In this episode of Beyond the Best Seller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Sheree Bergeron, author of 'Mission Motherhood.' Sheree shares her deeply personal journey through a decade of infertility, including the emotional and physical challenges she faced. She discusses the motivation behind her book, which aims to educate and empower women experiencing similar struggles. The conversation also covers the writing and publishing process, the impact of her nonprofit Cheri's Choice, and advice for women navigating fertility challenges. Sheree emphasizes the importance of support and the various paths to motherhood, offering hope to those in similar situations.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The emotional roller coaster of a 10-year fertility journey and the power of "teaching memoirs."
• Why Cheri decided to invest in a professional ghostwriter and the company she used to shepherd her through the process.
• The shocking legal battle that became the ultimate "moment of surrender" and birthed her mission.
• How to plan your path to motherhood with the same intentionality as a career.
• Transitioning your personal brand from a male-dominated industry to a heart-centered nonprofit.

Connect with Cheri Bergeron:

• Purchase the book Mission Motherhood on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3OjUHxA
• Visit Cheri’s Website: Cheri Bergeron
• Learn about her nonprofit, Cheri’s Choice: Cheri's Choice
• Social Media: Follow Cheri on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook by searching for Cheri Bergeron.

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Cheri Bergeron's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.

In this conversation, Dr. Melissa emphasizes the critical role of empathy in fostering connection and understanding. She discusses how empathy is not merely about feelings but involves the ability to take another person's perspective. This foundational aspect of emotional intelligence is essential for effective communication and interaction.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The difference between emotional intelligence (EQ) and empathy—and why empathy must come first.

• Dr. Melissa’s "four steps to self-empathy" and how to make them a daily habit.

• The "horror stories" of her publishing journey, including AI mishaps and copyright theft.

• Why she advocates for the self-publishing route over traditional academic presses.

• How to protect your work and your voice in an increasingly digital world.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Purchase the book: The Empathic Leader on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tvIG7e

• Visit Dr. Melissa’s Website: https://www.eqviaempathy.com

• Watch Dr. Melissa’s TEDx Talk: 5 steps to start being kinder to yourself | Melissa Robinson-Winemiller | TEDxUTulsa

• Kelly’s Guide: How to Get a TEDx Talk: Your TEDx Speaker Guide - How to Become a TEDx Speaker

• Connect with Dr. Melissa on LinkedIn: Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, TEDx speaker, author, trainer | LinkedIn

• Listen to the Empathic Leader Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEmpathicLeader

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Dr. Melissa’s story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.

In this conversation, Linda Magoon shares her personal journey of healing, emphasizing the importance of taking small steps and the role of support systems in personal growth. She reflects on her struggles and the actions that helped her move forward, highlighting the significance of resilience and self-motivation in the healing process.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Linda used journaling and photography as a "writing prompt" to document her 48-summit journey.
• The reality of New Hampshire's brutal weather and why even experts train on Mount Washington.
• Overcoming the shame and secrecy of a toxic marriage to find autonomy in the outdoors.
• Why you don't need to hike a mountain to experience the healing benefits of nature.
• Practical tips for midlife women who want to start hiking but feel "late to the game".

Connect with Linda Magoon:

• Read the Book:
• Website: https://lindamagoon.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaKuligMagoon

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Linda Magoon's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.

In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Julie Wignall, author of 'The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies.' Julie discusses her journey of writing the book, which serves as a call to action for individuals to shine their light and transform the world. She emphasizes the importance of connection, community, and taking action to create change. Throughout the conversation, Julie shares inspiring stories of individuals making a difference globally, highlights the role of coaching in overcoming self-doubt, and encourages listeners to define their own success. The episode concludes with a reminder to keep writing and pursuing one's dreams.

In this episode, we explore:

• The "Firefly" Philosophy: Why transformation is not a spectator sport and how to get off the sidelines.

• Writing for Impact: Julie’s unique "workbook" approach to ensure readers move from the page to daily action.

• The "Fake" Factor: The devastating moment Julie realized her original book subjects weren't walking the walk—and how she started over.

• Redefining Education: How Julie went from a 14-year-old dropout to a lifelong scholar by focusing on learning over degrees.

