Circumstance

In the final episode of RIFT, we explore how to protect your most important asset—you. After job loss or other life changes, well-being often takes a back seat. Dr. Grandt and Elizabeth, founders of Wellbeing in Dana Point, share how their journey through loss led them to create a sanctuary for restoration, balance, and health. This episode is a reminder to stay in tune with yourself—mind, body, and soul—no matter where you are in life or career Connect with Wellbeing: @wellbeingoc@wellbeingoc@wellbeingoc949-503-2203https://wellbeingoc.com/contact#lead-form Listen to the whole series here. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Growing up in Southern California, Halloween used to be wild joy; pillowcases full of candy, unsupervised wonder, and doorbells that promised magic. But over time, real-life horror crept into the shadows: poisoned treats, violent crimes, and the slow erosion of trust in the unknown. In this haunting interlude, host Gina Cafasso reflects on how Halloween has changed, from spontaneous childhood adventure to curated adult spectacle. Through personal memory, cultural shifts, and chilling true crime, we explore what was lost… and what might still be reclaimed. Some monsters wore masks. Not the rubber kind we buy at the Halloween store. The kind that smiled at neighbors. This episode is for anyone who remembers what it felt like to be a kid on Halloween, and wonders if that magic can ever feel safe again. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Listen to all interludes: https://circumstancepodcast.com/podcasts/interludes Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this continuation of Gina Cafasso’s conversation with nationally recognized career coach Maggie Mistal, the focus shifts from disruption to deep alignment. Together, they explore how intuition, courage, and soulful strategy can guide you through career transitions that feel anything but easy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change, seeking clarity, or wondering if it’s truly possible to love what you do. Gina and Maggie discuss the emotional layers of rebuilding, the importance of support, and why giving yourself grace is part of the process. But they also get practical, discussing how to market yourself authentically, leverage transferable skills, and consider new paths, including trades and technology. Sometimes, soul-aligned work means using your hands to build something real and rediscovering your creativity. You’ll hear why referrals are still the #1 source of hires, how to get your resume walked in, and why sending a paper resume or writing a letter can still make a powerful impression. It’s not about making job hunting a full-time job; it’s about making meaningful connections, offering support, and showing up with purpose. If you’re just tuning in, start from the beginning of the RIF’d series. Each episode offers a unique lens on resilience, reinvention, and the power of soul-aligned work. Learn more about all the great tools and resources Maggie has to offer. Click here to visit her website. Her book "Are You Ready to Love Your Job" can be found here or on Amazon. Links to contact Maggie Mistal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggiemistal https://www.facebook.com/MakingALivingWithMaggieMistalhttps://www.instagram.com/maggie_mistal_/https://www.youtube.com/user/MaggieMistal Listen to the whole series here. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Career disruption can feel like a dead end, but sometimes it’s a doorway to a more profound sense of alignment. In this episode of the Circumstance Podcast, Gina Cafasso connects with nationally recognized career coach Maggie Mistal for a conversation that blends soulful insight with strategic clarity. From a chance encounter sparked by a misspelled name to a deep dive into purpose-driven work, Gina uncovers what makes Maggie’s approach so magnetic. Maggie Mistal is the author of Are You Ready to Love Your Job?, a number one Amazon bestseller, and has coached executives at companies such as PepsiCo, Diageo, and CIGNA. Her voice has reached millions through SIRIUSXM, viral videos, and features in The New York Times, Forbes, and USA Today. Whether you’re navigating a layoff, rethinking your path, or simply craving more meaning in your work, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a reminder that loving what you do is absolutely possible. Spoiler, it is. Learn more about all the great tools and resources Maggie has to offer. Click here to visit her website. Her book "Are You Ready to Love Your Job" can be found here or on Amazon. Links to contact Maggie Mistal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggiemistal https://www.facebook.com/MakingALivingWithMaggieMistalhttps://www.instagram.com/maggie_mistal_/https://www.youtube.com/user/MaggieMistal Listen to the whole series here. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Circumstance Podcast, host Gina Cafasso sits down with award-winning wealth advisor Alissa Todd to discuss the financial and emotional impact of a reduction-in-force (RIF). From budgeting and debt management to long-term planning and mindset shifts, this conversation offers practical tools to help listeners rebuild their financial foundation with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re navigating job loss, career transition, or financial uncertainty, this episode delivers expert advice, emotional support, and values-based strategies to move forward with purpose. The Layoff Financial playbook: https://www.mywealthcg.com/resources Links to contact Alissa Todd: https://www.instagram.com/alissatodd_https://www.linkedin.com/in/alissatoddhttps://www.facebook.com/AlissaToddWCGhttps://www.mywealthcg.com/ Listen to the whole series here. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 3 of the RIF’d series, host Gina Cafasso sits down with Kathleen Steffy, CEO of Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search, to explore the emotional and strategic realities of layoffs. Drawing on her experience in executive search and insights from recruiters, Kathleen offers a grounded perspective on how RIF (Reduction-in-Force) decisions are often made and what it means to be on the receiving end. This episode delves beyond the resume to explore what recruiters look for during career transitions, how AI is transforming the hiring process, and how to navigate a layoff with honesty and self-compassion. Whether you're navigating job loss, considering a career pivot, or seeking clarity in your next move, this conversation offers practical job search advice and emotional recovery tools to help you move forward. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search - website Naviga Recruiting and Executive Search - YouTube Naviga Recruiting and Executive Search - LinkedIn page Kathleen Steffy - LinkedIn page Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens after the layoff? In this raw and reflective episode, Gina Cafasso continues her conversation with Amiee Gonsalves, a former coworker and close friend, as they unpack the messy middle, where identity blurs, finances tighten, and the future feels uncertain. Together, they explore the emotional and practical realities of rebuilding after a RIF, from the shifting landscape of marketing to the growing need to become your own brand in a world where permanence is no longer a given. They share personal stories, hard-earned insights, and the quiet strength it takes to move forward. If you’re navigating a layoff, questioning what’s next, or simply seeking a story that meets you where you are, this episode is for you. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of RIF’d, host Gina Cafasso sits down with former coworker and longtime friend Amiee Gonsalves to explore the emotional aftermath of a layoff. From the initial shock to the identity shifts that follow, this candid conversation dives into what it really feels like to be RIF’d, and how we begin to rebuild. Amiee shares her personal experience navigating grief, uncertainty, and the early steps toward rediscovery. If you’ve recently been laid off or are supporting someone who has, this episode offers empathy, insight, and a reminder that you’re not alone. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this short-form interlude, host Gina Cafasso reflects on the kind of moment that begins with a spark and ends with clarity. Through the story of Elise, a woman who leaned into connection with hope and discernment, we explore emotional boundaries, misalignment, and the quiet courage it takes to choose yourself. This episode sits between full-length stories, offering a breath, a pause, and a reminder that not every connection is meant to evolve. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Listen to all interludes: https://circumstancepodcast.com/podcasts/interludes Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final chapter of Fate Eternal, Gina Cafasso reflects on the enduring legacy of her parents and their 26-year journey owning Vittorio’s Italian Restaurant. This heartfelt episode explores how love, sacrifice, and intention defined a family, and how their presence quietly became part of the fabric of their community. Gina shares where her parents are today, how their story continues, and the subtle ways they hope to be remembered, not for accolades, but for the values they lived and the lives they touched. A Legacy to Remember is a tribute to resilience, family, and the kind of legacy that doesn’t fade; it evolves. Whether you’ve followed the series from the beginning or are just tuning in, this episode offers a suitable close to a story built on heart, heritage, and purpose. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply personal episode, Gina Cafasso shares the story behind Vittorio's Italian Restaurant: a family-run business that became a beloved fixture in the community for over 26 years. Through heartfelt storytelling, she reflects on the sacrifices her parents made, the values they instilled, and the imperfect but intentional foundation they built for their family. This episode explores themes of resilience, legacy, and the power of showing up with love and purpose, even when the road isn't easy. This series, Fate Eternal, is perfect for listeners who appreciate family stories, small business journeys, and the emotional layers behind generational impact. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Brick by Brick, host Gina Cafasso continues the Fate Eternal series by exploring the building years of her parents’ journey. From overcoming language barriers to relocating across the country, this episode highlights the resilience, sacrifice, and deep commitment that shaped their life together and laid the foundation for generations to come. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this intimate episode, host Gina Cafasso honors her parents’ 72nd wedding anniversary by tracing their extraordinary love story—from an arranged marriage in post-war Italy to a life built in America. Through family memories, overlapping voices, and the familiar sounds of Sunday sauce simmering in the background, Letters Across the Ocean captures the resilience, tradition, and quiet strength that shaped generations. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of How Did I Get Here?, “The Exit,” host Gina Cafasso talks with Colleen, a woman who found herself trapped in a life that was breaking her spirit but found the bravery to leave. They explore what leaving an abusive relationship really takes, what healing and reclaiming your identity looks like, and how to move forward without looking back. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job, relationship, or life that no longer serves you, this powerful conversation on The Circumstance Podcast is for you. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore why people stay in painful, emotionally abusive relationships—even when trust is broken and fear replaces connection. Unpacking trauma bonds, gaslighting, and the psychological patterns that trap us, we reveal the subtle ways emotional manipulation unfolds. Through real-life stories and expert insights, listeners will learn how to recognize red flags, understand self-worth erosion, and begin the healing journey back to themselves. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Love doesn’t shatter all at once. It shifts—quietly at first, then unmistakably. What starts as warmth and devotion can transform into control, insecurity, and isolation, often so gradually that recognizing the change feels impossible. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the debut episode of "How Did I Get Here?", we unravel the beginning of a relationship that felt like fate—but turned out to be something else entirely. Was it love, or a carefully crafted illusion? "The Hook – How He Got Her" explores the thin line between attraction and manipulation, revealing how easy it is to get caught in something you never saw coming. (Tattoo Artist: https://www.instagram.com/zlasher__/) Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manifestation works—but specifics matter. I wished for three things and got them all, just not quite how I expected. This interlude explores the surprising ways desires unfold, the lessons in careful intention, and the undeniable power of water. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of the series "Flight to Recovery," Ryan shares his miraculous recovery and how his and his wife's resilience led to his recovery and return to aviation. It is a story of kindness and hope. We all could use more of this in today's world. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Rerouted" explores Ryan Johnson's journey from aspiring actor to aviator, a tale of hope and resilience. Despite life's challenges and a severe illness, Ryan's family's support and determination kept his dreams aloft. This episode is a tribute to his courage and unwavering spirit to keep flying against all odds. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/circumstance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.