Transforming and Thriving

Brooke Sacchetti, Stacie Weaver, and Neelia Heydt
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Bimonthly

"Transforming and Thriving," hosted by 3 best friends (Brooke, Stacie, and Neelia) is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the stories of resilient, everyday women who have persevered through pivotal transitions and/or traumas. In each interview, you will learn about their strength, their courage, and the work they are continuing to do to move through life. In this community, you will find a space of support and motivational fuel to create meaning from the mess. Our podcast aims to highlight the message we all need to hear when going through the muck: You are not alone, and you too can transform and thrive. Let’s move through it together. See you there!

  1. 1d ago

    Turning Tragedy into Legacy: Grief, Purpose, and Building an "Army" of Hope with Lisa Wysocky

    Join co-hosts Stacie and Neelia on Transforming and Thriving for an extraordinarily moving and inspiring conversation with Lisa Wysocky—former award-winning horse trainer, acclaimed author, and founder of the nonprofit organization Colby’s Army. In this episode, Lisa opens up about the shattering "before and after" moment that stopped her in her tracks: the tragic loss of her only son, Colby, to an opioid overdose. Refusing to let grief have the final word, Lisa channeled her heartbreak into an extraordinary legacy of healing and service. She shares how she mobilized an "army" of volunteers to step into the boots-on-the-ground homeless outreach and therapeutic riding work Colby would have done if he were still here. Lisa unpacks the journey from the raw shock, trauma, and stigma of loss to discovering a profound spiritual calling. She details how her lifetime with horses prepared her to use these intuitive, prey-animal instincts as a mirror for emotional healing, and offers heartfelt encouragement for anyone sitting in the dark of their own grief. This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the life-changing power of choosing active love over despair. In this episode, we cover: The shattering reality of losing an only child to an opioid overdose and finding a path forward through service.How Colby’s Army was born—from handing out simple backpacks to creating a comprehensive homeless outreach program.The intuitive power of horses in reflecting human emotion, restoring dignity, and guiding trauma survivors toward healing.Practical wisdom on navigating deep grief, offering yourself grace, and taking life 15 minutes at a time.Lisa’s background as an author of the Cat Enright equestrian mystery series and behind-the-scenes updates on its upcoming screen adaptation.Find out more about Lisa Wysocky and Colby’s Army here: Websites: ColbysArmy.org | LisaWysocky.comFacebook: Facebook.com/ColbysArmy | Cat Enright Mystery HorsewomanInstagram & Socials: @lisawysocky | BlueSkyBooks: Available on AmazonFind us here: Transforming and Thriving Linktree If you are navigating a major life transition or a deep season of identity redesign, real transformation requires space, clarity, and forward movement! 🌊✨ Our podcast co-host and founder, Dr. Stacie Cooper/Weaver, is now offering something new: Stride & Thrive Coaching, which takes transition/life coaching out of the office and onto local trails, blending strengths-based coaching and mindfulness principles with the natural, stress-reducing rhythm of walking. If you’re ready to quiet the noise and actively step into your next chapter, let's lace up—visit strideandthrivecoaching.com to find your pace today. 👟🌿 Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors.

  2. Sep 7

    Driven to Rise: How Dianna Nicole Turned a Terrifying Crash into a Digital Empire

    Join your co-hosts Stacie and Neelia on "Transforming and Thriving" for an electrifying and deeply vulnerable conversation with Dianna Nicole, a million-dollar entrepreneur, business consultant, and the powerhouse founder of TikTok Unleashed. Neelia introduces Dianna not just as a titan of digital entrepreneurship, but as a leader who blends cutting-edge strategy with a massive heart for female empowerment. In this episode, Dianna shares a harrowing "before and after" moment that changed everything: a terrifying car accident where her 15-passenger van flipped three times with her three daughters inside. She recounts the "slow-motion" moments of the crash, the miraculous survival of her family, and the profound realization that a simple seatbelt was the difference between life and death. Dianna dives deep into her road to resilience, explaining how previous life-altering challenges—from life-threatening medical emergencies to the loss of her father—served as the "training ground" for her survival and eventual thriving. This conversation explores the necessity of acting despite fear, the power of active gratitude, and why Dianna believes that "happy people help people." Her story is a testament to the fact that our darkest moments can propel us toward our most authentic, purposeful lives. Find out more about Dianna Nicole and her work: Website: https://www.diannanicole.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theonlydiannanicole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Theonlydiannanicole LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theonlydiannanicole/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theonlydiannanicole YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiannaNicole FIND US HERE: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving If you are navigating a major life transition or a deep season of identity redesign, real transformation requires space, clarity, and forward movement! 🌊✨ Our podcast co-host and founder, Dr. Stacie Cooper/Weaver, is now offering something new: Stride & Thrive Coaching, which takes transition/life coaching out of the office and onto local trails, blending strengths-based coaching and mindfulness principles with the natural, stress-reducing rhythm of walking. She also designs and hosts interactive Shifting Horizons Vision Board Workshops incorporating gentle movement, guided visualization, positive psychology, and structured crafting to help you visually map out your next chapter. If you’re ready to quiet the noise and actively step into your next season, let's lace up—visit strideandthrivecoaching.com to find your pace today. 👟🌿 Music by: https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have. Listener discretion is advised.

