Wisdom for Wannabes

wisdomforwannabes
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"It's a meandering path to get there, and I would love to learn more from you." Wisdom for Wannabes is a new podcast series that hosts 1:1 interviews with inspiring people to discover wise words on business, beauty, betterment, and beyond. Inspired by her own personal journey to grow in creativity, education, and spirituality, host Jackie Morreale talks to unique individuals about their own journeys and passions, in the pursuit of wisdom and growth.

  1. 1d ago

    Interview 39: Nani Sahra Walker, Shakti Director, Oscar-Winning Filmmaker- Don't Wait for Permission

    "Don't wait for permission from anybody." — Nani Sahra Walker Academy Award-winning producer, writer, and director Nani Sahra Walker joins Wisdom for Wannabes to discuss her powerful new feature film, Shakti, and the five-year journey that brought it to life. In this inspiring conversation, Nani shares why she left journalism to become a filmmaker, what winning an Oscar taught her, why independent voices matter, and how trusting your intuition can change your life. She also explains the meaning of Shakti—power and creative energy—and why stories have the ability to inspire healing, courage, and lasting change. Watch Shakti! 📺 Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100056715/shakti 📺 Fawesome: https://fawesome.tv/movies/10799964/shakti 📺 Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GQ2CF8SW Favorite Quotes: • "Don't wait for permission from anybody." • "Recognition is nice, but it's not my final idea of success." • "Listening to your own voice and trusting your intuition changed my life." • "It's not about religion. It's about creating a space for healing." • "Sometimes changing a bigger system starts with small acts of change on a personal level." Top Takeaways: ✔ Trust your intuition. ✔ Don't seek external validation. ✔ Independent voices matter. ✔ Healing looks different for everyone. ✔ Success is measured by impact. ✔ Rejection is part of the process. ✔ Great stories inspire change. ✔ Small actions can create lasting change. ✔ Creativity requires perseverance. ✔ Don't give up. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Meet Nani Sahra Walker 01:28 From Journalism to Filmmaking 02:33 When Storytelling Became Her Calling 04:20 Directing, Leadership & Perseverance 05:43 Quick Fire Questions 10:39 What Inspired Shakti? 12:08 Why Shakti Matters Today 12:52 The Meaning of "Shakti" 13:38 Creating Space for Healing 15:08 Lessons Learned Making the Film 15:49 Conversations the Film Inspires 16:34 One Message Everyone Should Remember 16:47 Why Shakti Is Streaming Free 17:15 Winning an Oscar 18:21 Redefining Success 19:13 Rejection, Funding & Independent Film 20:24 Don't Wait for Permission 21:20 Advice for Creative Wannabes 22:36 Shout-Outs & Creative Community 25:17 Best Filmmaker of 2026 25:52 Final Thoughts 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations about business, beauty, and betterment. Website: https://wisdomforwannabes.com Academy Award-winning producer Nani Sahra Walker discusses the creative resilience behind her latest project, Shakti. In this episode of Wisdom for Wannabes, host Jackie Morreale sits down with Nani Sahra Walker to explore the process of bringing complex narratives to the screen. They examine the roots of her project, Shakti, and how it draws from Hindu tradition to present stories centered on endurance and internal change. This conversation is designed for creators and filmmakers who want to understand the persistence required to see a project through from concept to completion. Beyond the technical aspects of production, the discussion highlights the necessity of having deeper conversations in the industry. By focusing on personal realizations and the philosophy behind her work, Nani Sara Walker offers a perspective on how to maintain artistic integrity while navigating the demands of the film world. You will gain insight into the mindset required to balance cultural storytelling with professional success. https://www.wisdomforwannabes.com/nani-sahra-walker-film.html

    Interview 39: Nani Sahra Walker, Shakti Director, Oscar-Winning Filmmaker- Don't Wait for Permission

  2. Jul 17

    Interview 38: Sasha Monaco, Author, Researcher, Technology Strategist | Think Bigger Than Your Fears

