Best Stephanie Mclaughlin Podcasts (2025)

1
Turning 40 and facing a midlife curveball 55:23

2d ago55:23

55:23

Anne Montgomery was one of the first women to anchor ESPN’s SportsCenter—but when her TV career ended abruptly at 38, she found herself broke, heartbroken, and convinced her best days were behind her. In this gripping and often funny episode, Anne shares the highs of breaking barriers in sports media and the lows of losing it all. What came next? A…

1
Reflections: The Cost of Hustle in Midlife 30:38

14d ago30:38

30:38

What if slowing down isn’t a setback, but a turning point? In this episode, Stephanie explores how midlife often presses pause on our hustle-filled lives - and what looks at first like a punishment is usually an invitation. Through powerful stories from past guests and her own experience, she unpacks how stillness can help us reconnect with what re…

1
46 - Using AI to Amplify Creativity with Book Coach Jocelyn Lindsay 47:47

19d ago47:47

47:47

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Jocelyn Lindsay, an innovative book coach and writer, to explore the transformative power of AI in the writing and publishing industry. Jocelyn shares her insights on using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to amplify creativity, streamline marketing strategies, and support new writers in thei…

1
Turning 40 and trading high heels for healing 57:34

26d ago57:34

57:34

When Anna Brooke heard a mysterious voice say “burlesque dancer” during a meditation, she had no idea it would lead to a full-blown metamorphosis. Known on stage as the Reverend Legs Malone, Anna built a dazzling career that lit her up—until her body forced her to stop. In this deeply human episode, she opens up about listening to intuition, naviga…

1
45 - Streamlining Author Workflows with Chelle Honiker of Author Automations 50:38

26d ago50:38

50:38

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we are thrilled to welcome back Chelle Honiker, an expert in AI and automation, particularly within the publishing industry. Chelle shares her journey into the world of AI-powered automations, detailing how her Substack, Author Automations, has become an invaluable resource for authors looking to streamline t…

1
44 - AI in the Author's Workflow with Jamie Davis of Author Nation 41:13

1M ago41:13

41:13

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite sit down with Jamie Davis, a seasoned author and the conference director of Author Nation, to discuss his journey from initial skepticism to embracing AI as a powerful tool for enhancing his writing process, streamlining workflows, and expanding his storytelling into vi…

1
43 - The Future of Storytelling: AI Movies and Agents with Michael Evans of Author Sidekick 51:09

1M ago51:09

51:09

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by Michael Evans, the innovative mind behind Author Sidekick, to explore the transformative role of AI in storytelling. Examining topics such as AI-driven movies and multimedia storytelling, Michael shares his insights on how AI can redefine what it means to …

1
Reflections: What Burnout Is Really Trying to Tell You 31:57

1M ago31:57

31:57

Burnout is more than just being tired—it’s about finding out the limits of a life that no longer fits. In this solo bonus episode, Stephanie pulls together stories from past guests who pushed themselves to the edge by doing everything “right”—only to discover that success built on someone else’s terms can quietly unravel your sense of self. From pa…

1
42 - Innovative AI Storytelling with Russell Nohelty from Author Stack 44:12

2M ago44:12

44:12

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty to explore the transformative role of AI in both fiction and nonfiction writing. Russell shares his journey from AI skeptic to advocate, highlighting how AI tools have become invaluable co-creators in his expans…

1
Dr Roula Kotsifaki - Revolutionizing ACL recovery 28:36

2M ago28:36

28:36

"We shouldn't treat the MRI, we want to treat our athletes." In this episode, Roula Kotsifaki discusses her recent research on ACL recovery, emphasizing the evolving perspectives in rehabilitation. She highlights the importance of balancing tissue healing with performance metrics, the significance of objective criteria for return to sport, and the …

1
Turning 40 and unlearning the American Dream 40:19

2M ago40:19

40:19

What happens when you reach the top—and realize it’s not what you wanted? Angela Hwang had the résumé, the accolades, and the paycheck, but behind the scenes, her health was deteriorating and her happiness was nowhere to be found. In this honest and eye-opening episode, Angela shares how a health scare, motherhood, and burnout collided to spark a t…

1
41 - AI in Creative Writing and Translations with Olivia Rigal 46:40

2M ago46:40

46:40

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite engage in a compelling discussion with author Olivia Rigal, exploring her innovative use of AI in the publishing industry. Olivia shares her journey from law to literature, highlighting how she harnesses AI tools to enhance creativity, streamline translations, and expan…

1
Stephanie Mock Grubbs - Insights from a Major League Strength Coach 49:05

2M ago49:05

49:05

Our guest today is Stephanie Mock Grubbs, Assistant Major League Strength & Conditioning Coach at the Houston Astros. Ryan and Stephanie discuss the transition from collegiate to professional sports, focusing on the role of a strength & conditioning coach in elite athlete performance. Stephanie shares her experience at The University of Pittsburgh …