  3. Aug 3

    The Positive Side of a Cancer Diagnosis: Resilience, Reinvention, and Returning to Your Dreams with Dr. Jen Moran-Kobes

    Join your co-hosts Brooke and Stacie on "Transforming and Thriving" for a powerful and illuminating conversation with Dr. Jen Moran-Kobes, a premier cosmetic dentist, mother of four, and breast cancer survivor. In this episode, Dr. Jen shares the "before and after" moment that stopped her in her tracks: receiving a cancer diagnosis in the midst of a divorce. After building a high-profile career at Water Tower Dental Care—where she was featured multiple times on The Oprah Winfrey Show and also on Forbes—Jen had stepped away to raise her four children. She opens up about the grueling "middle" of her story, from the physical toll of treatment to the emotional weight of parenting through a life-threatening illness. What makes Jen’s perspective so unique is her ability to find the "divine timing" in her darkest moments. From a chance encounter on Instagram that led to the discovery of her cancer to the profound lessons in empathy her children gained through her battle, Jen illustrates how tragedy can become a catalyst for a more authentic life. Now back in the office and fulfilling her career dreams once again, she reminds us that it is a privilege to do what we love and that our "after" can be defined by deeper purpose and gratitude. This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing a pivot they didn't ask for. Jen’s journey is a testament to the fact that when life forces you to assess what truly matters, you can emerge not just healed, but better. Find out more about Dr. Jen Moran-Kobes and her journey here: Instagram: @DrjenmoranWebsite: www.drjenmorankobes.comPractices: Water Tower Dental Care and Hinsdale Dentistry Find us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving If you are navigating a major life transition or a deep season of identity redesign, real transformation requires space, clarity, and forward movement! 🌊✨ Our podcast co-host and founder, Dr. Stacie Cooper/Weaver, is now offering something new: Stride & Thrive Coaching, which takes transition/life coaching out of the office and onto local trails, blending strengths-based coaching and mindfulness principles with the natural, stress-reducing rhythm of walking. If you’re ready to quiet the noise and actively step into your next chapter, let's lace up—visit strideandthrivecoaching.com to find your pace today. 👟🌿 Get your FREE meditation download: https://transformingandthriving.com/meditation Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors.

  4. Jul 6

    Burned, Not Broken: Resilience, Recovery, and the Long Road Back with Nicole Sheard

    Join your co-hosts Brooke and Stacie on "Transforming and Thriving" for a deeply moving and powerful conversation with Nicole Sheard, a dedicated school principal, mother, and lifelong resident of the Los Angeles area. In this episode, Nicole shares the harrowing "before and after" moment that changed her life forever: the day the Palisades Fire swept through her community, destroying the home where she had planted roots for 54 years. Nicole takes us through the heart-wrenching reality of losing a lifetime of memories and the grueling, often invisible process of rebuilding an identity when your physical history is gone. What makes Nicole’s story truly extraordinary is her selfless strength; even as her own world was under threat, she spent the early days of the disaster supporting her students and rescuing horses from the flames. We explore the "blueprints of healing," the shift in perspective that comes from losing everything, and how she has embraced the Latin phrase Amor Fati—the love of one's fate—to transform trauma into fuel for growth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating their own "fire," whether literal or metaphorical. Nicole’s journey is a testament to the fact that while we cannot control the sparks that ignite in our lives, we have the power to choose how we rise from the ashes. Find out more about Nicole Sheard and her journey here: Instagram: @Nickers1972Home Rebuild Journey: @rebuilding1232Support: For those navigating similar logistics, Nicole recommends checking local Facebook groups for community-led rebuilding support.Find us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving If you are navigating a major life transition or a deep season of identity redesign, real transformation requires space, clarity, and forward movement! 🌊✨ Our podcast co-host and founder, Dr. Stacie Cooper/Weaver, is now offering something new: Stride & Thrive Coaching, which takes transition/life coaching out of the office and onto local trails, blending strengths-based coaching and mindfulness principles with the natural, stress-reducing rhythm of walking. She also designs and hosts interactive Shifting Horizons Vision Board Workshops incorporating gentle movement, guided visualization, positive psychology, and structured crafting to help you visually map out your next chapter. If you’re ready to quiet the noise and actively step into your next season, let's lace up—visit strideandthrivecoaching.com to find your pace today. 👟🌿 Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors.