    Sasha Monaco has built a career at the intersection of psychology, storytelling, technology, and entrepreneurship. In this episode of Wisdom for Wannabes, she shares how she transforms evidence-based research into children's books that help young readers navigate anxiety, OCD, goal setting, and resilience. From making technology sales calls at just 15 years old to developing her "Happiness Formula" and leading Mindset Labs for children, Sasha explains how small mindset shifts can create lasting confidence and meaningful change. Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, educator, or creative professional, this conversation is filled with practical strategies for building resilience, overcoming fear, and creating a life that truly lights up your heart. Find out more about Sasha Monaco at: https://sashamonaco.com/ In this episode: - The Happiness Formula - Positive psychology made simple - Helping children overcome anxiety and OCD - Why healthy discomfort leads to confidence - Building resilience through cognitive reframing - Turning research into stories - Technology, publishing, and entrepreneurship - Why "Go Next" may be the best advice you'll ever hear Key Takeaways: - Turn complex ideas into simple stories. - Happiness can be intentionally designed. - Think bigger than your current comfort zone. - Every problem has a solution. - Children become resilient through support and structure. - Cognitive reframing changes how we experience challenges. - Small daily habits create extraordinary results. - Confidence grows by doing uncomfortable things. - Focus on what lights up your heart—not what impresses others. - Success is simply learning to "Go next." Great Quotes: - "What it boils down to in both fields is turning data into stories." - "Create like a child. Edit like a scientist." - "Every problem has a solution, even if it doesn't feel like it." - "Success means: Go next." - "Happiness is more green than red." - "Think about what lights up your heart and then reverse engineer it." - "We can't assume the world will be kind to our children, but we can create resilient, durable children." - "Whatever you think is big, think a little bit bigger." - "If you defy discomfort, your brain creates another pathway that says, 'You can do it.'" - "The people who are happiest know what makes them happy—and what doesn't." Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Wisdom for Wannabes 02:31 Meet Sasha Monaco 03:13 Starting a tech career at 15 04:33 Quick-fire questions 08:45 Sasha's origin story 11:27 Why she started writing children's books 14:25 Turning psychology research into stories 17:15 The Happiness Formula 20:10 The one psychological skill every child should learn 21:41 Living with OCD and writing Tap Tap Tap 23:11 Mindset Labs and helping children thrive 27:18 Lessons from technology and business 28:54 Think bigger than your fears 30:14 Follow what lights up your heart 31:33 What's next for Sasha Monaco? Full interview with Sasha Monaco, with video, images, and transcript, on Wisdom for Wannabes website at: 38: Sasha Monaco on Books & Business Development - WISDOM FOR WANNABES: A PODCAST SERIES HOSTED BY JACKIE MORREALE

    Interview 38: Sasha Monaco, Author, Researcher, Technology Strategist | Think Bigger Than Your Fears

  3. Jul 11

    Failure is a Teacher! Finish Your Race, & Lift As You Climb

    Wisdom for Wannabes host Jackie Morreale shares her journey of celebrating success, including her recent YouTube Silver Creator Award, then facing failure, and the lessons learned about preparation, resilience, and community. This episode emphasizes that failure is a stepping stone to growth and the importance of lifting others as we climb. Topics: The significance of celebrating milestonesLessons learned from failing a certification examThe importance of preparation over experienceHow failure can teach us more than successThe role of community and support in overcoming challengesThe analogy of running a race to life's journeyThe concept of 'Lift as You Climb' and giving back Takeaways: Preparation is indispensable, regardless of experience.Failure reveals what we need to improve, not just what we did wrong.Success is built on invisible hours of effort and practice.Helping others along the way enriches our own journey. Quotes:  "Thank you for building this community with me.""Failure teaches us more than success.""Lift as you climb."  Chapters: 00:00 The Day After My Biggest Success, I Failed 00:20 Thank You, Wisdom for Wannabes Community 01:09 YouTube Silver Creator Award Celebration 01:54 I Failed a Certification Exam 02:20 Shout Out: School of Rock 02:32 Shout Out: Lucie Pierro & Breathe Music Vocal Collective 03:12 Preparation Isn't Punishment—It's Protection 04:32 Wisdom from Pilot Johannes Schwab: Confidence Through Discipline 05:09 Respect the Process 05:31 Imagination Exercise: Picture Your Finish Line 07:30 My Son's Lesson at the Finish Line ​08:16 Wisdom from Educator Dr. Roy McGriff: "Lift as You Climb" 09:02 Final Thoughts & Thank You More at: https://www.wisdomforwannabes.com/blog/failure-is-a-teacher-finish-your-race-lift-as-you-climb

