
Have you ever felt like you were "shrinking to fit" into a life that was just too small for you?In this episode, I’m sitting down with Dr. Darby Bonomi, a licensed psychologist and lifelong equestrian who has created a "trail map" for women ready to claim their space.We aren't just talking about career moves; we’re talking about the "silent rules" that keep us quiet and the four-letter word "just" that acts as an invitation to self-betrayal. Whether you are a teenager navigating high school or a professional in a major life transition, this episode is a reminder that your ambition truly is your compass.The Threads We Follow:Movement as Medicine: Why "saddling up" even when you're scared is the only way to find your center.The Perfectionism Paradox: When the drive that made you successful starts to become the curse that keeps you isolated.The "Just" Trap: How we diminish our own worth through the language we use every day.Mistakes as Data: Learning to see a "fall" in life the same way an equestrian sees a "fall" in the saddle as a lesson for the next ride.Intergenerational Enoughness: The one truth every woman, from 16 to 60, needs to hear about her own power.Radical Takeaways:"Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.""A mistake is just a data point. It’s not a sign of failure; it’s a lesson for the next step."Connect with Dr. Darby BonomiThe Book:UnshrinkableWebsite: darbybonomi.comInstagram: @drdarbybonomi
May 5
41 min

Does your home serve your life, or are you serving your home? In this expansive conversation, Jennifer sits down with nationally recognized Realtor and author Kim Costa to deconstruct the emotional and psychological foundations of where we live.Moving beyond the standard real estate checklist, Kim introduces The Wheelhouse Method™, a pioneering framework that aligns your physical environment with your truest self. Together, they explore how our homes act as the literal "containers" for our lives and discuss the profound realization that our "stuckness" in a space is often tied to deeper patterns of invalidation.Key Topics:The Nervous System of a Home: Understanding how layout and environment can either soothe or trigger your internal state.Internal vs. House Anxiety: Distinguishing between the stress we carry and the stress our space creates.The Chapter 12 Breakthrough: A vulnerable look at how past invalidation prevents us from planting roots and trusting our own needs.Needs vs. Wants: Why "Bougie is wonderful," but not if it costs you your freedom and connection.The 4M Foundation: Kim’s blueprint for using your home as a launchpad for purpose, peace, and potential. Resources & ConnectionsPre-Order the Book: Live in Your Wheel House, an empowering guide to Stay, Go, or Reno.The Lifestyle Lift: Lifestyle Foundations Official Website. Take the assessment and download Kim’s free workbook.Watch Kim: American Dream TV, inspiring stories of home and lifestyle transformation.Follow the Journey: @kim.e.costa on Instagram. Daily tips on aligning your home with your life.
Apr 23
29 min

In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Paul Buckley, a former biotech executive turned education innovator, to discuss a radical shift in how we staff early childhood education. Moving away from predatory and inefficient traditional models, Paul shares how his platform, Ratio Staffing, uses transparency and technology to empower educators and schools alike.Together, they explore the systemic undervaluation of preschool teachers and how process improvements borrowed from the biotech world can reduce burnout, restore teacher agency, and ultimately create better outcomes for our youngest learners.Key ConversationsFrom Biotech to the Classroom: Why Paul transitioned sectors and how "process excellence" can be a tool for empathy and support in schools.Breaking the Traditional Model: Identifying the flaws in predatory staffing agencies and how they contribute to teacher turnover.The Power of Agency: How direct connection and profile-based recruitment give educators and schools more control over their partnerships.Valuing Early Childhood Education: Addressing the societal gap in how we view the importance of early educators and the long-term impact of that neglect.Community & Enrichment: The role of specialized activities in fostering engagement and building stronger school communities.Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: The systemic challenges facing early childhood educators.02:00 – Paul’s journey: Bringing biotech efficiency to the education sector.04:00 – Analyzing the shortcomings of current job platforms and agencies.08:00 – Combatting predatory staffing models with a mission-driven approach.10:00 – Building for teachers: Why profit shouldn't be the primary driver in placement.14:00 – How the platform works: Direct connections and teacher-first profiles.18:00 – Reform over Band-Aids: Addressing the teacher shortage at its root.22:00 – A cultural shift: Prioritizing teacher well-being as a societal necessity.26:00 – Rapid Fire: Lessons from biotech, essential skills, and the future of schooling.Resources & LinksExplore the Platform: Ratio StaffingRecommended Reading: The Heart of Learning and Teaching by Rose & GriffithConnect with Paul: LinkedIn | Contact Form
Mar 16
32 min

If you're in your 30s or 40s and wondering why you don't feel like yourself lately, this conversation is for you. Audrey Zona (@zo_healthy) joins me to break down the reality of perimenopause and how to navigate this transition with confidence, clarity, and the support you deserveIn this enlightening episode, Jennifer and Audrey Zona get into the complexities of menopause, discussing its stages, symptoms, and the importance of nutrition and exercise. They emphasize the need for open communication about menopause, both among women and with their families, and explore the psychological impacts of hormonal changes. Audrey shares practical tips for managing symptoms through diet, exercise, and potential hormone replacement therapy, while also addressing the social aspects of enjoying life during this transition. The conversation ultimately highlights menopause as a new beginning, filled with empowerment and self-discovery.Chapters00:00 Understanding Menopause: A Masterclass Introduction00:51 Audrey Zou's Journey: From Personal Struggles to Coaching05:45 The Challenges Women Face: Diet Culture and Deprivation10:40 Menopause Explained: Stages and Symptoms15:23 Navigating Hormonal Changes: Diet and Exercise Adjustments20:09 Hormone Replacement Therapy: Pros and Cons28:03 Libido and Sexual Health: Addressing Changes34:24 Mental Health and Nutrition: The Mind-Body Connection38:17 Alcohol and Menopause: Finding Balance47:50 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and TipsMeet Audrey Zona (@zo_healthy) Audrey is a weight loss and menopause coach on a mission to normalize the "taboo" conversations around women's health. With her background as a certified coach from the Institute for the Psychology of Eating and a national spokesperson for Prolon®, she provides women with a personalized roadmap to navigate perimenopause without the overwhelm. She specializes in helping women beat the brain fog and "meno-middle" through mindset, nutrition, and radical transparency.Links to Include:Instagram: @zo_healthyWebsite: livezohealthy.comWork with Audrey: The Zo Program
Feb 12
54 min

In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Verushka del Rio, the visionary founder of Zentuary Healing Center. Verushka opens up about her personal battle with panic attacks and the transformative journey that led her to build a sanctuary for others to find their own path to peace.Together, they dive deep into the "science and soul" of wellness, exploring how modalities like Hypnosis, NLP, and Spinal Energetics can rewire the nervous system. Whether you are a dedicated healing practitioner or someone searching for a way out of survival mode, this conversation offers a profound look at the power of community and the essential safety required to truly heal.Support for Today’s EpisodeThis episode of Unscripted 2.0 is brought to you by Shaklee.If you’ve been listening to our conversation about nervous system regulation and are looking for a little extra support to find your calm, you have to try Shaklee’s Cheer Up & Chill Out Strawberry Gummies. They are the perfect companion for those days when you need to take the edge off and support a positive mood naturally. Shop Cheer Up & Chill Out Here In This Conversation, We Explore:The Catalyst for Change: Verushka shares her raw journey through panic attacks and how hitting rock bottom became the foundation for Zentuary.The Pillars of Healing: Why community and psychological safety aren’t just "nice-to-haves"—they are the requirements for deep emotional work.Demystifying Subconscious Modalities: A breakdown of how Hypnosis and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) shift your internal narratives.Spinal Energetics: An introduction to this powerful modality that helps release stored tension and trauma from the body.The Power of the Breath: Why breathwork remains one of the most accessible and immediate tools for nervous system regulation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Healing and Wellness02:38 Verushka's Healing Journey05:50 Understanding Hypnosis and Its Benefits08:37 The Power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)11:20 Exploring Spinal Energetics17:18 Community and Safety in Healing Spaces22:53 Holotropic Breathwork Experience28:27 Upcoming Events and Future PlansMemorable Quotes"Healing doesn't happen in isolation; it happens when we feel safe enough to be seen by our community." — Verushka del RioWhat You’ll Learn:How to identify the "safety triggers" your body needs to begin a genuine healing journey.The key differences between traditional talk therapy and subconscious modalities like NLP.Practical tips for using breathwork to anchor yourself during moments of high anxiety.Exclusive details on our upcoming collaborative event!Special Event Alert: "Beyond Yesterday"Join Jennifer and Verushka, in partnership with the Clean Life Collective, for a transformative in-person experience designed to help you release the past and step into your power.When: January 15th, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMWhere: Fort Lee, N.J.Register Here: Beyond Yesterday TicketsConnect with Our GuestVerushka Del Rio | Founder of Zentuary Healing Center, Fort Lee N.J.Website: zentuary.coInstagram: @zentuaryhealingcenter & @veruska_hypnosis
Jan 12
43 min

In this conversation, Jennifer and Julie Kohn, founder of C3, explore the intersection of corporate excellence and parenting challenges. Julie shares her journey from a successful career at Google to becoming a certified parent coach, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset, active listening, and the need for connection in family dynamics. They discuss misconceptions about sales, the evolution of training strategies, and the significance of empathy and respect in parenting. Julie highlights her coaching practice, C3, and the transformative impact it aims to have on families, ultimately fostering a more enjoyable parenting experienceChapters00:00 From Google to Parenting: A Journey Begins13:27 The Aha Moment: Connecting Corporate Skills to Parenting28:01 Taking the Leap: Leaving Google for Coaching29:30 The Birth of C3: Connection, Coaching, and Consulting32:13 Empowering Families: Collaboration Over Control36:00 Respect and Empathy: Keys to Parenting and Leadership39:55 Transforming Parenting: The Role of Coaching42:51 Mindset Shifts: Viewing Family as a Team48:57 Navigating Parenting Challenges: Embracing Imperfection52:11 Future of C3: Workshops and Community EngagementHow to connect with Julie:Website: C3connectioncoaching.comSchedule a Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/yourC3coachInstagram: @JulieKohnC3Register for 11/14/25workshop: www.bestatefit.com/nervoussystemresetFrom Chaos to Connection- A Parent's Nervous System Reset: This high-impact workshop teaches parents how to use their own regulated nervous system as the most powerful tool for ending conflict at home. If you are ready for small, tactical shifts that make a big difference, register for the November 14th session here: www.bestatefit.com/nervoussystemreset.
Nov 14, 2025
55 min

In this episode of Unscripted 2.0, host Jennifer welcomes Ashley Schwartz, a certified life transformation coach and creator of the Busy Mom Method. They discuss the unique challenges faced by busy moms, the importance of self-care, and practical strategies for time management and setting boundaries. Ashley shares her journey from personal trainer to life coach, emphasizing the need for a supportive community and accountability in achieving personal goals. The conversation highlights the significance of modeling healthy behaviors for children and the necessity of prioritizing self-care without guilt. Ashley also provides insights into effective delegation and the importance of saying no to maintain balance in life.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Busy Mom Method01:25 Ashley Schwartz's Journey to Coaching04:18 Defining Busy: The Unique Struggles of Moms05:52 What Sets the Busy Mom Method Apart08:32 Time Blocking and Prioritizing for Busy Moms11:38 Identifying and Protecting Non-Negotiables15:38 The Importance of Delegation in Family Life18:54 Buffer Time: Finding Space in a Busy Schedule20:15 The Importance of Buffer Time22:49 Building Discipline and Accountability24:30 Modeling Behavior for Children28:44 Debunking Self-Care Myths32:09 Setting Boundaries Without Guilt34:48 Rapid Fire Fun QuestionsConnect with Ashley Schwartz:Website: thebusymommethod.com Non-Negotiable Living Podcast on Spotify YouTube: @thebusymommethod Instagram: @thebusymommethod Don't forget to subscribe to Unscripted 2.0 for more honest conversations on transformation and growth.
Oct 21, 2025
42 min

In this heartfelt and essential conversation, I welcome Erin Popolo as she shares her courageous journey of turning personal tragedy into powerful advocacy against bullying and cyberbullying. Following the devastating loss of her daughter, Emily, to suicide, Erin discusses the profound and dehumanizing impact of online harassment, the difficulties faced in seeking justice, and the urgent need for legislative action to protect children in the digital world.Listen as Erin discusses:The immediate aftermath and the realization of the role cyberbullying played.The challenges of navigating school responses and legal systems.The need for social media regulation, including the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).The power of community and the work of Emmy's Champions in promoting kindness and safety among youth.This episode is a call to action for parents, educators, and legislators to create a safer, kinder world for the next generation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Erin's Story and Mission02:34 The Impact of Bullying and Mental Health05:20 Experiencing Cyberbullying and School Response07:51 The Role of Social Media in Bullying10:27 The Dehumanizing Effect of Online Behavior13:05 Advocacy and Legislative Efforts15:55 The Dangers of Online Challenges18:23 The Need for Social Media Regulation21:14 The Kids Online Safety Act (COSA)23:43 Creating Safe Spaces for Children26:23 Emmy's Champions and Community Initiatives29:13 Looking to the Future and Final Thoughts Connect with Erin Popolo:Instagram: @eam4874Learn more about:Emmy's Champions: emmyschampions.com Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA): https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748Crisis Resources (If you or someone you know is struggling):988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Oct 1, 2025
47 min

In this episode of Unscripted 2.0, Jennifer welcomes Melissa McCarthy, co-founder of the Clean Life Collective, to discuss her journey from a successful career in skincare to the health and wellness industry. They explore the importance of community in wellness, the significance of clean products, and how to empower women through shared experiences. Melissa shares insights on integrating Shackley products into daily life and the impact of nutrition on overall health. The conversation emphasizes the need for connection, support, and education in the wellness journey, culminating in a discussion about upcoming events aimed at fostering community and wellness among women.What is the Clean Life Collective?The Clean Life Collective is a wellness community built on the belief that healthier lives start with connection. We bring together like-minded men, women, and children to learn, grow, and thrive — through education, movement, nutrition, and emotional support.Whether it’s a yoga class, a nutrition workshop, a kids' wellness event, or just gathering for a healthy smoothie and meaningful conversation — we believe wellness is better together.We proudly partner with Shaklee, a trusted wellness company with over 70 years of science-backed nutrition, and incorporate their clean products into everything we do.This is more than a program — it's a lifestyle, built around real community, real support, and real change. 00:00 Introduction to Wellness and Community02:52 Building the Clean Life Collective05:49 The Importance of Nutrition and Clean Products11:34 Creating Meaningful Connections17:15 Integrating Shackley into Daily Life22:51 Empowering Women Through Wellness Events28:08 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts Connect with Melissa McCarthy on Instagram: @the.clean.life.collective
Sep 4, 2025
34 min

Anthon X shares his journey as a musician, discussing his unique sound influenced by various genres, including rock and Latin music. He delves into his creative process, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges he faces regarding cultural identity. Anthon also reflects on personal experiences that shape his music, including the meaning behind his song 'Flores.' The discussion highlights the significance of safe spaces for creativity and the importance of growth and evolution as an artist. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Anthon's personality and aspirations
Aug 25, 2025
48 min
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