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NOTE: If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, go back and do that first! In Part 2, we get into the juicy bits where we go through actual practical exercises to pull out your BS excuses and…well, light them on fire. I break down the top most common blocks to sharing your story and why each of them don’t actually apply. We go over everything from tips and tricks to weave your writing time into what you’re already doing, the myth that you’re a bad writer, and the lie that you need an agent, a book deal, or a million followers to be a successful author. And of course I won’t let you leave without talking about how real > perfect, why authenticity wins everytime, and that your “I don’t know how” is you actually hiding. Your book doesn’t need perfection to begin. It just needs you to start. Highlights: (01:30) - How many of these 10 book-writing excuses are YOU carrying around? (05:05) - Pregnant, exhausted and ridiculously busy - make your excuse your reason (08:34) - There is no single “right” way to write a book, so find the method that actually works for you (12:16) - Writing in the in-between: how I’m building my next book around a very full life (15:54) - Stop trying to be your own editor. Your job right now is to tell the truth (23:23) - The shift that changes everything: “I don’t know” actually means “I’m scared” Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

Join me for Part 1 of a recent live webinar I did taking you through my personal journey of writing and publishing! You might think you don’t have time to write a book. Or maybe you’re telling yourself you’re not a good enough writer, you don’t know how to do it, or nobody will care because you don’t have a huge following. But what if those aren’t actually the problem? What if the real thing standing between you and your voice is what you believe about yourself? In this episode, I’m sharing my own journey from corporate life to bestselling author, coach, and publisher, and why writing a book changed far more than my career. We’re talking identity, confidence, authority, excuses, and what happens when you stop obsessing over the “how” and finally listen to the part of you that already knows it’s a yes. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we dig into your blocks so we can finally release them… Highlights: (03:52) - You can learn ALL the tools, but they won’t work if you don’t believe you can do it (07:16) - No time, not a good writer, don’t know how... let’s call out the excuses (10:42) - When your soul says HELL YES and your brain immediately starts backpedaling (14:28) - Plot twist: writing the book opened doors I didn’t even know existed (18:33) - The book didn’t just grow my business, it changed who I believed I could be (26:17) - Your “why” has to be bigger than the days you absolutely do NOT want to write Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

Trigger Warning: Death, Sibling Loss Today (10/6/26) would have been my brother Kenny’s 40th birthday, and after avoiding this episode for three years, I feel like I’m finally ready to talk about it. As a collective, death is something we tend to shy away from, but after navigating this loss, I can’t deny how important it is to talk about. Join me won’t you into a chaotic note in my Notes App called, “Grief” that I started right after my brother passed. This has turned into a dumping ground for all of my thoughts and emotions through the roller coaster that is sibling loss. This isn’t a therapy session or a pity party, but more of an insight into a grieving experience. My intention here is to bring awareness to grief and hopefully some nuggets that can help support you or your loved ones walking a similar path. And just a heads up - there may be a LOT of tears here, but it’s my grief party and I’ll cry if I want to :) Highlights (01:29) - Why I avoided this topic for 3 years and am finally ready to talk about it (06:24) - Please stop asking grieving people how their person died (11:49) - The things I actually needed after loss, and spoiler alert: it wasn’t flowers (13:09) - The comfort of dirty laundry (21:24) - Disenfranchised Grief: Siblings as the forgotten mourners (25:26) - You can’t lean on family when someone in the unit dies (29:44) - Please don’t ask me about my cute jeans Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

The last month has felt like a tidal wave that just won’t stop. Through some of the mess that life is throwing at me right now, I’ve come realize that so much of the aggravation it causes is from our resistance to it. In the surrender, the unexpected can be such a sweet spot if we let it. When I look back historically at similar seasons, I’ve noticed that some of the biggest messes in my life have appeared right before a massive shift happened. When it felt like everything was falling apart, it was actually moving the energy to prepare for what was coming. In this episode, I talk about being with the chaos - not becoming it - but being with it instead of desperately trying to control it. We treat it like it’s bad and unwanted, when it often is necessary for our next evolution. I also dig into why allowing the messiness is a crucial part of the writing process to uncover our truth and the voice that reflects that truth. Highlights: (02:20) - What I’m learning from living moment to moment (04:38) - When the chaos quickly turns into a comedy routine (08:44) - The life upheaval that eventually showed me exactly where I needed to go (13:09) - Why clarity and chaos are partners-in-crime (17:14) - How a perfect book outline can derail your author voice (19:25) - Why writing a book first must transform the author before it can transform the reader Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