    Failure is a Teacher! Finish Your Race, & Lift As You Climb

  4. Jul 6

    Interview 37: Erica Kyle, Artist | Corporate to Canvas, Turning the 'Ugly Middle' to Beautiful Art

    What if the "ugly middle" of your life is actually leading you somewhere beautiful? In this episode of Wisdom for Wannabes, I sit down with South Florida artist Erica Kyle, who left a successful 25-year career in banking to pursue her lifelong calling as a professional artist. Erica shares the emotional stories behind her paintings, why birds symbolize peace, how creativity became her language, and the life-changing decision to trust herself and finally go all in. In this conversation, we discuss: 📈 Leaving corporate life to follow your passion 🕊️ Why birds symbolize peace and hope 🌿 Finding calm through creativity and nature 💡 The meaning of "the ugly middle" 📈 Why artists need business skills ❤️ Creating art that changes people's perspective 🎨 Inspiration from Italy, Claude Monet, and French Impressionism If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to pursue your dream, Erica's story is proof that your calling may be waiting patiently for you. 🌐 Guest: Erica Kyle, https://www.ericakylecreations.com 📍 Studio Two at The Peach Art Collective, West Palm Beach, Florida ⏱ Chapters: What if the "ugly middle" of your life is actually leading you somewhere beautiful?In this episode of Wisdom for Wannabes, I sit down with South Florida artist Erica Kyle, who left a successful 25-year career in banking to pursue her lifelong calling as a professional artist.Erica shares the emotional stories behind her paintings, why birds symbolize peace, how creativity became her language, and the life-changing decision to trust herself and finally go all in.In this conversation we discuss:📈 Leaving corporate life to follow your passion🕊️ Why birds symbolize peace and hope🌿 Finding calm through creativity and nature💡 The meaning of "the ugly middle"📈 Why artists need business skills❤️ Creating art that changes people's perspective🎨 Inspiration from Italy, Claude Monet, and French ImpressionismIf you've ever wondered whether it's too late to pursue your dream, Erica's story is proof that your calling may be waiting patiently for you.🌐 Guest: Erica Kylehttps://www.ericakylecreations.com📍 Studio Two at The Peach Art CollectiveWest Palm Beach, Florida⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:22 Meet artist Erica Kyle 02:01 Creating art that brings people peace 03:44 Leaving a 25-year banking career 05:27 Quick-fire questions 06:25 Why Claude Monet inspires her 08:26 The business side of being an artist 09:42 One word she wants people to feel: Calm 10:45 The "Ugly Middle" explained 12:40 Writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul 13:56 How art changes perspective 15:54 Finding something good every day 17:41 Is art your emotional language? 19:48 Falling in love with Impressionism 20:30 The moment she became a professional artist 24:09 The story behind her bird paintings 25:33 Why nature and birds inspire her 28:09 South Florida's growing art community 29:52 A breakthrough exhibition that changed everything 32:14 Advice for aspiring artists 33:01 Shout-outs and mentors 36:07 What's next for Erica Kyle? 37:20 Final thoughts Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, authors, athletes, and leaders sharing wise words in business, beauty, and betterment. #WisdomForWannabes #EricaKyle #ArtistInterview #CareerChange #Creativity #FineArt #WomenInBusiness #Purpose #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneur #SouthFlorida #PalmBeach #Artists #CreativeJourney #Inspiration

    Interview 37: Erica Kyle, Artist | Corporate to Canvas, Turning the 'Ugly Middle' to Beautiful Art

  5. Jun 27

    Interview 36: Angela Page, Award Winning Novelist, Screenwriter - Why Stories Are Worth Telling

