Bucket List Careers

What do you do when the career you love is suddenly taken from you? For Adriana Brangi, the answer was: you find a new way to swim. In 2020, Adriana was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis — a diagnosis that ended her career as a preschool teacher and forced her to completely rethink what her life and work would look like going forward. Rather than letting MS dictate her limits, Adriana found something unexpected: freedom in the water. She became a certified scuba diver and discovered that diving gave her a sense of physical control she couldn’t find on land. As she puts it, “When I go into the water, I have full range of motion… everything works better. I’m me again.” That experience led her to found Diving Beyond MS, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading MS awareness and helping people with chronic illnesses experience the healing and freedom of diving firsthand. In this episode, Adriana shares her full career journey — from the life she built as a preschool teacher, through the disruption of her diagnosis, to the moment she found a new sense of purpose underwater. It’s a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what it means to find a new way forward when the life you planned is no longer available to you. Topics discussed: • Adriana’s career as a preschool teacher and how her MS diagnosis upended it • Adapting to life with primary progressive MS • Discovering scuba diving and the physical/emotional relief it provided • Founding Diving Beyond MS and its mission • Advocacy for chronic illness and disability awareness • Redefining identity and purpose after a life-altering diagnosis Learn more about Adriana Brangi's Diving Beyond MS: https://www.instagram.com/diving_beyond_ms/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the path you thought you were supposed to take was only the beginning? Stephanie Clapp shares how she went from a 20-year career in education to embracing her intuitive gifts as a psychic medium and mentor, and how that leap helped her—and the women she works with—trust themselves more deeply. This episode explores spiritual awakening, career reinvention, and the power of messy action, with practical tools for overcoming self-doubt and stepping into a more authentic life! To learn more about Stephanie: https://www.instagram.com/thestephanieclapp/ Key topics: Stephanie’s journey from educator in Westchester County to psychic medium and intuitive mentor How the pandemic accelerated her willingness to share her gifts publicly Understanding the differences between psychic and mediumship, and the importance of certification in the UK versus the US The role of Clairsentience—including hearing and gut feelings—in intuitive readings Practical tools like EFT tapping, meditation, and somatic practices to build confidence and trust in intuition Overcoming societal skepticism and stereotypes about being spiritual or intuitive Lessons on messy action and failing forward in career transitions Upcoming book that combines memoir and self-help to activate and heal your intuition Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Stephanie Clapp's career background 00:33 - Stephanie's early career in education and the career pivot 01:42 - The influence of family and innate gifts on her journey 03:16 - Skepticism and societal perceptions of psychic work 04:07 - Growing up in a spiritual environment and her family’s influence 05:02 - The impact of the pandemic in embracing her intuitive mentoring 06:07 - Personal story of losing a neighbor to COVID and using mediumship gifts 07:03 - How clair senses work and Stephanie’s intuitive methods 08:04 - Remote versus in-person readings and client experience 09:10 - Difference between psychic and mediumship work, including UK practices 10:08 - Communicating with passed loved ones and spiritual guides 11:08 - Feeling energy remotely and the integrity of intuitive practice 12:03 - How Stephanie helps women lead themselves and trust their intuition 13:15 - Overcoming societal programming and deprogramming fears 14:02 - Using somatic practices, EFT tapping, and mindset work for self-trust 15:02 - The importance of messy action and embracing failure 16:25 - Debunking stereotypes around spiritual practitioners 17:20 - How to connect with Stephanie and her social media presence 18:11 - Announcing her upcoming book on healing, intuition, and purpose 20:01 - Closing thoughts on living authentically and embracing your true self Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cleaning houses. Overnight hospital shifts. After cosmetology school, a salon owner. And at 36 years old, a leap into pastry school that changed everything. Vera Gjelaj’s path to owning Arome Caffè & Patisserie in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY wasn’t a straight line — it was a series of reinventions, each one built on the one before it. In this episode of Bucket List Careers, Vera shares how she went from arriving in America at 19 with two young children, to Executive Pastry Chef and partner at one of NYC’s most iconic restaurants, to opening her own bakery at 51. She talks candidly about the obstacles along the way, and offers advice for anyone considering a late-in-life career change: don’t put a limit on your dreams, and it’s never too late to build the life you want. Key Takeaways: • Career pivots don’t follow a straight line — and that’s okay • Believing in yourself matters more than having it all figured out • It’s never too late to start over or chase a new dream • Hard work and perseverance compound over time About Vera: Vera Gjelaj is the owner and founder of Arome Caffè & Patisserie in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. An Albanian immigrant, Vera came to the United States at 19 with two young children. She later attended the French Culinary Institute and became Executive Pastry Chef and partner at One if by Land, Two if by Sea. Today, she brings that experience to Arome Caffè & Patisserie, serving French-inspired pastries and desserts to her community. Vera is proud to be a business owner, wife, mother, and grandmother. Connect with Vera: aromecaffepatisserie.com IG: @aromepatisserie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover how Dane Johnson transitioned from a Hollywood actor to a leading health coach specializing in autoimmune disease reversal. His story exemplifies resilience, purpose, and innovative health solutions. In this episode: Dane shares his unexpected career pivot after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis The emotional and physical toll of nearly dying from Crohn's disease and how it became a catalyst for change The concept of building a "Shield" for holistic health and autoimmune recovery Insights into Dane’s groundbreaking program delivering over 750 success stories of IBD reversal Practical strategies: customized supplements, lab work, and biohacking techniques Vision for a health-focused restaurant chain aligned with natural, anti-inflammatory foods Advice on creating a purpose-driven career and building trust with clients 00:01 - Introduction to Dane Johnson and his diverse background in acting and health 00:39 - Dane's beginning in acting and early successes 01:09 - Diagnosis with ulcerative colitis amid a Hollywood career 01:42 - The emotional impact of health struggles and lost roles 02:29 - Inner conflict: pursuing vanity versus meaningful purpose 03:39 - Turning point: severe health crisis and hospitalization 04:27 - Near-death experience and realization of life's deeper purpose 05:26 - How health crises shaped Dane’s new career path 06:22 - The journey of healing and coming off medications 06:51 - The importance of experiential learning as patient zero 07:18 - Building a support community and the "Shield" framework 09:25 - The success and scope of the Shield program for IBD reversal 10:07 - The multifaceted approach: supplements, lab work, and biohacking 11:25 - The philosophy behind the Shield: empowering health and stress resilience 12:01 - Applying the Shield model in daily life for thriving not just surviving 13:16 - Key advice: creating purpose and authenticity in your career 14:34 - Pricing, trust, and building a compelling personal brand 15:23 - Future vision: health-focused restaurant chain and creating art through business 17:06 - Values-driven entrepreneurship and innovations in food for autoimmune health 18:14 - Special offers: free IBD strategy session and healing journal 19:29 - Closing thoughts and gratitude Resources & Links: Dane Johnson's Crohn's Colitis Lifestyle Shield Program Details Connect with Dane Johnson: LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lexi Brine didn’t follow a straight line to where she is now — and that’s the point. After five years in luxury cosmetics marketing at Estée Lauder, she found herself drawn elsewhere, eventually landing at NYU Law after a stint volunteering on a 2008 presidential campaign. From there: litigation at a corporate law firm, a hard exit after becoming a mother, a wandering search through legal recruiting and LSAT tutoring, and finally a real estate career at Compass that finally clicked. Along the way, she co-founded Inc., a networking community supporting women through their own career transitions. In this conversation, Lexi talks candidly about ignoring well-meaning advice, treating “failures” as data rather than dead ends, and building a personal brand rooted in authenticity instead of perfection! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Trish believes life unfolds in seven-year chapters — and hers has been no exception. Her path to becoming a globally recognized cognitive neuroscientist wasn’t linear: she started as a preschool teacher, became a speech-language pathologist, worked in schools, and eventually went back to school herself to teach at the college level. A lifelong curiosity about brain performance and the human condition — combined with raising five children — led Dr. Trish to a deeper calling. She grew passionate about bringing neuro-therapies to the next generation and realized she could create greater clinical impact through brain mapping and rewiring how people think. Her guiding philosophy says it all: “If you don’t control your brain, it will control you.” Today, Dr. Trish is the founder of Dr. Trish Leigh & Co. and specializes in brain health, neurofeedback, and addiction recovery. Using qEEG brain mapping and neuroscience-based methods, she helps people heal overstimulated brains, break free from compulsive behaviors, and optimize focus, energy, relationships, and performance — and has helped thousands worldwide rewire their brains and reclaim their lives. Download this episode now and get ready to think differently — about your brain, your career, and what’s still possible! Find out more about Dr. Trish: https://drtrishleigh.