The Second Degree with Emily Merrell

On this episode of The Second Degree Podcast, Emily Merrell sits down with Erin Hines, a holistic business coach and founder of Darn Good Business Coach, to dive into the intersection of business strategy, human design, and personal alignment. Erin shares her journey from corporate burnout to building a business that aligns with her energy and purpose. We explore how human design can be a game-changer in decision-making, leadership, and entrepreneurship—helping you work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re a business owner or just looking to better understand yourself, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Highlights: To learn more about Erin Hines check out her website Darn Good Business Coach and on instagram at https://instagram.com/bedarngood/ Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this episode of The Second Degree Podcast, host Emily Merrell chats with Erica Ballard, a life coach, sound healer, and Theta healing practitioner. Erica shares her journey from public health to health coaching and into the transformative world of spirituality and energy work. They dive into the power of rest, navigating life's pivots, and embracing personal growth with humor and grace. Whether you're an overachiever on the brink of burnout or someone seeking alignment and clarity, Erica’s story will inspire you to slow down, trust yourself, and embrace your path. Highlights: From Public Health to Personal Healing The Power of Rest Sound Healing & Theta Healing Navigating Life’s Pivots Creating a Life on Your Terms Practical Self-Help & Spirituality Permission to Play and Rest To learn more about Erica Ballard check out her website https://www.ericaballard.co/ and on instagram at @IamEricaBallard Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

Welcome to The Second Degree Podcast with Emily Merrell! In this episode, Emily sits down with the extraordinary Susan Lieu, a multi-hyphenate powerhouse: author, playwright, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and so much more. Susan shares her journey of turning intergenerational trauma into art and healing, her reflections on resilience as a first-generation Vietnamese-American, and the lessons she's learned from chasing success while staying true to herself. This conversation is packed with humor, heartbreak, and inspiration—don’t miss it! Highlights: Susan’s Storytelling Journey 140 Pounds: How Beauty Killed My MotherNavigating Identity and Success Creating Art Through Healing Reflections on Body Image and Society Entrepreneurship and the Immigrant Dream Impact Through Creativity The Manicurist’s DaughterModel Minority MomsTo learn more about Susan Lieu check out her book The Manicurist’s Daughter and her podcast Model Minority Moms and on instagram at instagram.coms/susanlieu. Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

Dating in the modern world can feel like a whirlwind—endless swiping, ghosting, and frustration. But what if you could navigate it with confidence and clarity? In this episode of The Second Degree Podcast, Emily Merrell sits down with Evan Marc Katz, a dating coach for smart, strong, successful women, to uncover what really works in dating today. Evan shares why traditional dating rules don’t serve us, how to filter through the noise of dating apps, and why chemistry alone won’t sustain a relationship. Whether you’re single, dating, or looking for a fresh perspective on love, this episode is packed with game-changing insights! Highlights: To learn more about Evan Marc Katz check out his website https://www.evanmarckatz.com/ and on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realevanmarckatz/ Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this episode of The Second Degree with Emily Merrell, we sit down with Yesenia Reinoso, award-winning bilingual founder of Y Communicate. Yesenia shares her expertise on how businesses can effectively craft their unique story, establish a strong brand presence, and leverage PR and corporate communications to scale. From debunking misconceptions about PR to offering actionable tips on thought leadership and visibility, this episode is packed with invaluable insights for entrepreneurs ready to take their brand to the next level. Highlights: To learn more about Yesenia Reina check her out on instagram at @y.communicate Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