    How do you reinvent yourself after decades in corporate leadership? In this episode of Wisdom for Wannabes, Jackie Morreale sits down with award-winning author, screenwriter, producer, and former Microsoft and Honeywell executive Angela Page Conti to explore the power of storytelling, creativity, resilience, and second (or third!) acts. Angela shares how family history inspired her novels, why social justice became the focus of many of her films, what corporate life taught her about creativity, and why it's never too late to pursue the dream that's been quietly waiting inside you. You'll also hear practical writing advice, funny behind-the-scenes stories, and why one sentence overheard at a swimming pool can become an entire novel. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to reinvent yourself, this conversation is for you. Key Topics: • Reinvention after 50 • Storytelling from real life • Creativity vs. corporate careers • Family history as inspiration • Writing novels and screenplays • Social justice through film • Finding your creative tribe • Overcoming fear and writer's block Great Quotes: • "People need to look at their families first. There are stories within stories." • "I think I was born to be a storyteller." • "Must entertain." • "The road will take you somewhere, no matter what." • "Fear shouldn't be part of the equation." • "Let it go and let it flow." • "Don't be afraid to reach, at any age." • "Writing is not a lonely process." • "One line has a hundred stories." • "Give yourself permission to write terrible first drafts." • "Take inspiration from your own life." • "I already had this burning thing happening." Biggest Takeaways 1. Your family is your greatest source material. 2. Reinvention doesn't have an expiration date. 3. Creativity needs discipline. 4. Learn the craft. 5. Stay curious. 6. Turn pain into purpose. 7. Fear blocks creativity. 8. Find your tribe. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:35 Angela's incredible journey around the world 06:00 Why every family has stories worth telling 08:05 Born to be a storyteller 09:00 Turning real-life tragedy into award-winning films 11:10 From corporate executive to creative career 12:40 Quickfire questions 16:40 The moment she knew creativity was her calling 19:40 Why social justice became her mission 21:20 Learning the craft of screenwriting 23:00 How corporate life prepared her for Hollywood 24:00 Finding stories in everyday conversations 25:30 Reinvention at every stage of life 27:40 Advice for aspiring writers 30:30 The people who shaped her journey 32:30 Final wisdom Subscribe for weekly author interviews and creative breakdowns, and leave a comment sharing which part of the writing process you find most challenging.Full interview with Angela Page including photos and transcript at: https://www.wisdomforwannabes.com/angela-page-writing.html

    Interview 36: Angela Page, Award Winning Novelist, Screenwriter - Why Stories Are Worth Telling

  6. Jun 25

    One Year Wisdom for Wannabes Anniversary! ​How Do You Measure a Year? An Entrepreneur's Guide to Returning to the Trail

    In this reflective voice note, Wisdom for Wannabes host Jackie Morreale celebrates the first anniversary of the podcast and YouTube channel by exploring a question inspired by the musical Rent: How do you measure a year? Through a year marked by 100,000+ subscribers on YouTube, six books, three marathons, unforgettable travels, personal growth, and the loss of her 99-year-old grandmother, Jackie reflects on the milestones that can be counted—and the ones that can't. She shares a guided imagination exercise inspired by her favorite morning running trail, inviting listeners to reconnect with a place that grounds them, inspires them, and reminds them who they are. This episode is a meditation on entrepreneurship, resilience, gratitude, and returning to yourself when life feels busy or overwhelming. Topics: • Measuring success beyond numbers • The importance of resilience and perseverance • The power of mental imagery and visualization • Reflecting on personal growth and achievements • The significance of inner strength, places, and peace Takeaways • Success is not just in numbers but in personal growth and resilience. • Visualization can help reconnect with your inner strength during tough times. • Achievements like books published or miles run are tangible, but inner resilience is intangible yet vital. • Returning to mental 'places' can inspire perseverance and clarity. • The journey shapes us more than the destination. Quotes: • "Success is measured in the places that shape us" • "The trail isn't what made you stronger, you did" • "The places that shaped me to be the person I became" Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Reflection on One Year of 'Wisdom for Wannabes' 00:41 Measuring Success in Entrepreneurship 01:06 Celebrating Personal Milestones and Achievements 01:49 The Unquantifiable Aspects of Growth 02:39 The Power of Visualization and Memory 03:57 Inner Strength and Resilience 04:52 Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey one year after launching Wisdom for Wannabes. Learn how to balance growth with self-care. Today marks one year since my first upload, and I am sharing what I have learned about building a business from scratch. Whether you are an independent creator or just starting a new project, this retrospective covers the reality of solving problems while staying grounded. I discuss why breathing and intentional movement are essential tools for anyone trying to sustain their momentum over the long haul. This video is for those who feel stuck or overwhelmed by the pressure of starting something new. By looking back at my own entrepreneurial journey, I hope to offer clarity on how to keep moving forward despite the inevitable challenges. You will see clips from my own process, including school readings and running, to illustrate how I maintain focus and discipline as an independent creator. Subscribe for weekly wisdom for wannabes breakdowns, and tell me in the comments what specific hurdle you are currently facing in your own journey. https://www.wisdomforwannabes.com/blog/one-year-anniversary-how-do-you-measure-a-year-an-entrepreneurs-guide-to-returning-to-the-trail