  5. Jun 1

    Reclaiming the Music: Navigating Perimenopause with Dr. Dana Culp

    Join your cohosts Neelia and Stacie on "Transforming and Thriving" for a vital conversation with Dr. Dana Culp, the founder of Thrive Midlife Medicine. Dr. Dana is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Certified Menopause Expert who is on a mission to ensure no woman feels unheard or frustrated during the transition into midlife. In this episode, Dr. Dana shares her powerful "before and after" moment: hitting the "perimenopause wall." Despite her 25 years of medical expertise, she found herself navigating a healthcare system that lacked the specialized resources she needed for her own hormone journey. This personal struggle became the foundation for her virtual practice, where she now helps women move through the "muck" of hormone shifts with evidence-based care and empathy. We dive deep into the importance of self-advocacy, the reality of symptoms like sleep disruption and loss of libido, and why midlife should be viewed as a thriving transition rather than an ending. Dr. Dana’s story is a testament to the fact that when we find gaps in care, we have the power to build a bridge for ourselves and others. Find out more about Dana and Thrive Midlife Medicine here: Website: thrivemidlifemed.comTake the Quiz: thrivemidlifemed.com/quizInstagram: @thrivemidlifemedFind us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving If you are navigating a major life transition or a deep season of identity redesign, real transformation requires space, clarity, and forward movement! 🌊✨ Our podcast co-host and founder, Dr. Stacie Cooper/Weaver, is now offering something new: Stride & Thrive Coaching, which takes transition/life coaching out of the office and onto local trails, blending strengths-based coaching and mindfulness principles with the natural, stress-reducing rhythm of walking. She also designs and hosts interactive Shifting Horizons Vision Board Workshops incorporating gentle movement, guided visualization, positive psychology, and structured crafting to help you visually map out your next chapter. If you’re ready to quiet the noise and actively step into your next season, let's lace up—visit strideandthrivecoaching.com to find your pace today. 👟🌿 Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have. Listener discretion is advised.

  6. May 4

    Forbidden Discoveries: A Lawyer’s Global Mission for Integrative Cancer Treatment with Sylvie Beljanski

    Join your host Neelia on Transforming and Thriving for a gripping conversation with Sylvie Beljanski, a French lawyer who walked away from her legal career to protect a legacy of integrative health and cancer research. Connecting with us from New York, Sylvie shares a story that feels like it belongs in a thriller—but for her, it was a reality that changed her identity forever. In this powerful episode, Sylvie recounts her "before and after" moment: a phone call in France informing her that her parents had been arrested by a government SWAT team. Their crime? Conducting groundbreaking research into natural cancer treatments that the authorities wanted silenced. Despite having no scientific background, Sylvie realized that her legal expertise was the very tool needed to uncover suppressed evidence and fight for her father’s discoveries. Sylvie discusses her transition from being a "team of one" facing deep skepticism to becoming a world-renowned advocate and entrepreneur. She dives into the science behind the plant extracts her foundation studies—research conducted at Columbia University and through clinical trials—designed to target cancer cells specifically through integrative cancer treatment while protecting the body’s DNA. Whether you are navigating a health journey or feeling "unqualified" to make a major career pivot, Sylvie’s message is clear: your "why" must be bigger than your fear. This episode is an essential listen for anyone passionate about health freedom, holistic medicine, and the courage it takes to stand up for the truth. Find out more about Sylvie and the Beljanski Foundation here: Website: beljanski.orgInstagram: @beljanskifoundationBook: Winning The War On Cancer (100% of proceeds support cancer research): Get the book hereUpcoming Event: Join the Integrative Cancer Conference in San Diego, CA (June 26–28, 2026): Register hereFind us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have. Listener discretion is advised.