• The Power of "No": Why holding your ground on pricing and values is the key to attracting the right clients and opportunities.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Buy the Book: https://amzn.to/4bUNU6E

• Julie Wignall’s Website: extraordinaryfireflies.com

• Free Resource: Flying Lessons for Fireflies (Free Download)

• Organization Mentioned: The Utando Project

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Julie Wignall's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

In this episode of the Beyond the Bestseller podcast, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Anne Dranitsaris, Ph.D., author of 'Not Broken, Just Delayed.' They discuss the concept of codependency, its historical context, and how it manifests in relationships. Anne shares insights on identifying codependency, the importance of personal development, and the journey of self-publishing her book. The conversation also touches on marketing strategies for authors and the evolution of the book's title.

In this episode, we explore:

• The difference between being "broken" and having "delayed development."

• How codependency shows up in the workplace (and why you’re afraid to say no to your boss).

• The evolution of codependency from the 1930s medical model to a modern developmental lens.

• Anne’s personal experience transitioning from traditional publishing to self-publishing.

• The reality of hiring marketing firms and why "voice" is the most important factor in your promotion.

• Why publishing a book is exactly like starting a new business (and why it takes three years to find its footing).

Resources Mentioned:

•Get the book: Not Broken, Just Delayed: The 100 Year Evolution of Codependency and Why We're Still Stuck on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4rz4jSJ

• Visit Anne’s Website: https://andranitsaris.com

• Anne’s other books: Who You Meant to Be, So You Think You Can Lead, and Power Past the Impostor Syndrome.

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Dr. Anne Dranitsaris’s story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.

In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Dr. Jessica Schloemp, author of 'The Leader Within Her.' They discuss Jessica's journey from writing her dissertation to publishing her book, the importance of leadership education, and the unique qualities women bring to leadership roles. Jessica emphasizes that leadership is a skill that can be learned and that true leadership goes beyond tenure and titles. The conversation also touches on the writing process and the significance of intentionality in leadership and workplace culture.

Connect with Dr. Jessica Schloemp:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-schloemp

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaschloemp

• Website: https://www.reviveandriseconsulting.com

Grab the Book:

• The Leader Within Her on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sb2RHp

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Jessica's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Marcylle Combs, author of 'Never Hire Your Friends.' They discuss the importance of building friendships in the workplace, the balance between personal and professional relationships, and the challenges of accountability as a leader. Marcelle shares her journey of writing her book, the realities of publishing, and how her experiences shape her approach to leadership and team dynamics.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Marcylle decided to write a book after 30 years in healthcare and several successful business exits.
• The reality of "the wrong seat on the bus": How to handle performance issues without ruining a friendship.
• Setting boundaries: How to navigate texts, calls, and work-life integration as a leader and a friend.
• The "grueling" truth about the publishing process, from collaborative writers to hybrid publishers.
• Why you don't need 10,000 followers to share a message that matters.

Resources Mentioned:

• Purchase Marcylle’s book: Never Hire Your Friends on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sKToGI
• Visit Marcylle’s Website: https://marcyllecombs.com
• Listen to Marcylle’s Podcast: 50% with Marcylle Combs: https://marcyllecombs.com/podcast

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Marcylle Combs’s story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.

In this episode of the Beyond the Bestseller podcast, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Lori Bartle, author of 'The Agency Within Us.' Lori shares her unique career journey in marketing and advertising, her insights on human agency, and the importance of proactivity in leadership. She discusses her transition from a secure job to entrepreneurship, the challenges of self-publishing, and her strategies for marketing her book and consultancy. The conversation highlights the intersection of coaching and mentoring, and the realities of navigating a new business landscape.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The definition of "work agency" and how it differs from emotional intelligence.
• Why Lori chose a unique "self-publishing" path to keep control of her data and marketing.
• The power of combining formal coaching with high-level mentoring.
• Navigating the "terrifying" but rewarding transition from employee to business owner.
• How to fight through the "muck" of a reactive environment to become proactive.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Purchase Lori’s book, The Agency Within Us: https://www.cultivagency.com
• Lori Bartle’s Website: https://www.cultiveagency.com
• International Coaching Federation (ICF): https://coachingfederation.org
• IngramSpark (Self-publishing platform): https://www.ingramspark.com

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Lori Bartle's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.