1
Reflections: Creative awakenings at midlife 24:13

2M ago24:13

24:13

Among the many strange and funny things that can happen as you reach midlife is this: just when everything feels like it’s falling apart, something creative starts to stir. In this bonus episode, Stephanie explores the idea of a midlife creative awakening—inspired by past guests who picked up paint brushes, pens, instruments, and more in the messy …

1
40 - Balancing Joy and Technology in Writing with Kevin McLaughlin 45:43

2M ago45:43

45:43

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite engage in an enlightening conversation with prolific sci-fi author and AI enthusiast, Kevin McLaughlin. With over 100 novels under his belt, Kevin shares his insights on the transformative role of AI in the publishing industry, highlighting how he integrates AI tools in…

1
Dr Stacie Barber - The future of physical therapy 26:33

2M ago26:33

26:33

In this episode of VALDCAST, host Dylan Carmody chats with Dr. Stacie Barber who shares her journey as a physical therapist and the unique approach she takes in her practice, The Physio Fix. We discuss the evolution of her social media presence, how she amassed nearly 1 million followers (Check out her instagram HERE), her personal experience with …

1
Turning 40 and making art out of the mess 43:35

2M ago43:35

43:35

When Jenn Kacmar and Rose Planer met at an engagement party, they had no idea their friendship would become the anchor that carried them through midlife chaos. With a decade between them, different careers, and wildly different life stages, their bond became a lifeline—especially during the isolating early days of the pandemic. In this heartfelt an…

1
39 - Transforming Audiobook Narration and Discovery with Spoken 47:52

2M ago47:52

47:52

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by Phil Marshall and Andrew Wallner, co-founders of Spoken Press, to explore the transformative role of AI in the audiobook industry. Discover how Spoken Press is revolutionizing audiobook creation, distribution, and monetization with its innovative AI-driven…

1
Nicol van Dyk - The Role of Normative Data in Injury Prevention 34:29

2M ago34:29

34:29

In this conversation with Dylan, Nicol van Dyk shares his extensive journey in sports medicine, highlighting his experiences at Aspetar and the evolution of technology in the field. He discusses the importance of injury prevention, the role of normative data, and how to build comprehensive player profiles. Nicol emphasizes the need for context in d…

1
Reflections: Breaking Old Patterns to Find Yourself 23:46

2M ago23:46

23:46

In this short bonus episode, Steph unpacks the deeper themes from her conversation with Elizabeth Makepeace—no listening homework required. Through Elizabeth’s story, Steph explores how unconscious patterns from childhood shape our adult relationships, often without us realizing it. She dives into what it means to break the caretaker cycle, how to …

1
38 - Celebrating One Year of Brave New Bookshelf with Danica and Steph 47:34

3M ago47:34

47:34

In this special one-year anniversary episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite reflect on their journey exploring the intersection of AI and authorship. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI in the publishing industry and share personal insights into how these tools have transformed their writing workflows. With over …

1
Turning 40 and resigning as the family fixer 33:22

3M ago33:22

33:22

When Elizabeth Makepeace fell for a younger, free-spirited musician, she thought she’d found the love foretold in a dream. But what began as a spiritual connection turned into a controlling, emotionally draining marriage that forced her to confront an old pattern she thought she’d outgrown: the compulsion to care for others at the cost of herself. …

1
Shaun Owen - The science of recovery, from Rugby to Red Sox 32:20

3M ago32:20

32:20

In this episode, Shaun Owen shares his journey from South Africa to Boston, discussing his transition from rugby to baseball and the key differences in athlete training and recovery. He emphasizes the importance of individualization in recovery strategies, the role of technology in sports science, and the understanding of fatigue in athletes. Shaun…

1
ORKA Performance - Born from a love of training and performance 42:03

3M ago42:03

42:03

The growth journey of ORKA Performance is something special. In today's VALDCAST Ryan covers off the transition from practitioners to business owners and the importance of building a feedback culture. The guys have navigated the complexities of rehab to performance transitions, And focus on the key components of building and maintaining a strong cu…

1
37 - Wide Strategies and Translations with Monica Leonelle from Writer MBA 48:13

3M ago48:13

48:13

In this episode of the Brave New Bookshelf, we’re joined by Monica Leonelle, co-founder of Writer MBA and a trailblazer in the publishing world, to explore how AI is revolutionizing wide strategies and translations for authors. Monica shares her journey from skepticism to fully embracing AI as a tool to expand creativity, save time, and break into …