There’s a lot going on in the coaching space and I wanna talk about it - I’m talking about community, investment, disappointment, and what it really means to show up as part of a village. After watching some very public conversations unfold around multiple recent women’s events and entrepreneurship, I sat with my own feelings around it and have some things to say. I share why I believe multiple truths can exist at once - and that often the most valuable part of an experience is often something you could never put on a list of deliverables. We’re talking relationships, self-reflection, proximity, grace, discernment, the priceless intangibles, and what happens when we choose to lean into growth instead of immediately tearing people (and in this case - women) down. Highlights: (05:42) - How disappointment and gratitude can coexist (11:17) - Why so many women claim to be searching for a village, but their actions do not align with this desire (15:48) - What it actually means to be a villager when things don’t go perfectly (20:58) - Why some of the biggest growth comes from experiences that you don’t plan for (25:38) - The difference between using your voice and publicly tearing someone down (30:52) - Why witnessing embodiment in a moment can teach us more than witnessing success Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

From an author and publisher, trust me when I say your belief that you’re a bad writer is not all your fault. This is likely a story that was handed to you through outside structures like school, grades, diagnoses, and environments where you were forced to be but wouldn’t necessarily choose. Over time, this resulted in years of learning to keep your real voice safely tucked away. In this episode, I walk you through seven reasons you may have decided writing isn’t your talent, and why the answer isn’t perfection. The truth is that practice, honesty, emotional connection, and giving yourself permission to get messy is what makes a “good” author - not the fear of getting it “wrong”. Highlights: (03:23) - An arbitrary system brainwashed you into thinking you can’t write (06:02) - Why writing that’s forced and controlled kills your creative capacity (08:28) - What happens when you finally let someone else experience your words (10:16) - How made up stories kept your real voice contained - and how to become uncontained (13:09) - Why the wound is your North Star when writing anything that matters (17:20) - What “writer’s block” actually is - the mechanism that’s firing in the brain and how to rewire this Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

We’re back with another off-the-cuff life update after having a breakdown last weekend that truly set me free. I go into the challenges of coparenting, transition days, the inner collapse that always follows, and letting it all be as it is. It’s a new level of freedom when I began to allow myself to fall apart without fixing it, labeling it, or rushing myself back into productivity. I share about the moment I craved connection and the viral post that followed, reminding me of the power that comes with vulnerability and allowing myself to be seen in the messy truth of it all. While putting myself on display in these moments is hard, I can’t deny that “un-posturing” feels like such a necessary part of my healing, and apparently the healing of thousands of others (based on my viral IG post…). Highlights: (05:02) - The internal collapse that happens every time my son leaves (09:27) - What it felt like to let the “mess” actually just be part of the natural cycle of coparenting (14:19) - Keeping it real when people ask me (and I ask me) if coparenting gets easier with time (19:51) - How my years of posturing was a survival mechanism and the ways I did this with myself (24:40) - When going viral opens the floodgates to lots of resonance and support - and of course the “trolls” who need love the most (29:35) - Why the messy, imperfect version of you is the one people actually connect with Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

*TRIGGER WARNING - mention of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis In this episode, I’m back with Sandy and Wade for part two of their story, and this one goes much deeper. Sandy shares what happened after the birth of their son, from extreme sleep deprivation and non-epileptic seizures to resurfaced childhood trauma, postpartum psychosis, and multiple psychiatric hospitalizations. We delicately revisit the horrific lack of care, Sandy’s retraumatization, and the numerous times Wade had to bust her out back into real life where the future was more than uncertain. We talk about what it took to keep going when life felt completely unrecognizable, what this season demanded from their marriage and family, and the role faith and healing have played in rebuilding their lives. This is a story about surviving the impossible, fighting for Sandy’s recovery in a system that is more harmful than helpful, and allowing an unimaginably difficult chapter to give them a whole new level of strength and connection. Highlights: (08:01) - The birth experience that marked the beginning of a much bigger postpartum crisis (11:57) - The moment Sandy asked for prayer because she knew she could not carry this alone (13:04) - The traumatizing childhood memory that resurfaced after 24 years and changed everything (18:08) - When postpartum psychosis was finally named and the psych ward nightmares (25:46) - The point where the whole family was running on empty and knew they needed more help (34:24) - One year later: deeper faith, a stronger marriage, and turning pain into purpose Additional Links: Learn more about The Bridge Recovery Center Follow Sandy & Wade on Instagram Tune into their podcast, Getting Magnetic to listen to their 3-part series about Sandy’s birth and postpartum journey: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

