessings and Miracles During Surgery
15:02 - The First Sounds: A New Experience
17:51 - Adjusting to Cochlear Implants
20:47 - Reflections on Hearing and Life
23:50 - Everyday Miracles and Gratitude
26:12 - The Impact of Hearing on Daily Life
28:47 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement
42:31 - Notable Peeps YouTube Ending
Mama’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and gratitude, inspiring us to find joy in life’s simplest yet most profound gifts.
In this heartfelt episode, Steph reconnects with her friend, Matthew Webster, to dive into his inspiring journey of resilience, faith, and self-discovery. From health struggles and divorce to finding a deeper connection with Christ, Matthew shares the moments that have shaped him and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Together, they explore the importance of living authentically, embracing gratitude, and creating a personal relationship with the Savior.
Through open and vulnerable conversation, Matthew discusses how rejection can sometimes be God’s protection, the power of compassion, and how art has helped him connect more deeply to his faith. This episode is a reminder to find gratitude in every moment and build a strong foundation of faith.
Topics Covered:
Memorable Quotes:
In this engaging conversation, Kimberly Erni shares her journey of finding joy amidst life's challenges, including her experiences in a male-dominated software engineering field, the importance of community and understanding, and the struggles of comparison. She emphasizes the need for grace, both for oneself and others and reflects on how her younger self would view her current life. The discussion highlights the significance of personal growth, faith, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.
Takeaways