1
Turning 40 and turning pasta into a paycheck 45:18

3M ago45:18

45:18

At age 39, Francesca Montillo had a thriving healthcare career at a prestigious Boston hospital—but her heart was in Italy, dreaming of pasta, wine, and sun-soaked adventures. In this episode, she shares how she slowly and strategically built a food and travel business on the side, eventually trading her secure 9-to-5 for a life she once thought wa…

1
Derek Hansen - The evolution of technology & coaching methodologies 33:19

3M ago33:19

33:19

Derek Hansen shares his extensive experience in sports science, where he focusses on timing systems, coaching methodologies, and the differences in athletic training between Canada and the USA. We discusses the evolution of timing technology, the importance of understanding athlete performance metrics, and the challenges faced in professional sport…

1
36 - Story Bibles from Story Snap with Cameron Sutter from Plottr 34:50

3M ago34:50

34:50

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite welcome back Cameron Sutter, creator of Plottr, to discuss his latest innovation, Story Snap — an AI-powered tool that creates detailed book bibles in minutes. Cameron dives into how Story Snap works, its game-changing potential for authors and developmental editors, an…

1
Matt Jordan - Embracing science. From asymmetries and squats to strength & conditioning 48:02

3M ago48:02

48:02

Matt Jordan, a pioneer in the adoption and implementation of force plate technology discusses his journey with force plates, emphasizing their significance in strength and conditioning. He shares insights on how he transitioned from traditional training methods to a more scientific approach, utilizing force metrics to inform training decisions, esp…

1
Turning 40 and trading safety for soulful 49:02

3M ago49:02

49:02

What if your “successful” life started to feel like a slow, quiet heartbreak? In this episode, Steve Vincent shares how he went from burned-out high school vice principal to thriving freelance copywriter—by finally listening to the voice he’d been pushing down for years. He opens up about the emotional weight of staying in a life that looks good on…

1
35 - Exploring AI, Translations, and Zombies with Derek Slaton 39:33

3M ago39:33

39:33

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Derek Slaton, author of the massive Dead America zombie series. From creating weekly audio stories on YouTube and Spotify using AI narration tools like Play HT, to expanding his global reach through affordable translations with Scribe Shadow, Derek shares his insights on leveraging technology…

1
Mick Hughes 33:44

3M ago33:44

33:44

In this episode of VALDCAST, we chat with Mick Hughes about his extensive experience in ACL rehabilitation, highlighting the evolution of management practices over the years. He emphasizes the importance of data-informed decision-making in clinical practice, particularly in assessing quadricep strength and its impact on rehabilitation outcomes. Mic…

1
Turning 40 and getting dismissed by doctors 50:25

4M ago50:25

50:25

When Amita Sharma hit her 40s, her body started betraying her—crippling fatigue, brain fog, and relentless hot flashes—but doctors told her she was "fine." Frustrated and desperate for answers, she turned to holistic medicine, unknowingly setting herself on a path to revolutionize women's health. Amita shares her eye-opening journey through perimen…

1
Dr Alex Natera 36:12

4M ago36:12

36:12

Creator of Run-Specific Isometrics and Manager of Sports Science at NSWIS, Alexander Natera discusses the evolution of isometrics and overall strength in athletic testing and training. He shares insights on how his techniques originated, their effectiveness across various sports, and the nuances of implementing them for different athletic needs. Na…

1
Welcome to VALDCAST 11:08

4M ago11:08

11:08

What is VALDCAST? Join hosts Dylan and Ryan as they introduce VALDCAST—where leading health and performance experts share real-world insights, transformative stories and how technology is shaping their practices. 🎙️ Connect with our hosts Ryan McLaughlin and Dylan Carmody 🌐 Discover VALD's range of solutions on the VALD Performance website…

1
Dr Duncan French 52:20

4M ago52:20

52:20

Dr Duncan French, Senior VP at the UFC Performance Institute, breaks down the complexities of training the worlds best MMA fighters. He discusses the unique demands of MMA compared to other sports, the critical components of a successful training camp and the need for seamless collaboration between performance staff and coaches. We dive into Duncan…

1
Dr Ebonie Rio 35:18

4M ago35:18

35:18

Dr Ebonie Rio, renowned sports physiotherapist and leading tendon researcher, breaks down the complexities of tendon rehabilitation. She discusses the role of muscle activation, neuroplastic training and the central nervous system in recovery, as well as key considerations for load management, dynamic training readiness and tendon capacity. We dive…

1
Turning 40 and Breaking Free from Survival Mode 52:20

4M ago52:20

52:20

Naomi Kreske thought she had built the perfect life—marriage, kids, and the white picket fence dream. But when her marriage crumbled, she found herself stuck in survival mode, barely holding it all together. For years, she unknowingly repeated the same patterns—ignoring her needs, attracting unhealthy relationships, and staying in a job that draine…