Such an honor to interview my dear friends, Sandy & Wade Critides - entrepreneurs, mentors, and parents of three who’ve spent the last decade building businesses and intentionally designing a life around freedom, family, faith, and purpose. These two incredible humans came into my life only a few short years ago, but have expanded me in massive ways just by being in their presence. They operate on a frequency individually and as a family that is against what we are taught in society, taking leaps that are considered illogical and carving paths that most may consider high risk. We dive into the life events that have inspired them to burn the “safe” templates we were handed and and the belief systems they’ve developed to lead with grace, unwavering faith, and conviction in everything they do. Highlights: (05:44) - How one Instagram hashtag led to a friendship that changed everything (15:00) - Baby best friends, family history, and the love story that technically started in the womb (18:02) - The devastating loss that ultimately redirected Sandy’s entire life (25:20) - The text that finally admitted what both of them had been feeling (31:00) - The Matterhorn proposal that felt like a movie (49:11) - The accidental LinkedIn post that got Wade fired and pushed them fully into entrepreneurship Additional Links: Follow Sandy & Wade on Instagram Tune into their podcast, Getting Magnetic to listen to their 3-part series about Sandy’s birth and postpartum journey: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

This episode feels especially vulnerable. I’m sharing another excerpt from my upcoming book, this time exploring intimacy, sexuality, shame, worthiness and what it means to stop measuring myself by whether someone chooses me…plus a very exciting next “chapter” for me (pun intended). Tune into my essay, An Unplanned Detour, a deeply personal piece about physical intimacy, a scar that tells a deep story, and finally learning to separate my worth from rejection, relationships, and other people’s choices. This is about allowing ourselves to tell the truth, meet the hidden parts of who we are and love ourselves without containment. Highlights: (05:14) - The Chateau I stalked for years somehow became real (10:30) - A 2am email, a dream opportunity, and the power of finally stepping back into the author in me (15:47) - The moment a mark on my body became about so much more than a scar (20:13) - I am not measured by who chooses me, rejects me or walks away (23:09) - What changed when I realized I had been hiding my own pain from myself Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

What happens when you stop letting fear cripple you and open up about everything you’ve endured? Chances are you’re going to create more change than staying silent. Join us for Part 2 of my powerful interview with Advocate and Leadership Coach, Chelsey De Groot in our Landon Hail Press Author Community. In this episode, I’m joined by Chelsey and members of our author community for a deeply impactful conversation about courage, visibility, and what happens in real life when we let our real lives shape the stories we tell - even if we only have a few hundred social media followers. We talk about sharing sensitive content, building genuine connections instead of chasing viral trends, and why the right message reaching one person can matter more than thousands of views. We also explore identity, advocacy, discomfort, and the choice to keep showing up even when being seen feels terrifying. Highlights: (03:37) - How one judge’s response showed Chelsey that her story could create real change (09:18) - Why the most powerful content often comes directly from the life you’re already living (11:50) - The unexpected conversation with a police officer that proved one post can have massive impact (19:30) - How manufacturing content often means you’re holding back in your real life (23:22) - What actually changes when you finally decide your voice deserves to be heard (31:26) - Owning your story without shrinking, apologizing, or waiting for the perfect moment Additional links: Visit Chelsey’s website for Support & Leadership Resources: rootsandrisecc.com Follow Chelsey on Instagram for her “Dear Officer” series and more! Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