    One Year Wisdom for Wannabes Anniversary! ​How Do You Measure a Year? An Entrepreneur's Guide to Returning to the Trail

  7. Jun 4

    Little Puppy, Big Heart | The Story Behind Yin-Yang the Brave, New Children's Book by Jackie Morreale

    Join author and illustrator, Jackie Morreale, daughter Natalia Morreale, and Lily the Bichonpoo, for a special read-through of Jackie's new children's book, Yin-Yang the Brave: A Puppy's Tale of Finding Home. Book One in the Voices in Wonder series follows Yinny, a tiny puppy waiting to find her forever family. Through adventures, mistakes, learning, and unconditional love, Yinny discovers where she belongs and how even the smallest voice can make a big difference. In this video, you'll discover: • A complete read-aloud of Yin-Yang the Brave • The real story behind Lily, the dog who inspired Yinny • The meaning of yin and yang and how it inspired the story • Hidden yin-yang symbols throughout the illustrations • Behind-the-scenes insights into the pastel artwork • Creative inspiration for young artists and storytellers This book celebrates family, friendship, growth, patience, and the special bond between children and their pets. If you enjoy children's books, dog stories, family read-alouds, animal adventures, and inspiring creative journeys, be sure to like, subscribe, and share. 📚 Book: Yin-Yang the Brave: A Puppy's Tale of Finding Home ✍️ Author: Jackie Morreale 🎨 Illustrations: Jackie Morreale & Natalia Morreale 🐾 Inspired by Lily the Bichonpoo What animal would star in your own story? Let us know in the comments! #ChildrensBooks #ReadAloud #DogStories #Storytime #YinYangTheBrave #VoicesInWonder #Bichonpoo #JackieMorreale #FamilyReading #PetStories Takeaways: - Every animal has a unique voice and purpose. - Finding a home is about love, patience, and belonging. - Families and pets learn from one another. - Growth happens one small step at a time. - Mistakes are part of learning. - Creativity can begin with something as simple as five minutes a day. - Small acts of care can lead to big transformations. - Inspiration often comes from everyday life. Quotes: - "Maybe today will be the day." - "She has a name. A family. A heart full of love." - "The family is learning to speak Yinny, and Yinny is learning her place in the family." - "Even the smallest voice can make a big difference." - "Yin and yang: a perfect balance." - "Providing a forever home comes back to you tenfold in love." - "It wasn't instant. It wasn't perfect. But little by little, they understood each other." - "Every one of us is an artist on the inside." - "What superpower would your favorite animal use to save the day?" Chapters: Introduction to Yin-Yang the Brave Meet Lily, the Real-Life Inspiration Dedication & Acknowledgements Yinny Waits for Her Forever Family A Family Comes to Visit Yinny Finds Her Home Adventures and Puppy Mischief Learning, Growing & Belonging Yinny Discovers Her Courage Meet the Real Lily the Bichonpoo The Meaning of Yin and Yang Hidden Symbols & Interactive Fun Creating the Illustrations with Pastels Advice for Young Artists Create Your Own Animal Hero Story Final Thoughts & Thank You Jackie Morreale, author/illustrator and host of this podcast, "Wisdom for Wannabes", shares her new children's book alongside her daughter Natalia and their beloved dog, Lily. This fun doggie pet short features illustrations and discussions about their dog book, now available in paperback on Amazon, "Yin Yang the Brave," including her training and unique characteristics. You'll love this sweet pet video!https://www.wisdomforwannabes.com/books-jackie-morreale.html

