Ask a Coach

Trista Guertin

Ask a Coach: Wisdom for Coaches, by Coaches One question. One honest answer. Real wisdom from real life coaches. Becoming a life coach is exciting… and overwhelming. That’s why Ask a Coach delivers quick, powerful insights from experienced life coaches who’ve walked the path and want to help light the way for you. Each short episode features one coach answering one question — like “What do you wish you knew when you started?” or “What’s the best advice you’ve received as a coach?” Whether you're just launching or still figuring it all out, this podcast is here to remind you that you're not alone — and you've got this. 💡 Wisdom for coaches, by coaches. ⏱️ Just a minute or two. Because your time matters. 🎧 Hit follow and grow with us.

  1. JAN 9

    You Don’t Need a Niche. You Need a Stand.

    If you’re a new life coach feeling stuck trying to “figure out your niche,” this episode will shift everything.In this short Ask a Coach episode, Trista challenges the idea that clarity and confidence come from precision. Instead, she introduces a powerful concept inspired by the work of Steve Chandler: coaches don’t need a niche—they need a stand. A stand creates energy. A stand builds trust. A stand gives people a reason to follow you. This episode is for coaches who are tired of waiting to feel ready and are ready to lead—imperfectly, courageously, and intentionally. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why trying to nail your niche often keeps you stuckThe difference between a niche and a stand—and why a stand matters moreHow conviction creates confidence (not the other way around)What it really means to lead yourself as a coachHow to define what you stand for without overthinking it Key Takeaways:Confidence is built through commitment and actionEmotional resilience is a skill, not a personality traitYou don’t need to fix yourself before you move forwardLeadership starts when you stop waiting for certaintyPeople follow clarity, not perfection Quote from the Episode:“People don’t follow niches. They follow clarity. They follow certainty. They follow someone who is willing to take a stand.”If this episode resonated, ask yourself one powerful question today: What do I stand for strongly enough that I’m willing to say it out loud? And then start there. Follow us on Instagram Have an idea for a show? Email me at trista@tristaguertin.com

    3 min
  2. 12/02/2025

    You can't mess this up with Gail Keyes-Allen

    In this power-packed mini-episode of Ask a Coach, Reinvention Coach Gail Keyes-Allen drops the truth every new coach needs to tattoo on their brain: don’t believe everything you think. Gail introduces us to the concept of being “scared-sighted” — that wild blend of fear and excitement that hits the moment you step into your new identity as a coach. She explains why this feeling doesn’t mean something’s gone wrong… it means everything is going exactly right. If you’ve ever thought: “My niche isn’t good enough.”“I’m unqualified.”“I’m behind.”“My ideal client won’t find me.” …then Gail is here to remind you: none of that is true. It’s just your nervous system trying to keep you safe. Gail built a six-figure coaching business at 65 after leaving a 20-year accounting career — and today, at 69, she’s proof that identity shifts don’t come from confidence…. they come from courage. She’s living her most powerful chapter and helping women do the same. Her message for new coaches is simple and extraordinary: “You can’t mess this up. Your fear isn’t a stop sign. Let those scared thoughts ride in the backseat while you drive.” This episode is your reminder to trust your desire, trust your excitement, and — above all — don’t stop. Key Takeaways“Scared-sighted” is normal — it’s what growth feels like.Your anxious thoughts aren’t instructions; they’re just noise.Confidence doesn’t come first — stretching yourself does.Every coach you admire started unsure and overthinking too.Your lived experience is your qualification.Reinvention has no age limit — your next chapter can be your most powerful. About Gail Keyes-AllenGail is a Reinvention Coach who helps women 50+ whose life looks good on paper but whose soul is calling for more. She left a long, successful accounting career at 65, built a six-figure coaching business in her first year, and now dedicates her work to helping women reclaim their power, rewrite the rules, and launch purpose-driven businesses. At 69, she is living proof that dreams don’t expire — and neither do you. Connect with GailInstagram: @theoldblackladychronicles Substack: The Old Black Lady Chronicles Thanks for joining us! If you have a moment to rate, review, share and subscribe to the podcast, that would be appreciated!

    3 min
  3. 11/18/2025

    Success without sacrifice with Lesa Frye

    If you’re a new coach trying to grow your business without losing your sanity, this episode is for you. Business and balance coach Lesa Frye joins Ask a Coach to share her most important piece of advice for new life coaches who want to build a profitable and sustainable coaching business while still having a life they love. Lesa has worked with hundreds of high-achieving women who are ready to create success without burnout. In this conversation, she reminds us that your business should never require you to abandon yourself — and that grace, alignment, and clarity will take you farther than hustle ever will. You’ll learn how to choose a niche that feels authentic, why self-compassion is the real fuel for growth, and how to protect your peace while growing your dream coaching practice. About Lesa FryeLesa Frye is a business and balance coach for high-achieving women who want to grow profitable, sustainable businesses without sacrificing themselves in the process. She helps coaches and entrepreneurs simplify their strategy, protect their peace, and create success that actually feels good. Connect with LesaListen to her podcast - The Balanced Businesswoman Apple Podcasts Spotify 💕 Join Lesa’s Community + Resources ● The Balanced Businesswoman Facebook Community ● Join my Insiders Email List for Weekly Mindset & Business Support ● Book a 60-min 1:1 Escape Overwhelm Coaching Session Join Lesa on Tuesday, December 3rd at 12 PM EST for a live masterclass: The Peaceful Path to 2026: Goal Setting Without the Stress This isn’t about hustling harder or setting unrealistic resolutions. It’s about creating clear, meaningful goals that honor your values, protect your energy, and truly support the life you want. You’ll leave with a simple, powerful process for setting goals that actually stick — without burnout. 👉 Save your seat