I’m joined by author and advocate, Chelsey De Groot for Part 1 of a Guest Interview in the Landon Hail Press Author Community where we talk about the actual difference between impact and entertainment. Chelsey opens up about experiencing domestic violence with her daughter’s father, unexpectedly losing her job, and choosing to finally publish her book, realizing that the hardest disruption in her life became a powerful invitation to move forward. We talk about advocacy, policy change, and how the biggest shifts often happen from the smallest social media accounts because intention will always be more effective than popularity…in real life, that is. Chelsey’s story is a reminder that moving the needle to create systemic change isn’t about followers and likes - it shows up in challenged policies, difficult conversations, and the courage your honesty gives someone else - in Chelsey’s case: Judges, Crowns, and Police Officers. Highlights: (03:52) Why advocacy often requires saying the uncomfortable truth (05:24) Destruction becoming the green light to take the leap (07:56) How rejection opened up channels for change (16:15) The experiences that transformed personal pain into public advocacy (19:50) How one person’s story can influence training, policy, and real impact (24:21) The very bold (and very risky) social media decision that had messages flooding in Additional links: Visit Chelsey’s website for Support & Leadership Resources Follow Chelsey on Instagram for her “Dear Officer” series and more! Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

Get ready for a sneak peek into my powerful session for my dear friend, Princeton Clark’s “Breakthrough Leadership Summit”, where I had the honor of speaking to his incredible community. I get really honest about the BS we tell ourselves and how 99% of the time, “I don’t know” means: “I DO know…and I’m terrified.” You’ll hear about the biggest catalyst in my life that led me to leaving corporate, being thrust into motherhood, finally writing the book I postponed for ten years, and building a publishing company from a truth I almost kept hidden. We explore people-pleasing, vulnerability, self-trust, and why your biggest breakthrough might begin with one uncomfortable conversation. Highlights: (03:01) - Why nobody else can make you braver (06:27) - “I don’t know” is actually fear in disguise (10:04) - The real cost of keeping everyone comfortable (17:05) - Making my son my reason, not my excuse (28:04) - The beliefs, safety, and conditions behind your story (42:28) - The wall in your mind may have an open door Additional links: Follow Princeton Clark on Instagram *DM him ‘Breakthrough’ for the link to the full virtual summit! Tell him SJ sent you for a special code. Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

Taking it back to my book, “The Less Effect: Design Your Life For Happiness & Purpose”, diving into Chapter 2: The “M” Word. We unpack two of my favorite subjects: money and minimalism, and why choosing a life of less does not mean settling for less income, opportunity, or impact. Minimalism is about removing what no longer fits so you can create more room for what genuinely matters. We touch on how my own inherited beliefs around money were shaped, challenged, and eventually transformed. From manifestation rituals that got me nowhere to the practical power of clearing physical, emotional, and mental clutter - this episode is a reminder that abundance and simplicity can absolutely co-exist. Highlights: (01:39) - Why minimalism and wealth are not opposites (03:31) - Getting curious: Questioning the money beliefs you inherited (05:27) - Giving yourself permission to want more (07:06) - How negative money beliefs quietly limit your potential (08:18) - The manifestation lesson that changed everything (10:13) - The hill I will die on: Creating space leads to your greatest abundance Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this episode, I sit down with Serena Arora, best selling author, Ayurvedic health practitioner, and yoga therapist to talk about breaking generational silence, releasing inherited guilt, and finding the courage to choose a life that actually felt like her own. Serena shares how being raised by immigrant parents in a mixed-race family shaped her understanding of safety, sacrifice, and success. We explore what it looks like to honor your family without abandoning yourself, and managing newfound relationship dynamics. From leaving a secure career and marriage to writing Unbound, Serena’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is not about rejecting where we came from. It is about carrying the strength forward and leaving the weight behind. Highlights: (01:52) - The unexpected readers who saw themselves in Serena’s story (03:02) - Realizing she was meant to break the pattern for the next generation (06:05) - Becoming the safe person her niece never has to explain herself to (12:31) - The painful tug-of-war between family loyalty and personal truth (20:31) - How bound feet became a symbol for living a fully unbound life (32:18) - The big belief little Serena needed to hear Additional links: Learn more about Serena and her services: https://www.serenaarora.com/ Read Serena’s book, Unbound: An Immigrant Daughter’s Journey of Reckoning, Unraveling Shame, and Reclaiming Her Worth Get your free gift: The ABCs of Ayurveda Attend Serena’s Costa Rica retreat: 10/1/26 Resources: Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15 Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio