What if you're not broken—just misaligned? In this conversation, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Stefanie Carlstedt, a Certified Human Design Business Coach who helps entrepreneurs and teams ditch one-size-fits-all strategies and build success that actually fits. After 13 years of entrepreneurial trial-and-error, Stef discovered Human Design and everything changed. Now she helps others build businesses and lives that honor who they truly are—without the burnout and confusion.

Stef shares her personal journey from corporate burnout to building a six-figure business that left her feeling empty. When her father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, she walked away from her social work career to be with him and started fresh. After his passing, a text from her sister-in-law about Human Design finally gave her the clarity she'd been searching for—and transformed her business, her relationships, and her understanding of herself.

So what is Human Design? Unlike personality tests that rely on a conditioned mind, Human Design uses your birth date, time, and location to create a personalized chart showing how you're meant to move through the world. Stef breaks down the five energy types and explains why some people thrive with hustle while others burn out, why following someone else's blueprint rarely works, and how understanding your unique decision-making process can help you stop saying yes when your body is screaming no.

Whether you're an entrepreneur struggling to find your footing, a leader trying to support your team, or someone who's tired of feeling like life has to be so hard, this episode offers practical tools and a refreshing reminder: when you align with your true design, everything shifts.

Bio:

Stefanie Carlstedt is a Certified Human Design Business Coach for Entrepreneurs and Teams. After 13 years of trial-and-error in entrepreneurship, she discovered the power of Human Design to turn burnout and confusion into clarity and sustainable growth. Today she helps business owners and teams ditch one-size-fits-all strategies and build success that actually fits, by design.

Connect with Stefanie:

Website: http://stefcarlstedt.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefanie.carlstedt.2025

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefaniecarlstedt/

Resources:

http://stefcarlstedt.com/hdreport

https://www.stefcarlstedt.com/magneticbusiness

Books mentioned:

Outlive - The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia MD - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9780593236598

https://amzn.to/4trX2qa

The Gene Keys Embracing Your Higher Purpose by Richard Rudd - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781780285429

https://amzn.to/46sPtFB

Podcasts mentioned:

The Human Design Advantage with Stefanie Carlstedt - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-human-design-advantage/id1818861491

Be Magnetic Podcast with Tara Fischer - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-magnetic-podcast/id1660554761

———

Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!

———

This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

 Next Level Soul Podcast with Alex Ferrari - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-soul-podcast-with-alex-ferrari/id1560904383

In this expansive and energizing episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with award-winning author, speaker, and high-performance coach Cortney McDermott for a conversation that blends science, soul, and strategy. With a career that spans executive roles in global corporations, bestselling books, and appearances on stages like TEDx and Mindvalley, Cortney shares how real transformation starts from within—and how we can all access deeper alignment, joy, and purpose by tuning into our own innate wisdom.

Cortney opens up about her personal journey from being miserably successful to becoming a conscious creator of a more aligned life and business. She and Desiree explore topics like intuitive decision-making, rewiring subconscious beliefs, and why “hustle culture” often leads us away from the very success we’re chasing. Cortney introduces the neuroscience behind change, the power of permission, and how curiosity can be a guiding force when we're stuck or in transition.

Throughout the conversation, Cortney encourages listeners to stop outsourcing their power and start designing a life that actually feels good—not just looks good on paper. Whether you're a high-achieving professional, a curious seeker, or someone craving more clarity and calm in your life, this episode offers practical tools and soulful insights to help you return to your center, trust your inner voice, and create from a place of true alignment.

Bio:

Cortney McDermott is an award-winning author and speaker and celebrity coach. Her work in self-development and business strategy has been featured in Inc., Women’s Health, NBC, The Huffington Post, MindBodyGreen, and SUCCESS, and her talks on human potential have been shared on stages including TEDx, Mindvalley, Oxford Saïd Business School, and Richard Branson’s private island, Necker.

With a Master of Science from the London School of Economics, Cortney blends academic rigor with real-world experience to help individuals and organizations reach their highest potential. Her career highlights include executive roles at Vanity Fair Corporation, Vice President at Sustainability Partners Inc., and successfully running her own businesses, where she has worked with brands such as Universal Music Group, Nike, Kickstarter, and Google.

Connect with Cortney:

Website: https://www.cortneymcdermott.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortneymcdermott/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortneymcdermott/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@cortinc

Resources:

https://youtu.be/L2f8w1v-Hzo?si=e_Pu3GFB5w9YXGLS

Books mentioned:

Give Yourself Permission. Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You. Cortney McDermott - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781736357019

https://amzn.to/3ZS7Vnf

 Change Starts Within You: Unlock the Confidence to Lead with Intuition

Cortney McDermott - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9780998955209

https://amzn.to/4qi10Pl

 Think and Grow Rich Napoleon Hill - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781585424337

https://amzn.to/4rqn1w5

Books by:

Alan Watts

Wallace Wattles

———

Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!

———

This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

This is not intended to treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are suffering from any medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.

In this insightful and empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes Dr. Robin Buckley—clinical psychologist, executive coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Marriage, Inc.: The Boardroom Blueprint to Lasting Love—for a thought-provoking conversation about applying business strategies to romantic relationships. With her background in cognitive behavioral psychology and executive coaching, Dr. Buckley brings a unique and strategic lens to improving communication, conflict resolution, and connection in both personal and professional partnerships.

Together, Desiree and Dr. Buckley explore how high-achieving individuals and couples can use tools like goal-setting and strategic planning—traditionally reserved for the workplace—to build healthier, more intentional relationships at home. Dr. Buckley shares how she helps couples move from autopilot to clarity by identifying shared visions, setting expectations, and having proactive conversations about topics that are often avoided until they become problems.

The conversation also touches on handling resentment, building emotional equity, and why couples therapy isn’t just for when things are broken—it’s a performance tool for growing stronger together. Dr. Buckley emphasizes that relationships are not “soft” or second-tier compared to career ambitions—they deserve structure, attention, and investment too.

Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, navigating marriage, or simply curious about how to bring more intention to your partnerships, this episode offers a fresh approach to love and connection.

Bio:

Dr. Robin Buckley earned her PhD in clinical psychology from Hofstra University, with specialized training in cognitive behavioral methodology and executive coaching. Her work as an expert in the field has been featured on multiple media platforms, including Entrepreneur, Chief, Authority Magazine, Nike, and on the 2023 TED stage. As an international speaker, Robin focuses on applying cognitive behavioral strategies to mental wellness in the workplace and to women’s equity and empowerment. As a coach, Robin applies cognitive behavioral tactics to help organizations, couples, and individuals create strategic plans for professional and personal success.

Connect with Dr Robin Buckley:

Website: https://drrobinbuckley.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/findingthepowerwithin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrobinbuckley/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robin-buckley/

Books mentioned:

Marriage Inc The Boardroom Blueprint to Lasting Love by Dr Robin Buckley- https://amzn.to/3K9MLx1

Coupon: Marriage20

 Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781594634727

https://amzn.to/4r0shHf

Podcasts mentioned:

unPAUSED  with Dr. Mary Claire Haver - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unpaused-with-dr-mary-claire-haver/id1846701533

 Wiser than me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus/id1678559416

———

Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!

———

This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

This is not intended to treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are suffering from any medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.

In this empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes career strategist and coach Rachel Spekman for a grounded and inspiring conversation about redefining work, purpose, and what it means to build a soul-aligned career. As the founder of Made For More Coaching—with a background in both startups and therapy—Rachel shares her unique approach to helping high-performing professionals move from “soul-sucking” jobs to careers that light them up.

Rachel and Desiree explore the emotional and practical realities of navigating career transitions, especially for women in midlife who feel stuck, burned out, or disconnected from their work. Rachel offers tangible tools like the “three Cs” framework (community, contribution, and challenge), career audits, and a fresh take on how to balance financial needs with emotional fulfillment. They also discuss the value of clarity, the myths around income and success, and why quitting with a plan is more powerful than just walking away.

Whether you're feeling disconnected in your current role, considering a major pivot, or simply seeking more meaning in your professional life, this episode is filled with thoughtful insights, practical strategies, and soul-level encouragement to help you step into a career that feels aligned, sustainable, and truly your own.

Bio:

Rachel Spekman is a veteran coach who helps professionals who are unfulfilled in their careers identify how to tap into their unique potential. After 15 years in marketing brands, 10 years helping startup founders, and 5 years as a therapist, she has helped hundreds of people to reinvent themselves and their careers.

Rachel now focuses all of her time and energies on helping high-performing professionals go from high pay, miserable, and unhealthy in their careers to applying their gifts and talents in ways that make them great incomes by aligning with their values and purpose.

Connect with Rachel:

Email: Rachel@rachelspekman.com

Website: https://www.rachelspekman.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelSpekmanCareerConsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelspekman/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MadeforMoreCoach

Resources:

https://www.rachelspekman.com/high-stakes-career-audit

Books mentioned:

Meaningful Work How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee By Wes Adams, Tamara Myles - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781541704534

https://amzn.to/49y4UOZ

Podcasts mentioned:

 The Midlife Chrysalis with Chip Conley - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-midlife-chrysalis/id1817695682

———

Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!

———

This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

If you've ever felt behind with money, overwhelmed by financial jargon, or unsure how to prioritize yourself without guilt, this episode is your permission slip to start fresh. Host Desiree Stanley welcomes certified financial planner, educator, and speaker Linda Grizly—creator of the ME Money Method—for a powerful, down-to-earth conversation about building confidence and clarity with your finances. With no shame, no judgment, and plenty of real talk, Linda shares her journey from teen mom to successful financial expert, opening up about the moments that shaped her relationship with money and inspired her mission to help others—especially women—feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Throughout the conversation, Linda explains how understanding your money personality type—whether you’re a spender, saver, avoider, security seeker, or risk taker—can shift the way you manage and feel about your finances. She also emphasizes that it’s possible to build a life you love without following a budget you hate. Desiree and Linda explore how to start feeling in control of your money, why mindset and emotional clarity matter just as much as the math, and how setting aside guilt-free “ME money” can lead to joyful, intentional spending.

Whether you're rebuilding after a life change, starting from scratch, or just ready to think differently about wealth, this inspiring episode offers practical insight, heartfelt encouragement, and a reminder that it’s never too late to reconnect with your power and invest in yourself—one small step at a time.

Bio:

I’ve always had a strong pull to help people feel seen, supported, and capable. From a young age, I could tell when someone needed extra encouragement, and it became the heart of everything I do.

I’ve blended a career in financial planning with my passion for personal growth and a deep love of speaking to inspire to do one thing:

Help you feel confident and in control of your money and your life - without lecture or judgment.

Whether you’re rebuilding, just getting started, or ready to rise, I’m here to help you:

• Break through limiting beliefs

• Learn how money actually works

• Understand the power of mindset

• Build wealth your way

• Think bigger about what’s possible

I’m a people enthusiast who thrives on deep conversations, big visions, and helping others reconnect with their power.

Connect with Linda:

Website: https://www.lindagriz.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely

Resources:

Money Personality Quiz: https://bit.ly/MonPersQuiz

Books mentioned:

Think and Grow Rick by Napoleon Hill - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781585424337

https://amzn.to/4aUbd09

21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781400236169

https://amzn.to/4qNKqHp

 Lessons from Thought Leaders - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781735742861

https://amzn.to/4qaJLQw

Becoming Your Best Self: Lessons on Resilience, Attitude and Personal Growth - https://amzn.to/49j9Y9O

Podcasts mentioned:

Real Money, Real life with Linda Grizely – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-money-real-life/id1831822405

———

Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!

———

This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

In this soulful and empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Keri Nola—former psychotherapist turned spiritual mentor and healer—to explore the transformative power of shadow work, mature manifestation, and receiving with grace. Known as the Shadow Mama and Receptivity Queen, Keri brings her signature blend of wisdom and warmth to a conversation that invites us to drop the hustle, tune into our soul’s calling, and embrace the parts of ourselves we’ve long hidden away.

Together, Keri and Desiree dive into why personal winters—those quiet, uncertain seasons of life—often hold the richest seeds of transformation. Keri shares how her own leap from a successful therapy practice into a more spiritually aligned business was not only terrifying but also deeply healing. They discuss what it means to engage in mature manifestation (hint: it’s not just about asking the universe for stuff) and how embracing receptivity is a radical, feminine act of abundance.

You’ll also hear how grief can serve as a sacred portal for spiritual growth, and how tracking the everyday expressions of abundance—from compliments to creative ideas—can shift us out of scarcity and into expansion. Keri opens up about her intuitive process behind creating the Messages from Shadow oracle deck, offering listeners a glimpse into how shadow work can become a daily practice of self-trust, clarity, and empowerment.

If you’re navigating a life transition, feeling stuck in old patterns, or simply ready to remember the truth of who you are, this conversation is your invitation to return to your inner wisdom—and receive what’s always been yours.

Bio:

Keri Nola, known as the Shadow Mama and Receptivity Queen, specializes in transforming scarcity consciousness and guiding Givers to receive and serve abundantly. With over a decade of experience as a Licensed Psychotherapist, Keri retired in 2017 and transitioned to a global mentor, guide, author, and podcaster. She now supports therapists, healers, and spiritually aware entrepreneurs in transmuting fear, activating their purpose, and harmonizing giving and receiving in alignment with Divine Will.

Connect with Keri:

Email: support@kerinola.com

Website: https://kerinola.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keri_nola/

Resources:

 Messagesfromshadow.com

Books mentioned:

The Serviceberry Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781668072240

https://amzn.to/3MZPJF2

The Wisdom of Menopause (4th Edition) Creating Physical and Emotional Health During the Change by Christiane Northrup M.D. - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9780525486138

https://amzn.to/4q7eJIO

Existential Kink Unmask Your Shadow and Embrace Your Power (a Method for Getting What You Want by Getting Off on What You Don't) by Carolyn Elliott PhD - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781578636471

https://amzn.to/4pAKUAu

Podcasts mentioned:

The Telepathy Tapes by Ky Dickens - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-telepathy-tapes/id1766382649

———

Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!

Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!

———

This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

This is not intended to treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are suffering from any medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.