  7. Apr 6

    From Violent Crime Victim to Thriver: Patricia Wenskunas on Taking Her Power Back and Advocating for Survivors

    Join your host, Brooke, on Transforming and Thriving for an incredibly powerful and inspiring conversation with Patricia Wenskunas, the founder and CEO of Crime Survivors, Inc. Patricia's mission was born from her own survival of a violent attack in 2002 by her personal trainer, who threatened to kill her and her 12-year-old son. This horrific experience was the ultimate "before and after" moment that changed her life's trajectory. She bravely discusses confronting the survivor's guilt and realizing she was "so much more than what happened to me." In this moving episode, Patricia shares: How the fierce commitment to caring for her son and helping others fueled her to move from victimhood, take her power back, and survive.The ongoing process of transforming and thriving, which is driven by her desire that no one feel alone and the need to provide resources for victims and their family members.Her commitment to bringing awareness, prevention, advocacy, and healing to others.Her early and relentless advocacy for Marsy’s Law, fighting to ensure victims' rights are prioritized in the justice system.How facing triggers with support is essential to taking your power back, and her guiding belief that “With Faith, there is Hope.”This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced trauma or abuse, is supporting a loved one through a difficult transition, or is searching for the strength to transform their own "mess into motivational fuel." Patricia Wenskunas is a living testament to the fact that healing is possible. Connect with Patricia Wenskunas and Crime Survivors, Inc."You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated"—Maya Angelou Website: www.crimesurvivors.org Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin Find us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving Our philanthropy initiative is still going strong! We invite all our amazing listeners to help support the incredible work our former guest Susan Parmalee is doing with the Wellness & Prevention Center by raising funds for their preventative and mental health programs that benefit young people, including their brand-new allcove space in San Juan Capistrano, a place for youth to find community, support, advice, or even just a moment of pause. Your donations make a real difference, and to kick things off, we'll be matching up to $1000 in donations! DONATION LINK: Support teen mental health here! Follow them on IG at WPCoc and learn about their mission to create a culture in which young people prioritize their mental health and have access to quality care. Learn more about the new allcove center your donations are helping to support here: allcove: find your moment. find your space. find your center. Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have. Listener discretion is advised.

  8. Mar 2

    The Power of Purpose: Everyday Women Transforming Cancer Research with the Kure It Women's Guild

    Join your cohosts Neelia and Stacie on "Transforming and Thriving" for an inspiring conversation with Courtney Cretikos (Director of Strategy and Development) and Kerri Hatfield (President) of the Kure It Women's Guild! Their journey is a powerful testament to the impact that everyday women can have on the community, particularly in the fight against cancer. In this insightful episode, Courtney and Kerri share their "before and after" moments: Kerri's search for a way to give back beyond the PTA after cancer hit home, and Courtney's realization of the organization's immediate, profound impact after witnessing a young survivor's story. They dive deep into the mission of Kure It—a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit that ensures funding goes straight to underfunded cancer research, often seeing results in clinical trials within weeks of a campaign. The conversation highlights truly moving stories, including one woman with lung cancer who found hope through a trial supported through Kure It. They discuss their roles as advocates, educators, and fundraisers, emphasizing the passion and purpose found in their community, which they fondly call the "bee-hive." They also offer critical advice for anyone newly diagnosed with cancer or supporting a loved one: hope, faith, community, and advocacy are vital. Kerri and Courtney's message is a powerful one: Healing from cancer is a combination of medicine, hope, faith, and community, requiring you to be your own active advocate in the pursuit of wellness. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to find purpose, get involved in their community, or learn more about hope in the fight against cancer. Find out more about Kure It and the Women's Guild here: Website: Kureit.orgInstagram: @kureitwomensguild and @kureitMention: Kure It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization looking for sponsors and companies to partner with them to support cancer research. Find us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving Our philanthropy initiative is still going strong! We invite all our amazing listeners to help support the incredible work our former guest Susan Parmalee is doing with the Wellness & Prevention Center by raising funds for their preventative and mental health programs that benefit young people, including their brand-new allcove space in San Juan Capistrano, a place for youth to find community, support, advice, or even just a moment of pause. Your donations make a real difference, and to kick things off, we'll be matching up to $1000 in donations! DONATION LINK: Support teen mental health here! Follow them on IG at WPCoc and learn about their mission to create a culture in which young people prioritize their mental health and have access to quality care. Learn more about the new allcove center your donations are helping to support here: allcove: find your moment. find your space. find your center. We love MoonBrew for help with sleep! Tastes yummy and filled with superfoods. Use this link for our discount: https://moonbrew.co/SF7GP3BC Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have. Listener discretion is advised.

See All (42)

5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

"Transforming and Thriving," hosted by 3 best friends (Brooke, Stacie, and Neelia) is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the stories of resilient, everyday women who have persevered through pivotal transitions and/or traumas. In each interview, you will learn about their strength, their courage, and the work they are continuing to do to move through life. In this community, you will find a space of support and motivational fuel to create meaning from the mess. Our podcast aims to highlight the message we all need to hear when going through the muck: You are not alone, and you too can transform and thrive. Let’s move through it together. See you there!

Information

  • Creator
    Brooke Sacchetti, Stacie Weaver, and Neelia Heydt
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Transforming and Thriving