On this week's episode of The Second Degree podcast, Emily Merrell connects with Emma Andrews, an intuitive medium and teacher, to discuss all things spirituality, intuition, and the magic of connecting with loved ones who have passed. Emma shares her incredible journey from photographer to spiritual guide, her powerful experiences with mediumship, and how she teaches others to trust their intuition and embrace radical self-love. Get ready to dive deep into self-discovery and the unseen forces that guide us. Highlights: To learn more about Emma Andrews check out her website at https://www.emma-andrews.com/ and follow her on instagram at @emmarews. Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this episode of The Second Degree Podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with Jenny Maenpaa, a burnout coach and licensed psychotherapist, to explore the unique challenges faced by high-achieving millennial women. Jenny, known for her candid and empowering approach, dives into the struggles of perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the impact of the pandemic on personal aspirations. Listeners will gain insights into why many women feel they’ve lost control over their lives and how societal expectations can exacerbate anxiety. The conversation also touches on generational dynamics between millennials and Gen Z, highlighting the differences in workplace attitudes and social interactions. Jenny shares her philosophy on coping strategies, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging anxiety rather than suppressing it. With humor and honesty, she encourages listeners to embrace their journeys, even when they don't align with societal timelines. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of modern life while seeking empowerment and connection. Highlights: To learn more about Jenny Maenpaa check out her website https://www.jennymaenpaa.com/ and on instagram at @itsjennymaenpaa Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

On this episode of The Second Degree Podcast, Emily Merrell chats with Allison Carter, the vibrant founder of Allison Carter Celebrates. They explore Allison's journey from second-grade teacher to powerhouse business coach, event planner, and subscription box creator. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leveraging authenticity in business, finding joy in life's celebrations, and redefining success on your terms. Allison shares how her love for connection and creativity helped her build multiple thriving businesses—all while staying true to her values. Highlights: The Today ShowBig BrotherTo learn more about Allison Carter check out her website allisoncartercelebrates.com and on instagram at @allisoncartercelebrates Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this enlightening episode of The Second Degree Podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with Jennifer Hanway, a board-certified holistic nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and wellness expert. Jennifer shares her journey from West End dancer to sought-after health coach, offering invaluable insights on nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being for high-achieving women. Listeners will gain practical tips for balancing hormones, optimizing energy levels, and achieving sustainable health goals without compromising their busy lifestyles. Highlights: This episode offers a wealth of knowledge for women looking to optimize their health, energy, and performance in both their personal and professional lives. To learn more about Jennifer Hanway check out her website jenniferhanway.com and on instagram at @jenniferhanway Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this enlightening episode of The Second Degree Podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with Jennifer Hanway, a board-certified holistic nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and wellness expert. Jennifer shares her journey from West End dancer to sought-after health coach, offering invaluable insights on nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being for high-achieving women. Listeners will gain practical tips for balancing hormones, optimizing energy levels, and achieving sustainable health goals without compromising their busy lifestyles. Highlights: This episode offers a wealth of knowledge for women looking to optimize their health, energy, and performance in both their personal and professional lives. To learn more about Jennifer Hanway check out her website jenniferhanway.com and on instagram at @jenniferhanway Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this episode of The Second Degree podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with the inspiring Victoria Kar, a transformative coach and business strategist, to dive deep into the journey of finding alignment in life and business. Victoria shares her story of self-discovery, how she helps clients embrace authenticity, and the importance of creating businesses that resonate with who we are at our core. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on how to live, lead, and work from a place of alignment. Highlights: To learn more about Victoria Kar follow her on instagram at @risetolegendary Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this episode of The Second Degree, Emily Merrell sits down with Shannon Matson, founder of The Social Bungalow and Bungalow Coffee. Shannon shares her journey from a high-powered corporate career to launching and scaling her own successful business. Together, they discuss the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of authentic marketing, and why consistency in showing up is the secret sauce for success. Tune in for actionable tips, real talk, and an inspiring conversation with a true business powerhouse! Highlights: To learn more about Shannon Matson check out her website TheSocialBungalow.com and on instagram at @TheSocialBungalow Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this week’s episode of The Second Degree podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with the talented Natalee Linez, actress and host of The Ground Up podcast. Natalee shares her inspiring journey from her first audition at 19 to landing roles on shows like Tell Me Lies and Raising Kanan. They dive deep into what it takes to succeed in the entertainment industry, how to stay grounded in Hollywood, and how manifestation and vision boards have played a role in Natalee's success. Whether you're an aspiring actor or just curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Highlights: To learn more about Natalee Linez check out her website NataleeLinez.com and on instagram at @nataleelinez Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

