The Sock Drawer

What if the version of you who followed the “safe plan” ended up becoming the exact person brave enough to rewrite it?In this episode of The Sock Drawer Podcast, Lisa sits down with her friend Kat Kuchenbrod—a former COVID ICU nurse who walked away from the career everyone told her was “stable” and stepped into a completely new life as a sales leader, soon-to-be mom, and world traveler. From getting fired over a vaccine mandate while supporting her husband through chiropractic school, to cross-training in the psych ER, to discovering she was made for sales and leadership through a remote role at Pompa Program, Kat’s story is a masterclass in quiet courage.You’ll hear how Kat and her husband spent over a year traveling the U.S. and the UK through trusted house-sitting (yes, living in other people’s gorgeous homes and caring for their pets), why her definition of success now is “more relaxed,” and the Drawer Moment where she decided to let go of the belief that success has to be hard. She also shares a powerful Tiny Dare for anyone standing at the edge of change: pray about it as much as you think about it—and then move.If you’re feeling a nudge that something needs to shift, this conversation will remind you that you’re not behind—you’re just in the messy, beautiful middle.Today’s episode is brought to you by Project ICON. Helping leaders & founders share their story, build their brand, and find their voice.

He Didn’t Leave Education — He Rebuilt His Life: Jordan Hampton on Career Pivots, Burnout, and Why Investing Isn’t GamblingMost people don’t end up where they started - and for Jordan R. Hampton, that truth came through a series of intentional pivots.Jordan began his career as a high school math teacher and coach, evolved into an athletic director managing people, pressure, and large budgets, and eventually transitioned into financial planning, not to sell products, but to help people make thoughtful, long-term decisions about their lives.In this conversation, we talk about burnout, identity shifts, leadership, financial literacy, and the difference between gambling and investing. Jordan shares what finally pushed him to make a change, how his background in education shapes the way he works with clients today, and why clarity comes from action, not having everything figured out.

In this episode of The Sock Drawer Podcast, Lisa sits down with John Kennedy, CFP® and co-founder of CandorPath Financial, to talk about the weight so many of us quietly carry—responsibility, expectations, and the fear of not getting it “right” in the middle of life.John shares how he went from a curious college kid taking a personal finance class to starting his own firm, walking his mom through life after losing his dad, and slowly letting go of a deep scarcity mindset. Together, Lisa and John unpack imposter syndrome, decision fatigue, redefining success, and why peace looks a lot more like time and presence than cars and titles.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “behind,” or felt tired from holding everything together for too long, this conversation will give you language, perspective, and one simple tiny dare to try today.You’ll hear:How John’s personal story with loss, career risk, and starting CandorPath shaped the way he serves people nowLisa’s own honest story of starting a business during COVID, closing it three years later, and what that taught her about scarcity and enoughWhy success in this season has more to do with time, memories, and peace than stuff or status

What happens when the life you worked so hard to build no longer fits who you’re becoming?In this honest and deeply reflective episode of The Sock Drawer Podcast, host Lisa Begley sits down with McKensie Stanton — Founder of World Changers, leadership and transformation coach, wellness advocate, and host of the Nomad CEO Podcast — for a real conversation about growth, identity, and the courage to realign.McKensie shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path, from early experiences that awakened her global purpose to the quiet realizations that challenged her self-image and definition of success. Together, Lisa and McKensie explore how leadership isn’t about holding everything together — it’s about knowing when to pause, reassess, and choose what fits now.This episode touches on:Outgrowing success and redefining leadershipHealth as a foundation for sustainable impactThe power of travel and perspective in personal growthLetting go of external expectations and trusting your evolutionWhat it truly means to be a “world changer”If you’ve ever felt successful on the outside but restless on the inside, this conversation is for you.Take a breath. Listen in. And notice what might be ready to shift.🎙️ Guest: McKensie Stanton🌍 Learn more: worldchangers.me

What happens when you finally “catch the car” you’ve been chasing — and realize you don’t even know what it’s for?In this episode, Lisa sits down with Jeff Thomas, CEO & Founder of Arkos Global Advisors, who shares the moment that shifted his entire relationship with money: a $1,000,000 check handed to him at 31… and the uncomfortable truth it revealed. From there, Jeff breaks down what generosity really means (hint: it’s not just writing checks), why “keeping up” quietly steals joy, and how to build the daily mindset that keeps your life aligned with purpose.If you’re in a reinvention season — or you’ve ever wondered, “Is this all there is?” — this one will land.