    4 min
  4. 11/11/2025

    Your clients choose you with Serena Hicks

    In this episode of Ask a Coach, we are joined by the magnetic and truth-telling Serena Hicks — business coach, money mindset mentor, and all-around powerhouse for soulful entrepreneurs who want to make money and feel amazing doing it. Serena brings her signature mix of wisdom, humor, and real talk to one of the most important mindset shifts every coach needs to make: Your clients don’t need you — they choose you. She dives into why your beliefs about your clients (and yourself) shape everything — your marketing, your offers, your energy, and ultimately, the kind of clients you attract. Inside this episode, you’ll hear: Why identity is the real foundation of money mindsetHow to stop seeing clients as “broken” and start seeing them as powerful equalsThe energetic difference between needing clients and being chosen by themHow your thoughts about people — clients, friends, even dates — determine who shows up in your life Serena’s message is an invitation to shift from scarcity and codependency into trust, empowerment, and self-leadership. Because when you believe your clients are capable, intelligent, powerful humans — that’s exactly who shows up. About Serena Hicks Serena is a Business Coach for entrepreneurs who are smart, soulful, and all about being profitable too. She’s a cat mom living in Dallas, Texas, and a huge fan of loving what is. She offers private coaching, group programs, and online courses at www.SerenaHicks.com. ✨ Listen now to learn how to step into your power, lead from belief, and attract clients who choose you — not because they need you, but because they’re ready to rise with you.

    5 min
  5. 11/04/2025

    The Art of Conscious Coaching with Tarryne West

    In this episode of Ask a Coach, I’m joined by Tarryne West, founder of The Conscious Coaches Method and The Conscious Coach Community — a nurturing space for coaches who know that coaching isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. Tarryne has learned that the art of masterful coaching isn’t about the perfect question or the right tool — it’s about who you’re being in the room. She shares a powerful reframe every coach needs to hear: The real work of being a coach doesn’t happen inside your sessions.In this episode, we explore what it truly means to be a conscious coach — how to trust the flow, be fully present, and build the inner foundation that allows transformation to happen with ease and authenticity. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “get it right” or perform during a session, this episode will help you breathe again, reconnect with your calling, and remember why you started coaching in the first place. In This Episode You’ll LearnWhat it really means to be a conscious coachWhy true mastery happens outside your sessionsHow to move from performing to presenceThe role of self-work and nervous system regulation in your coachingHow to trust yourself and your intuition with every client About Tarryne WestTarryne West is the founder of The Conscious Coaches Method and The Conscious Coach Podcast. With over sixteen years in the coaching industry, she empowers coaches to turn their calling to help others into deeply transformative practices through conscious self-mastery, presence, and integrity. Connect with Tarryne: Instagram: @theconsciouscoachmethodWebsite: theconsciouscoachmethod.comPodcast: The Conscious Coach

    3 min
  6. 10/17/2025

    The Power of Self-Love and Nervous System Awareness with LeAnn Austin

    In this episode of Ask a Coach, Master Life Coach LeAnn Austin, shares her journey from self-criticism to unconditional self-love, which transformed not just her coaching, but her entire life. LeAnn shares how understanding the nervous system can create more compassion, safety, and genuine connection — both with ourselves and the people we love. She explains why curiosity is the doorway to love and how learning to understand rather than fix can shift everything in our relationships. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling “not enough,” or found yourself trying to prove your worth through perfection, this conversation will remind you that you already are enough — exactly as you are. In this episode, you’ll learn: How self-love changes the way we coach, connect, and liveThe link between nervous system regulation and emotional safetyWhy curiosity and compassion open the door to real connectionHow to stop “fixing” and start understanding — yourself and others About LeAnn Austin: LeAnn lives in Georgia with her husband and their lively crew of grown kids and grandkids. As a Master Certified Life Coach and teacher, she’s trained in everything from nervous system resilience and trauma-informed coaching to faith-based and relationship work. She’s the creator of Connection Crew Membership and Lovin My Daughter-in-Law Podcast, where she helps people find more connection, fun, and understanding in everyday life. Connect with LeAnn: https://www.instagram.com/LeAnnAustinCoaching https://www.facebook.com/LeAnnAustinCoaching https://www.youtube.com/@leannaustincoaching4716 https://www.tiktok.com/@leannaustincoaching https://www.linkedin.com/in/leann-austin-946b011a5/ https://www.pinterest.com/LeAnnAustinCoachingLovinMyDIL/ https://leannaustin.com/podcast https://leannaustin.com

    3 min

About

Ask a Coach: Wisdom for Coaches, by Coaches One question. One honest answer. Real wisdom from real life coaches. Becoming a life coach is exciting… and overwhelming. That’s why Ask a Coach delivers quick, powerful insights from experienced life coaches who’ve walked the path and want to help light the way for you. Each short episode features one coach answering one question — like “What do you wish you knew when you started?” or “What’s the best advice you’ve received as a coach?” Whether you're just launching or still figuring it all out, this podcast is here to remind you that you're not alone — and you've got this. 💡 Wisdom for coaches, by coaches. ⏱️ Just a minute or two. Because your time matters. 🎧 Hit follow and grow with us.