On this week's episode of The Second Degree podcast, Emily Merrell connects with Emma Andrews, an intuitive medium and teacher, to discuss all things spirituality, intuition, and the magic of connecting with loved ones who have passed. Emma shares her incredible journey from photographer to spiritual guide, her powerful experiences with mediumship, and how she teaches others to trust their intuition and embrace radical self-love. Get ready to dive deep into self-discovery and the unseen forces that guide us. On This Episode: To learn more about Emma Andrews check out her website at https://www.emma-andrews.com/ and follow her on instagram at @emmarews. Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this episode of the Second Degree podcast, host Emily Merrell welcomes Carrie Verrocchio—better known as Carrie V—a motivational speaker, coach, and author. Carrie shares her incredible story of transitioning from a corporate career to becoming an inspiring keynote speaker and coach after a life-changing message from her late brother. She dives into the power of small dreams, building a speaking career, and how she infuses her love of music into her professional life. Tune in to hear how Carrie turned personal tragedy into a thriving business that helps others live their best lives. What You'll Listen: To learn more about Carrie Verrocchio check out her website at https://carrievee.com/ and follow her on instagram at @iamcarrievee. Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this episode of The Second Degree with Emily Merrell, we dive into the world of social media with Dawn Ferguson, founder and CEO of Sneakers and Kale. Dawn shares her inspiring journey from burnout in the corporate fashion world to building her own social media agency focused on authenticity and helping purpose-driven brands grow. Tune in to hear her tips on finding your voice, creating sustainable social media strategies, and making marketing work for you—without the overwhelm! What You'll Learn: To learn more about Dawn Ferguson check out her website SneakersandKale out on instagram at sneakersandkale. Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this episode of the Second Degree Podcast, Emily Merrell sits down with Jen Jamula, co-founder of GoldJam Creative, to explore the fascinating journey from acting to entrepreneurship. Jen shares how her theater background inspired the creation of a unique communications training company that helps individuals and teams master public speaking, storytelling, and overcoming gender bias in the workplace. Tune in to hear Jen's insights on adapting your career, the power of storytelling in pitches, and how emotional connections can transform your communication skills. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, actor, or just looking to elevate your professional presence, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration! What You'll Listen: To learn more about Jen Goldber, visit her website GoldJam Creative and follow on instagram at @GoldJameCreative Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this episode of The Second Degree with Emily Merrell, host Emily dives deep into the world of intentional dating with Lauren Fondriest, a Chicago-based women’s dating coach. Together, they explore everything from rom-com nostalgia to breaking free from the dating hamster wheel, and how women can approach dating with confidence, clarity, and self-love. Lauren shares her own dating journey and offers practical tips on finding your true match, advocating for your needs, and approaching love with authenticity and empowerment. What You'll Listen: Lauren's answering the #1 question she hears from single women in her new free guide, "Where do I meet quality, single men?" Get your copy of the free guide here! To learn more about Lauren Fondriest check out her website at laurenfondriest.com and follow her on instagram at @laurenfondriest. Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this episode of the Second Degree podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with Colynn O’Brien, founder of Iluma Law Firm, to dive into the world of legal protection for entrepreneurs. Colynn shares her journey from big law to building a law firm tailored to supporting women-owned businesses. Whether you’re starting your business, wondering about contracts, or seeking to protect your brand, this episode offers approachable insights into the essential legal steps for business success. What You'll Learn: To learn more about Colynn O’Brien check out her website at https://www.ilumalaw.com/ and follow her on instagram at ilumalawfirm Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.

In this episode of the Second Degree podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with Jillian Kozlowski, pediatric sleep consultant and founder of Snooze Baby Co. They dive into the journey from academic career paths to becoming a sleep expert, the challenges of parenthood, and the pivotal moments that led Jillian to launch her thriving business during the pandemic. Whether you’re a new parent or just sleep-curious, this episode offers actionable insights into creating healthy sleep habits for your little ones. What You'll Listen: To learn more about Jillian Kozlowski check out her website at snoozebabyco.com and follow her on instagram at @snoozebabyco Sign up for The Second Degree Membership! By becoming a member, we’re getting more intimate than ever! Get the Membership now! Check our past episodes of The Second Degree podcast! Remember to follow us on Instagram.