Bruce Sampson has spent his life at the intersection of entertainment, education, and community impact—directing, producing, and teaching across the U.S. and around the world. In this conversation, Bruce shares how a single prison workshop in Europe sparked the idea that became Believe Performing Arts Experience, now a 501(c)(3) program that helps young people build confidence, connection, and courage through a “Believe Universe” built on trust and belonging. We also unpack what leaders in any industry can borrow from Bruce’s approach: creating safe space, building culture, knowing your audience, and helping people become who they already are.

What happens to your life’s work when you’re ready for a new chapter — but you’ve never planned what comes next?In this episode, I’m joined by Bradley Franc, creator of The Succession Solution and author of The Succession Solution: The Strategic Guide to Business Transition. Brad has spent over 35 years guiding founders and family businesses through the most emotional transition there is: letting go without losing what matters.We talk about why succession fails 85% of the time for reasons you can control, why the real breakdown isn’t taxes or legal paperwork — it’s communication and trust — and how to stop the fear spiral that keeps people stuck in “someday.”Brad also shares his practical planning rhythm (vision → 3 years → 1 year → 90 days), the mindset shift from leader to teacher, and his simple but powerful framework for succession: transferring Knowledge, Management, and Ownership (KMO).If you’re building something a business, a career, a family legacy, or a next chapter — this conversation will give you clarity and a way to start.

Most people don’t leave a job because they’re lazy or unmotivated. They leave because they’ve quietly outgrown a life that no longer fits.In this episode, I’m joined by Maggie Mistal—intuitive career and executive coach, former SiriusXM career talk show host, and author of Are You Ready to Love Your Job?—for one of those conversations that feels like both a deep exhale and a wake-up call.We talk about how to tell the difference between burnout and misalignment, why intuition isn’t “woo”—it’s a practical leadership tool—and how the career changes you’re scared to make don’t have to be reckless… they can be strategic, gradual, and still life-changing.If you’re in a season of uncertainty, this episode will meet you where you are—and give you a simple next step.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why career change often includes a very real “valley of despair”—and how to move through itThe truth about money and fear during reinvention (and how Maggie navigated a 35% pay cut in NYC)How intuition gets stronger the more you listenWhy your past was never wasted—it’s part of your credibilityThe Tiny Dare: a simple 7-day energy tracker that reveals your next right moveYou can find Maggie at maggiemistal.com and on LinkedIn + Instagram.

Have you ever stepped into a new season of life… only to realize your money story is still stuck in the old one?In this episode of The Sock Drawer Podcast, Lisa sits down with Marc Shaffer (CFP®, AIF®, EA) — a financial planner who doesn’t lead with spreadsheets… he leads with people.Marc shares why financial planning is often more about relationships, priorities, and “money scripts” than math — and why so many of us freeze when money gets loud during reinvention seasons.You’ll hear how to slow down and get clear on what freedom actually means to you, how to spot a scarcity mindset before it drives your decisions, and why “knowing where you stand” is the simplest first step toward peace.In this conversation, we cover:Why money is a tool — and relationships are the real driverThe #1 misconception people have about “getting finances in order”Scarcity vs. abundance mindset (and how it changes everything)Why couples often struggle with saving vs. livingA practical way to stop avoiding your numbers and feel steadier fastMarc’s “Tiny Dare” that strengthens relationships (and your future)Guest: Marc Shaffer — CFP®, AIF®, EA | CFO + Principal (Searcy/CRC Financial Services & Allos Investment Advisors) | Author of One For All

Have you ever watched someone on YouTube and thought, “I could do that… but where do I even start?”In this Sock Drawer Podcast episode, I sit down with Alexa Saarenoja, YouTube creator & coach who helps purpose-driven people turn their lived experience into a sustainable creator business.We talk about the part nobody admits out loud: the real gap isn’t talent — it’s permission. Alexa shares how she went from a sudden layoff and an identity reset (mom/wife/work-me disappearing overnight) to finding her voice, building community, and creating momentum on YouTube — without the “million dollars in 10 minutes” nonsense.You’ll learn:How to start when you feel late, overwhelmed, or afraid of being judgedWhy community matters more than most creators realizeHow to turn your story into value for the viewer (not just “talking about yourself”)A Tiny Dare you can do today to unlock your message and confidenceTiny Dare: Ask yourself, “What do I want to say if there were zero repercussions?” Journal it or record it — and start there.