1
34 - Dana Sacco and Bootstrapping Your Publishing Career with AI Tools 42:33

4M ago42:33

42:33

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Dana Sacco, a businesswoman-turned-author who has mastered the art of bootstrapping her publishing career using AI tools. Dana shares how she transitioned from being an avid reader to a multi-genre author, all while leveraging affordable and innovative AI solutions like ChatGPT, Claude, and I…

1
33 - The Rise of AI in Publishing with Jason Hamilton 47:02

4M ago47:02

47:02

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Jason Hamilton, also known as The Nerdy Novelist, to explore how AI is revolutionizing the world of writing and publishing. Jason shares his journey from self-published author to YouTube sensation, offering insights into his favorite AI tools, his innovative 40 Chapter Plot Module, and practi…

1
Reflections: Letting go of understanding what happened 16:51

4M ago16:51

16:51

In this bonus episode of the Big Four Oh Podcast, Steph delves deeper into themes discussed with Shā Sparks, focusing on the concepts of releasing the need for understanding to heal, and the importance of positive self-talk. Steph shares additional stories from previous guests, Julie Hutsell Starling (episode 99) and Jeff Glauser (episode 96), to i…

1
32 - Balancing Creativity, Systems, and Technology with Elana Johnson 1:02:14

4M ago1:02:14

1:02:14

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we’re joined by the prolific author Elana Johnson, who shares her incredible journey of integrating AI into her high-output writing career. From outlining and character development to social media content creation and gamifying her workflow, Elana reveals how she uses tools like Notebook LM, Plotdrive, and Op…

1
Turning 40 and Finding Peace Without Answers 47:18

4M ago47:18

47:18

Shā Sparks’ midlife transformation was about breaking free—from toxic relationships, self-doubt, and the need for closure. After years in an abusive relationship, she realized she didn’t need answers or closure to heal—she just needed to walk away. Letting go of the “why” allowed her to move forward and build a life rooted in self-worth rather than…

1
31 - Creativity, AI, and Publishing with Derek Murphy 58:09

5M ago58:09

58:09

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Derek Murphy — author, artist, and expert in creativity and publishing. From the history of creativity to the ways AI is transforming accessibility for authors, Derek shares interesting insights on how writers can embrace these tools to enhance their work while navigating the fears surroundin…

1
Turning 40 and Rewiring the Mind 56:58

5M ago56:58

56:58

In this episode, Stephanie talks to Marcy Langlois, who shares her extraordinary story of resilience and recovery. Born with a cleft lip and palate requiring multiple surgeries, Marcy grew up in a chaotic household and struggled with addiction following a life-altering car accident. Her story explores the impact of trauma on physical health, includ…

1
30 - Legalities, Workflows, and Transformative Use with Alicia Wright 43:12

5M ago43:12

43:12

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we’re joined by Alicia Wright, an IP attorney and science fiction author, to explore the legalities of AI in publishing and how authors can ethically and creatively use AI tools in their workflows. Alicia shares her expertise on copyright law, explains common myths about plagiarism and AI, and offers invaluab…

1
Reflections: Self Worth 19:46

5M ago19:46

19:46

Steph delves into Emily Hall's emotional story, where she reveals how she tied her self-worth to societal milestones like marriage and having kids, leading to an identity crisis fueled by low self-esteem. Through self-reflection and a pivotal conversation with a friend, Emily began to reshape her internal dialogue, shifting her belief system to val…

1
29 - Writing Spicy with AI: A Conversation with Erica Bobrik 35:36

5M ago35:36

35:36

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we dive into the world of writing spicy content with AI alongside prolific author Erica Bobrik. With nearly 190 published titles across ten pen names, Erica shares her expert insights on leveraging AI tools to craft compelling stories, navigate boundaries in spicy scenes, and manage a diverse publishing caree…

1
Turning 40 and Unraveling Codependency 44:43

5M ago44:43

44:43

In this episode of The Big Four Oh Podcast, Stephanie talks to Emily Hall, who shares her remarkable journey through tumultuous life experiences, including a toxic childhood, substance abuse, near-death experiences, and codependent relationships. Emily opens up about her emotional breakdown on her 40th birthday and the pivotal moment she realized s…

1
28 - The Role of Community in AI-Driven Authorship 42:41

5M ago42:41

42:41

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas (Future Fiction Academy) and Danica Favorite (PublishDrive) discuss the vital role of community in navigating AI-driven authorship. They tackle important topics like overcoming fear of backlash for using AI, leveraging transcription tools to create valuable content, and finding your tribe …

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Stephanie Mclaughlin Podcasts

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