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Angelique Morelli’s career has been anything but a straight line. With over 15 years of experience—ranging from nonprofit fundraising to serving as the Communications Manager at Montefiore Nyack Hospital—she has mastered the art of the pivot. But her most significant transformation wasn’t a job title; it was finding the courage to step into her own light as a children's book author! In this episode, we dive into: The "Advocacy" Turning Point: Why waiting for a raise or recognition often leads to being overlooked, and how Angelique learned that being your own best career advocate is the only way to move the needle. Discovering the Leader Within: The exact moment as an interim director when Angelique realized she had the "it" factor to lead, mentor, and drive impact without fear of being "too pushy." The Pivot to Authorship: How a global pandemic and a rescue pup named Ellie inspired her to fulfill a lifelong creative goal, leading to the 2025 release of her debut book, Ellie Morelli and The Pack Unleash Their Super Powers . Fuels & Foundations: How her roles on the board of New York Women in Communications (NYWICI) and the Business Council of Westchester keep her fueled by community and purpose. Whether you’re feeling stuck in a career that doesn’t feel like yours or you have a "bucket list" creative project waiting to be unleashed, Angelique’s story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to reinvent yourself and trust your intuition. Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you get your podcasts! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can a devastating injury actually be a gateway to a new life? Cheri Carandanis' life story reads like two different books. For 25 years, Cheri lived in the high-stakes world of nursing, including a tour as a US Air Force critical care flight nurse during the height of the Iraq War. She was a self-proclaimed "Type A" professional who lived for the adrenaline of saving lives at 30,000 feet. Then, the world went dark. After suffering two traumatic brain injuries in six months, the cognitive skills Cheri relied on to survive vanished. Forced to abandon the only career she ever knew, she stumbled upon an unlikely lifeline: abstract art. In this episode, we unpack: The "Ungraceful Pivot": Why Cheri describes her career change not as a choice, but as "getting knocked flat" and rebuilding from the rubble. The Science of Healing: How shifting from the damaged "logical" left brain to the "creative" right brain became a literal survival mechanism. Art as a Second Language: How a woman who couldn’t draw a stick figure became a professional painter by using color and texture to process trauma. Finding Presence: The powerful lesson of staying in the "now" when you can no longer rely on who you were yesterday. More on Cheri Carandanis: Instagram: Follow her creative process and daily studio life @carandanisfineart . YouTube: Watch her abstract paintings in progress and studio sessions on the Cheri Carandanis YouTube Channel . Website: https://www.carandanisfineart.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You don't always need a perfect plan to start over career-wise—you just need the courage to ask, 'Why not try?' In this episode, we’re joined by Amy Pepe , the creative force behind Five Love , a unique gift boutique in Larchmont that prioritizes experience and connection. Amy shares her inspiring transition from marketing and graphic design to full-time stay-at-home mom, and the pivotal moment while working at a local flower shop that reignited her professional passion. It’s a candid conversation about the "identity shifts" we experience and the courage it takes to start something new! Key highlights include: The Power of the Pivot: Moving from a career pause back into the workforce and rediscovering your sense of self. Navigating "Mom Guilt": An honest look at the emotional hurdles of building a business while raising a family. The "Why Not?" Mindset: Why you don’t need to have every answer before taking a leap of faith. Building Community: How Amy turned a spark of creativity into a business rooted in local connection. Whether you’re in the middle of a career break or looking for the sign to start your next chapter, this episode is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to rediscover what lights you up! In this episode, we’re joined by Amy Pepe , the creative force behind Five Love , a unique gift boutique in Larchmont that prioritizes experience and connection. Amy shares her inspiring transition from a career in marketing and graphic design to a full-time stay-at-home mom, and the pivotal moment while working at a local flower shop that reignited her professional passion. It’s a candid conversation about the "identity shifts" we experience and the courage it takes to start something new. Key highlights include: The Power of the Pivot: Moving from a career pause back into the workforce and rediscovering your sense of self. Navigating "Mom Guilt": An honest look at the emotional hurdles of building a business while raising a family. The "Why Not?" Mindset: Why you don’t need to have every answer before taking a leap of faith. Building Community: How Amy turned a spark of creativity into a business rooted in local connection. Whether you’re in the middle of a career break or looking for the sign to start your next chapter, this episode is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to rediscover what lights you up. Would you like me to draft a few catchy titles or show notes for this episode as well? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After 23 years as an architectural and landscape designer, Sarah Weihman didn't expect a pair of underwear to change her life. But when her go-to activewear brand sacrificed quality for cost, the former D1 athlete realized a glaring gap in the market: most women’s performance underwear is designed by men with little regard for fit or durability. In this episode, Sarah shares how she pivoted from running her own architectural and landscape design practice, to becoming the CEO and Founder of Paradis Sport . Driven by a mission of sustainability and performance, Paradis is the only brand on the market that fit-tests products with elite and professional athletes. Tune in to hear: The Bold Pivot: How Sarah transitioned from a successful 23-year career to a completely new industry. Performance First: Why "good enough" isn’t enough when it comes to women's activewear. Sustainable Innovation: The research behind fiber technology and ethical manufacturing. Community Power: Building a brand for a crew of bold, determined women who refuse to compromise on comfort. Ready to upgrade your activewear? Experience the difference of performance-driven comfort for yourself. Listen to the full episode to grab an exclusive discount code for your first order at ParadisSport.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The idea behind Rowan was born when Louisa Serene Schneider took her teenage nieces to get their ears pierced at the mall and found the experience lacking in both safety and celebration . Determined to fix a broken industry, she created a nationwide brand where ear piercing is treated as a safe medical procedure and a joyful life milestone—performed exclusively by licensed nursing professionals. Rowan has 100 or more ear-piercing studio locations across 33 states in the U.S. as of early 2026. In this episode, Louisa discusses: The Wall Street Pivot: Her transition from a high-powered finance career—covering consumer retail at JP Morgan and trading at Morgan Stanley —to becoming a venture-backed founder. Scaling Through Challenges: How she navigated the pandemic to grow Rowan’s at-home services and eventually expand to over 100 retail studios. Empowering Nurses: Why Rowan’s business model is a game-changer for medical professionals seeking flexible, creative, and empowering alternative career paths. Modern Leadership: Her commitment to maintaining flexible work patterns and a supportive company culture for her entire team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Margaret Egiziaco talks leadership, legacy, and the art of the pivot! Before disrupting the fitness industry, Margaret navigated high-stakes government recovery. As Director of the Small Business Recovery Program following Superstorm Sandy, she spearheaded the distribution of $55M in federal HUD-DR funding to New York’s small businesses—proving that impact requires both strategic urgency and a whole lot of heart. Today, she’s channeling that same mission-driven energy into a new frontier: building a fitness community designed specifically for moms! ‍‍️‍️ In this episode, we dive into: The Bold Pivot: Moving from government leadership to entrepreneurial grit. Pressure-Tested Leadership: Lessons learned from managing multi-million dollar disaster recoveries. Purpose-Built Spaces: Why moms deserve a fitness environment that integrates, rather than excludes, their reality. Whether you’re looking to reinvent your career or turn a personal passion into a community movement, Margaret’s story is your blueprint for starting over with purpose! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meet Rebecca Kushner , a CPA and Fractional CFO who took the leap from a traditional corporate accounting and finance career to build a business on her own terms. Driven by a desire to marry her financial expertise with her personal values, Rebecca now helps holistic health practitioners and service providers navigate the "scary" side of their business with heart and humanity. Whether you're looking for inspiration for your own career pivot or need a roadmap for your business's financial health, Rebecca shares the substance of how she works. We dive into: Financial Empowerment: How she uses personalized financial strategy to help clients understand their numbers without the overwhelm. Pricing for Profit: Actionable insights on optimizing pricing and capacity so your business supports your life, not the other way around. The "Human" CFO: Why she believes financial decisions should be aligned with your values and long-term vision. The Career Leap: What it really takes to transition from a corporate role to a values-driven entrepreneur. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Searching for career clarity in 2026? Career coach Dara Astmann returns to the podcast to discuss navigating career transitions for moms . Drawing from 20 years of experience in media and sales, Dara offers actionable advice on defining your "second act" and building a supportive professional community. Listen in for new year reflections and a first look at her latest coaching programs designed to help you transition with confidence! As promised in the episode, here's a link to Dara's Career Path Tracker: https://daraastmann.myflodesk.com/tracker The Career Path Tracker helps you stop spinning, keep options open, and move forward with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to turn a lifelong love of wine into an actual winemaking career when you don’t know the first thing about making it? Christy Counts, Founder and Owner of Neverstill Wines in Hudson, NY, did exactly that — trading a career in business management and animal welfare advocacy for the uncertain world of winemaking. In this episode, Christy shares the reality of her pivot: the steep learning curve, the moments of doubt, and the patience required to build something meaningful in a tradition-bound industry. From her first days learning the craft to the milestones that made it all worthwhile, her story reveals what it really means to trust yourself and commit to a new path. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to pursue a passion, this conversation is for you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special throwback, Christa highlights one of her all-time favorite guests from the episode that started it all: DJ April Larken. April spent years in the New York City fashion scene before taking a career break to raise her children. After beating cancer, she made a bold pivot in her 40s, enrolling in Scratch Academy to pursue her passion for DJing. Drawing on her background in fashion design and a lifelong love of clubs and music, April now spins vinyl at A-list events throughout the New York and Connecticut. In this episode, she shares her journey of creative reinvention and offers inspiring tips for discovering your purpose at any age. Learn more about DJ April Larken at djaprillarken.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Katherine Gold left teaching to turn her passion for beautiful, functional spaces into a thriving business in New York—without formal training or a clear roadmap. In this episode, we hear how she built Katherine Gold Design from the ground up, leaning on her instincts, people skills, and a natural eye for design, to prove that it’s never too late to create the life you want. As a mom of three, Katherine knows firsthand how important it is for a space to be both stylish and livable. She believes great design has the power to make you feel put together, even while living a busy life. Her aesthetic is a blend of classic and modern, inspired by the pre-war buildings of New York City, fashion, travel, and the beauty of everyday living. Listen in to hear how Katherine turned life’s transitions into an opportunity for growth, creativity, and connection — and how she helps others design spaces that truly feel like home! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meet Annie Berger, a former Division I dual-sport athlete who pivoted from a successful career in legal marketing to become a Mental Performance Coach and founder of Match Mindset. After pausing her career to care for family and rediscovering her competitive drive through tennis, Annie experienced firsthand the power of mental skills in transforming performance and perspective. Now she helps athletes strengthen their mindset, embrace challenges, and play with more confidence, focus, and joy. Listen in to hear how Annie turned her personal journey of resilience and reinvention into a career helping others unlock their potential — both on and off the court! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we share the inspiring story of Andrea Della Mura, who began her battle with breast cancer at just 24 years old. Decades later, Andrea is not only a two-time cancer survivor but also a passionate wellness entrepreneur. Teaming up with her son, who faces his own autoimmune challenges, Andrea launched The DRIPBaR in Rye, New York—a wellness business dedicated to IV vitamin therapy. Together, they help clients "fuel their lives by feeding their cells" with treatments focused on energy, recovery, immunity, and anti-aging. Listen in to hear Andrea’s remarkable journey of resilience and how she’s turning personal challenges into hope and healing for others! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With over two decades of experience at renowned companies like Disney and Weight Watchers, Aransas Savas discusses how her passion for meaningful motivation evolved, leading her to pivot her career to coaching after a layoff that became the best thing that could have happened to her. In this episode, she shares insights on behavior change, the importance of deep listening, and how she built a portfolio career grounded in purpose. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration to pursue their own career change! Aransas emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence and resilience, particularly in her coaching work with women. The conversation also highlights her podcast, Uplifters , which aims to inspire change and foster community building through shared stories and experiences, encouraging listeners to seek meaningful professional pivots! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.