When I interviewed Joan Lunden live on stage in Baltimore a few months ago, I never expected our backstage conversation would lead to this podcast episode.As we chatted before taking the stage, I shared a bit about my work as a sleep consultant, my online sleep consultant certification program, and of course this podcast. To my surprise, she asked if she could be a guest.Needless to say, I didn't hesitate to say yes.Joan has spent decades in the public eye, but what I was most interested in wasn't her career highlights. I wanted to hear what it was really like to build an ambitious career while raising six children, long before there was much of a roadmap for working mothers.In this conversation, we talk about:• Navigating the judgment that often comes with making unconventional career choices• Why women shouldn't feel like they have to choose between meaningful work and motherhood• How Joan has defined success at different stages of her life and career• Why leading with service ultimately creates the greatest impactWhile Joan's career may have looked very different from ours, I think you'll find that many of the questions she wrestled with are the same ones women are still asking today.Is it okay to love motherhood and still want something that's just yours?Can you build a meaningful career without sacrificing your family?How do you define success when you're trying to balance it all?I hope you enjoy my conversation with Joan Lunden.Links: Website: https://joanlunden.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjoanlunden/

One of the biggest mistakes I see aspiring entrepreneurs make is believing they need to have everything figured out before they begin.They want certainty before they invest in training.They want confidence before they put themselves out there.They want to know they'll be successful before they're willing to take the first step.The problem is...that's not how confidence works.Confidence doesn't come first. It comes after you've taken enough imperfect action to realize you're capable.Sindy Warren is a life and business coach who helps people navigate career transitions, build businesses, and step into new chapters with intention. In this conversation, we talk about why so many people get stuck waiting for the "right time," how to quiet the limiting beliefs that tell you you're not ready, and why following curiosity is often a much better strategy than chasing certainty.If you've been sitting on an idea, questioning whether you're ready, or waiting until you feel more confident before taking action, I think this conversation will give you the push you need.Sometimes the only way to find out what's possible is to take the next step.Links:Website: https://bluetreecoaching.net/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluetreecoaching/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sindywarren/

A lot of people assume that when you start a business, you need to be all in.You need a full workday.A quiet house.Reliable childcare.A clear schedule.But that's just not realistic for most.This week on the Becoming a Sleep Consultant podcast, I'm joined by Sam Hirschel. Sam is the mom of a three-year-old and has built a thriving sleep consulting business while navigating school drop offs and pick ups, nap schedules, and all of the unpredictability that comes with raising a young child.One thing we discussed is how easy it is to convince yourself that you'll get started later.When the kids are older.When you have more time.When life settles down.The reality is that every season brings a new set of challenges. The goal isn't to wait for life to become easier. It's to figure out what is possible right now.In this conversation, we talk about setting boundaries with clients in order to protect family time, asking for help when you need it, and building a business in a way that actually works for your family.We also talk about something I know so many mothers can relate to: wanting something that belongs to you, while still being fully committed to your role as a parent.Whether you're thinking about becoming a sleep consultant or you're simply trying to balance work and motherhood, I think you'll see a little bit of yourself in Sam's story.Links:Website: https://gotobedsleepyhead.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotobed.sleepyhead/

This week on the Becoming a Sleep Consultant podcast, I'm joined by Vanessa Simpson, founder of Bay & Beyond Sleepy Time Solutions. Vanessa openly shares what it's been like to build a successful business while navigating both ADHD and dyslexia, and the practical systems and mindset shifts that have helped her turn perceived obstacles into strengths.In this conversation, we talk about the routines, tools, and strategies she relies on to stay organized, why entrepreneurship can actually be a great fit for neurodivergent thinkers, and how she learned to stop focusing on what doesn't work and start building around what does. We also discuss the importance of trial and error, creating a business that fits your life instead of someone else's expectations, and why there is no single "right" way to attract clients or grow a successful sleep consulting practice.If you've ever wondered whether you have what it takes to build a business, I think you'll really appreciate Vanessa's perspective. This is a conversation about embracing your strengths, finding systems that work for you, and realizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to entrepreneurship.Links:Website: https://bbsleepytimesolutions.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sessa_bbsleepytimesolutions/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbsleepytimesolutions

A lot of people don't walk away from the Bible because they stop caring. They walk away because they run into questions, tensions, and experiences they don't know what to do with. In this episode, Sarah Mezzera joins Russ for an honest conversation about her struggle with the Bible, the questions she couldn't ignore, and why making room for those questions might be more important than having all the answers.Learn More at Larksite.com