    Little Puppy, Big Heart | The Story Behind Yin-Yang the Brave, New Children's Book by Jackie Morreale

  8. May 22

    Interview 35: Daniele DeMarch, ELSEWAVE - From Milan Fashion to Formula 1 Simulators

    What happens when someone combines the fast-paced world of Milan fashion with cutting-edge technology and luxury experiences in Miami? In this episode of Wisdom for Wannabes, host Jackie Morreale sits down with Daniele DeMarch, Co-Founder of ELSEWAVE, a South Florida-based boutique innovation company helping scale emerging technologies in aerospace, AI, luxury hospitality, experiential sports, and beyond.From scouting supermodels in Milan during the 90s to discovering future-facing technologies at global trade shows, Daniele shares how fashion taught him branding, beauty, speed, and intuition — lessons he now applies to innovation and entrepreneurship. We dive into: • The transition from fashion to technology • Building ELSEWAVE and scouting emerging tech • Experiential luxury, including Formula 1 racing simulators in partnership with ITRS • Floating pickleball courts with AquaBanas • AI, entrepreneurship, and the future of hospitality • Why “experience” is becoming the new luxury Plus: stories from Milan, Palm Beach, Canon, trade shows, and the mindset required to recognize the next big thing before everyone else does. 🎙️ Wisdom for Wannabes explores wise words in business, beauty, and betterment through conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, innovators, and visionaries. Full interview at: https://www.wisdomforwannabes.com/daniele-demarch-elsewave.html Guest: Daniele DeMarch, Co-Founder of ELSEWAVE🌐 ELSEWAVE: https://www.elsewave.com/ Hosted by Jackie Morreale: https://www.wisdomforwannabes.com/about-jackie.html #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #LuxuryExperiences #AI #Formula1 #Pickleball #ELSEWAVE #BusinessPodcast #Miami #PalmBeach #WisdomForWannabes ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Meeting Daniele Through F1 Simulators 01:39 – From Milan Fashion to Innovation 03:43 – What Fashion Taught Him About Business 06:08 – Growing Up Between Italy & the U.S. 07:39 – Scouting Supermodels in the 90s 10:53 – Moving Into Tech & Leadership 12:22 – Quick Fire Questions 15:00 – The Book That Changed His Life 16:21 – What ELSEWAVE Actually Does 17:15 – How He Scouts Emerging Technologies 18:57 – What Makes an Idea Worth Investing In 19:55 – Creativity, Walking & AI 21:45 – Meeting His Business Partner 22:16 – The Floating Pickleball Court Story 24:10 – Advice for Innovators & Entrepreneurs 25:29 – AI Projects & the Future of Hiring 26:52 – The Future of Experiential Luxury 28:30 – Mentors, Gratitude & Lessons Learned 29:43 – What’s Next for Daniele DeMarch

    Interview 35: Daniele DeMarch, ELSEWAVE - From Milan Fashion to Formula 1 Simulators
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About

"It's a meandering path to get there, and I would love to learn more from you." Wisdom for Wannabes is a new podcast series that hosts 1:1 interviews with inspiring people to discover wise words on business, beauty, betterment, and beyond. Inspired by her own personal journey to grow in creativity, education, and spirituality, host Jackie Morreale talks to unique individuals about their own journeys and passions, in the pursuit of wisdom and growth.

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  • Creator
    wisdomforwannabes
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © wisdomforwannabes
  • Show Website
    Wisdom for Wannabes