If the words Wall Street, AI, or markets make you want to hide under a blanket, this conversation is for you.In this episode, Lisa sits down with Steven “BigBeat” Orr — Founder & CEO of Quasar Markets and one of fintech’s most recognizable voices — to strip the fear and hype out of money, markets, and AI. Steven shares how a live-on-air slip turned into a decades-long Wall Street nickname, why everyone is already an investor (even if you don’t own a single stock), and how AI can actually make finance more human and accessible instead of more confusing.You’ll hear real talk on noise vs. truth, gambling vs. investing, and the tiny, courageous steps that can completely rewrite your money story — no PhD required.

If you’ve been doing all the “right” things with your money—saving, contributing to your 401(k), staying afloat—yet still quietly wonder, “What if I run out of money when I retire?”…this episode is for you.In this Sock Drawer Podcast conversation, Lisa sits down with Derek Mazzarella, CFP®, author of Just Retire Already, to talk about the fears people rarely admit out loud: tax anxiety, stock plan confusion, information overload, and the emotional shift of life after work.Derek breaks down why taxes are one of the most underestimated retirement risks, how “whack-a-mole finances” keep people stuck, and why company stock can either trap you in a job you’ve outgrown—or give you the freedom to step into your next chapter with confidence.This isn’t a Wall Street lecture. It’s a kitchen-table conversation about clarity, confidence, and designing a life you’re excited to wake up to—one small, intentional step at a time.

What if “just surviving” isn’t the best you can feel — you’ve just never experienced a regulated nervous system?In this episode of The Sock Drawer Podcast, Lisa Begley sits down with Courtney Yarch, founder of Harmonic Egg & Wellness GR, to unpack the real-life turning point that took her from living in trauma-mode and perfectionism… to feeling calmer, sleeping better, and responding to stress in a completely new way.Courtney shares how she went from skeptical (even laughing at the concept) to opening a Harmonic Egg center with two Eggs within months, and why nervous system regulation is the foundation for everything — relationships, resilience, recovery, and clarity.Lisa also shares her personal experience after doing a remote session and what changed for her in the first few days — including focus, happiness, and momentum.Tiny Dare: Listen to your body’s whispers — before it has to scream.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to reinvent your entire life — not once, but over and over?Today’s guest, Brad Leo Lyon, has lived more chapters than most people dream about. From growing up in Flint, Michigan with two competing passions — athletics and the arts — to competing internationally, running a minor league team, directing films, writing screenplays, and now launching The B-Stream, a home for B-movies and overlooked filmmakers… Brad’s journey is a blueprint in resilience, grit, and the courage to say yes to the next chapter.In this raw and powerful conversation, Brad shares:The surprising childhood struggle between acting and sportsHow loss, grief, and financial pressure shaped his biggest pivotsWhat really happens behind the scenes in filmmakingWhy Hollywood needs a platform like The B-StreamThe mindset shift that helped him rebuild after everything collapsedThe one decision that changed the trajectory of his lifeHis Tiny Dare challenge that will help you finally take your next stepIf you need a reminder that it’s never too late to start over, Brad’s story is your sign.This episode is full of heart, humor, storytelling, and truth — and it just might give you the push you’ve been waiting for.👉 Explore The B-Stream: https://thebstream.com👉 Connect with Brad: Search “Brad Leo Lyon” on all platforms

Built For Better: How Matt Mizerek Survived Two Strokes, Reclaimed His Life, & Found Purpose Through CreativityWhat happens when life turns upside down… not once, but twice?In today’s powerful episode, host Lisa Begley sits down with Matt Mizerek — founder of Built For Better Apparel, creator of the nonprofit Art Always, and author of Revelations Through Resilience.Matt survived two strokes, escaped a lifetime of toxic family dynamics, and rebuilt everything from the inside out. His story is raw, honest, and deeply human — a journey through trauma, identity, healing, creativity, and discovering purpose after nearly losing everything.Together, Lisa and Matt unpack:The before and after moments that changed his lifeGrowing up unseen, unheard, and learning to self-advocateSurviving two strokes — and the out-of-body clarity that followedDetoxing from 7 psychiatric medications and rebuilding his healthWhy creativity became essential to his recoveryHow Built For Better was born from meaning, not marketingWhy giving back matters more than “finding your purpose”How to break free from toxic narratives and choose your own pathA powerful Tiny Dare challenge anyone can use todayIf you’re navigating your own reinvention — or simply craving a story that reminds you what’s possible — this episode is for you.Connect with Matt:Built For Better Apparel → builtforbetterapparel.comArt Always (nonprofit) → artalways.orgBook: Revelations Through Resilience → Amazon + Kindle UnlimitedConnect with Lisa:The Sock Drawer Podcast → https://thesockdrawerpodcast.com/Follow for more reinvention tools, stories & interviews.

