Bucket List Careers

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.

After spending 15 years in the fast-paced world of corporate media and advertising in NYC, Sasha Cohen found herself yearning for something more meaningful. The shift to the suburbs opened her eyes to the struggles of local businesses, many of which lacked the marketing resources they needed to thrive. Motivated by a desire to make a difference and after a life-changing health scare, she founded Sasha Claire Growth & Brand Management, dedicated to providing affordable and strategic marketing solutions for small businesses in Westchester, NY and beyond. Join us as Sasha shares her inspiring story of resilience, purpose, and empowerment. Discover how she turned her passion for local advocacy into a thriving career, and learn the lessons she’s gathered along the way that can inspire anyone looking to redefine their professional journey. Listen in for a conversation filled with insights on finding your true calling and the impact of community-focused work! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With a career spanning music promotion, marketing, publishing, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship, Anika Jackson knows firsthand how powerful—and challenging—a career change can be. Her journey began in Chicago’s house music scene and took her from nightlife marketing in Los Angeles to launching major magazines in San Francisco. After stepping away to focus on philanthropy and nonprofit work, she reinvented herself again as an entrepreneur, consultant with a focus on AI advocacy, and top-rated podcast host. As the creator of Your Brand Amplified® and a graduate instructor at USC Annenberg, Anika now helps others leverage storytelling and strategy to navigate their own career pivots. Her story is proof that embracing change can lead to new opportunities and unexpected success. Listen now! Connect with Anika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikajackson/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tina Langley Walsh began her professional journey in fashion editorial in New York City, working with prominent publications such as GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, and Nylon. She later took on the role of Fashion Director at Fisher Footwear, collaborating with well-known brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Kendall + Kylie. However, during the pandemic, Tina unearthed her true passion for horticulture and floriculture, which has roots in her family’s business in the Philippines. Today, Tina is the creative force behind Lavish Gardener, specializing in designing stunning outdoor spaces, floral installations, and custom seasonal décor. With her keen eye for style and a deep love for fashion, she infuses a unique flair into landscape design. In this episode, Tina discusses her transition from the fashion industry, sharing insights on how she established her business from the ground up and why creating extraordinary spaces truly lights her up! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lauren Tetenbaum has taken on many roles throughout her career - but they all share a common mission: to empower, support, and connect women. Early in her journey, Lauren earned both her Master of Social Work (MSW) and Juris Doctor (JD) degrees simultaneously in her hometown of New York City after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. As an immigration lawyer, she provided compassionate support to clients escaping persecution, abuse, and trauma. She later shifted her focus to maternal mental health and now offers career and life coaching specifically for millennial women navigating life's transitions. In this episode, Lauren shares her transformative journey from law to social work, her focus on women's health, particularly around menopause, and the challenges she faced while writing her book, 'Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life’s Next Period'. This conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about women's health issues, the value of community support and finding purpose in one's career! More about Lauren below: https://thecounselaur.com/ Takeaways Lauren Tetenbaum has always been passionate about helping women. Her career journey includes law and social work, focusing on women's issues. Navigating motherhood and career can be challenging, especially during the pandemic. The importance of mental health support for women in the workplace. Menopause is a topic that needs more attention and discussion. Writing a book is a significant commitment, especially for busy women. It's essential to prioritize sleep and self-care during busy times. Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for women in their careers. Finding purpose in work can be a journey, and it's okay to pivot. Aging should be viewed as a privilege, not a stigma. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lauren Tetenbaum 01:03 Career Journey and Early Ambitions 02:51 Navigating Life Transitions and the Pandemic 05:50 The Concept of Millennial Menopause 08:47 Writing the Book: Challenges and Insights 11:37 Key Takeaways and Advice for Listeners Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Whitney Faires is an internationally recognized coach, keynote speaker, and leadership strategist who empowers her clients to overcome obstacles and achieve extraordinary levels of performance with greater fulfillment. She spent 16 years at Intuitive Surgical, where she led global leadership development and helped scale a $2B business line. Now she helps high achievers—especially those ready for something more—pivot into values-aligned leadership roles with clarity and confidence. A leading authority in developing high-performing teams and coaching industry executives worldwide, she focuses on helping people master their mindset to unlock their full potential and thrive both personally and professionally. In this episode Whitney and Christa cover the importance of personal growth, overcoming self-doubt, and the significance of building a supportive network! Website: whitneyfaires.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-faires-14955a38/ Instagram: @whitney_faires Keywords: coaching, personal development, self-doubt, career transition, support network, entrepreneurship, leadership, empowerment, growth, mentorship Takeaways: **Whitney transitioned from a corporate career to coaching to fulfill her passion for helping others grow. **High performers often seek more than just financial success; they crave impact and fulfillment. **Creating a supportive environment is crucial for pe achieving your career goals. **Building a business while still employed can provide the confidence needed to make a career leap. **It's essential to have a clear plan and understanding of your value before transitioning careers. **Mentorship and accountability are vital for navigating career changes successfully. **Follow-through on commitments to mentors is crucial for maintaining valuable relationships. **Finding the right fit with a coach or mentor can significantly impact your growth journey. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Coaching: A Personal Transformation 12:03 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Change 18:11 Building a Supportive Network and Finding Your Tribersonal and professional growth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fitness entrepreneur Brian Mazza founded High Performance Lifestyle Ventures — which offers a powerful 4-day retreat packed with human performance growth in an immersive, team-driven environment. Guests can expect keynote speakers, sunrise yoga & meditation, multiple HIIT classes, and more to help them unlock their full potential and kickstart the next chapter of their life. In this studio episode of Bucket List Careers, Brian shares how he carved his career path, seized every opportunity to network, and said "Yes!" to big ideas with confidence over fear! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.