Aging isn’t a decline — it’s a design.In today’s powerful episode, healthy aging expert Kay Van Norman reveals the truth most people never hear about getting older: frailty is common and predictable… but completely reversible for the vast majority of us.Kay blends research, real-life transformation stories, and the mindset shifts that help people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond reclaim strength, mobility, joy, and purpose. Her signature Vitality Portfolio® shows you exactly how to invest in your well-being with the same consistency you’d invest in your finances — small daily deposits that add up to a vibrant, independent life at any age.You’ll learn:✨ Why your daily choices, not genetics, shape your future✨ The dramatic research showing older adults can gain 100%+ strength✨ How to rewrite the “aging scripts” that limit your confidence and capacity✨ What the Vitality Portfolio® is — and how to start making deposits today✨ Simple “vitality actions” anyone can start right now📘 Correction from Kay (Important + Inspiring!)After our conversation, Kay shared a clarification about one of the inspiring stories she referenced:The young man born with no legs who travels the world on his skateboard is Kevin Connolly, author of Double Take.The young man born with partial limbs who became a champion wrestler is Kyle Maynard, author of No Excuses.Both stories carry the same powerful message Kay champions:overcoming limitations, building resilience, and choosing possibility.💛 Special Offer for Sock Drawer FamilyKay is generously offering 25% OFF her Vitality Portfolio Online Course exclusively for our listeners.Use code SOCKS25 at checkout.👉 Explore Kay’s work, free downloads, and the Vitality Portfolio course here:https://www.brilliantaging.com

What does reinvention look like when life has already demanded everything from you?In this episode, Dr. Meghan “Meg” Waldron shares a powerful story of raising three boys on her own, navigating a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, returning to the classroom, launching and growing her tutoring company Smart Solutions, and going back to school later in life to earn her doctorate.Meg opens up about early motherhood, the realities of being a single parent, building a side business out of pure necessity, and how her son’s 100-day NICU journey turned writing into a lifeline — and later into a tool she uses to help students find their own voice.We also talk about how education is changing, what she’s seeing in students post-pandemic, why trades and community college deserve more respect, and how her simple “OHIO” rule (Only Handle It Once) can help you make decisions with more clarity and less second-guessing.If you’re in a season of transition, burnout, or “something has to change,” this conversation will remind you that you’re allowed to rewrite your story more than once.

Have you ever hit a point in your 40s, 50s, or 60s where you quietly asked yourself…“Is it too late for me?”Today’s guest, Damon King, CFP®, will shatter that belief — and replace it with something empowering, practical, and transformative.Before Damon became a trusted wealth advisor and radio voice, he was a singer, a fundraiser, a young professional swimming in debt… and a 24-year-old sitting in his car with 40 cents in his pocket wondering how he’d even get gas to drive home.What happened next?A reinvention story that will move you, shake you, and remind you that you are not behind — you are right on time.

Have you ever felt a quiet pull to create something that honors where you’ve been — and who you’re still becoming?In this heart-centered episode of The Sock Drawer Podcast, Lisa Begley sits down with Odemaris Mendoza, author and founder of Blue Maris Creative, whose debut novel The Gifts of El Jíbaro celebrates Puerto Rican heritage, courage, and the power of starting over at any age.After 34 years as an educator, Odemaris followed her creative calling — blending business, purpose, and art into a new chapter of meaning.

When your money and meaning feel out of sync, reinvention isn’t about burning it all down—it’s about realigning who you are with what you have.In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, founder of Pearl Planning, shares how she left a comfortable path to build a purpose-driven firm—and the simple steps you can take today to move from money stress to financial confidence.