The Leap Lounge

Joan Russell

The Leap Lounge is for anyone who feels ready to make a change in career, life, or whatever's next but is unsure how to go about it. Hosted by change coach Joan Russell, this podcast offers real talk, inspiration, and support to help you navigate the emotional and practical challenges of taking a leap into something new. If you’ve been dreaming of something different and are ready to explore the possibilities, you’re in the right place. Let's leap together!

Episodes

  1. This Hack Gets Goals DONE

    08/26/2025

    This Hack Gets Goals DONE

    Accountability might sound boring, but it’s one of the mostpowerful hacks for achieving your goals. In this solo episode, host Joan Russell breaks down how accountability takes you from a 10% chance of success to a 95% chance, and the simple questions you can use to stay on track. From group dynamics to the importance of celebrating wins, this episode will inspire you to get clarity, commit, and finally follow through. 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why accountability dramatically increases your odds of success.The difference between women-only and mixed accountability groups.Five questions that bring clarity, focus, and momentum to your goals.Why celebration matters just as much as achievement.How accountability creates structure, support, and follow-through. 🔥Key Takeaways: “Accountability isn’t boring—it’s actually one of the best hacks for getting things done.” “You’re 95% more likely to achieve your goal if you committo someone and schedule accountability around it.” “When you share what you’re working on, how it’s going, andyour next steps, it brings clarity—and clarity creates momentum.” “If you don’t pause to celebrate your wins, you’ll just moveon to the next thing without realizing you’ve actually accomplished something huge.” 💡 Resources & Mentions: 🎥 Replay of Inspire Empower Achieve’s Accountability Panel Discussion 🌟 Focused Space – goal setting, accountability, and body doubling support ✨ Work with Joan: Book a Free Clarity Session ($200 value!) ✨ Find Joan + The Leap Lounge: 🌐The Leap Lounge: theleaplounge.com 🌐Intuitive North: intuitivenorth.com 📣Instagram: @theleaplounge | @thejoanrussell   If you loved this episode, please subscribe, share, or leavea review to help others feel supported in their leaps.

    11 min
  2. Normalize This! The Things We Don’t Talk About When Starting Something New

    08/11/2025

    Normalize This! The Things We Don’t Talk About When Starting Something New

    When you’re starting something new, whether it’s launching a business, making a career change, or stepping into life’s unknowns, there’s a lot of pressure to “have it all figured out” from the start. In reality? Most of us are learning as we go. In this solo episode, host Joan Russell shares the things we need to normalize in order to approach our leaps with more compassion, courage, and staying power. From embracing a beginner’s mindset to navigating the frustrating quiet of “The Void,” this conversation will help you see your journey through a more realistic — and encouraging — lens. 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why adopting a beginner’s mindset fuels curiosity, growth, and connection.How to embrace iteration instead of expecting perfection on your first try.Why going viral isn’t always the win it’s cracked up to be.How to ride the ups and downs without losing momentum.Why an empty event doesn’t equal failure, and what it can teach you.How to navigate “The Void” and use it as fertile ground for your next leap. 🔥 Key Takeaways: “Just because nobody’s 'liking' your content doesn’t mean they’re not watching it.”“You may not get it right the first time… you have to test and you have to iterate, and you have to play around with it.”“Be careful what you wish for when it comes to going viral.” 💡Resources & Mentions: Work with Joan: 1:1 coaching to help you navigate your leap with clarity, confidence, and ease.Join The Leap Lounge (San Diego): Bi-weekly in-person gatherings for networking, courage and a support squad for your next move. ✨ Find Joan + The Leap Lounge: 🌐 The Leap Lounge: theleaplounge.com 🌐 Intuitive North intuitivenorth.com 📣 Instagram: @theleaplounge| @thejoanrussell If you loved this episode, please subscribe, share, or leave a review to help others feel supported in their leaps

    16 min
  3. A Google Alert Became My Reminder That Life Is Short AF

    08/04/2025

    A Google Alert Became My Reminder That Life Is Short AF

    In this short solo episode, Joan shares a surprisinglymeaningful story that began with a simple Google Alert - one that unexpectedly reminded her (over and over again) of the reality of death. But instead of spiraling into existential dread, Joan turned it into fuel for how she chooses to live her life, and here’s how you can too. Drawing inspiration from the Latin phrase Memento Mori(“remember you must die”), Joan invites listeners to reflect on what they truly want their life to look like, not just today, but in the years to come. If you've ever wondered whether you're playing it too safeor if you're honoring your own version of a bold, beautiful life, this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and choose with intention. In this episode: How a Google Alert on Joan’s name turned into a weekly obituary ritual (!)Why “boring” lives can be beautiful, but you still get to choose your own versionWhat Memento Mori has to do with your next leapA journaling prompt to explore how you want to be rememberedA reminder that change is constant, and you’re not here to play it safe Reflection prompts: -  What do you want people to say aboutyou at your funeral? -  What will you do with this one wildand precious life? Resources & Links: 📸Share your observations and tag us: @theleaploungeon Instagram or use hashtag #theleaplounge 📩Share your journal reflections with Joan: leap@theleaplounge.com For more inspiration, tools, and events, visit theleaplounge.com or intuitivenorth.com 🎧 Subscribe, follow, and review The Leap Lounge on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

    7 min
  4. Get Clear and Get Hired with Kolby Goodman

    07/28/2025

    Get Clear and Get Hired with Kolby Goodman

    What does it take to create a fulfilling, aligned career in2025? In this episode of The Leap Lounge, host Joan Russell sits down with career coach and leadership development expert Kolby Goodman for a deep and empowering conversation about navigating today’s evolving job market—with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Kolby shares how professionals at any stage in their leap can rethink how they communicate their value, break out of limiting mindsets, and align their strengths with opportunities that actually fit. Together they explore: How to position yourself as a problem solver, not just a job doerThe “Five Whys” technique to uncover your unique career strengthsWhy clarity is the first step to creating momentumHow to shift your language and own your professional identityWhat networking really means in 2025 (hint: it’s not about handing out business cards) Whether you're looking to level up, pivot, or finally own the title you’ve been dreaming about, this episode will help you create a career path that reflects who you truly are. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Your job isn’t what you do—it’s the problems you solveClarity is power: knowing your impact opens the door to opportunityUse the “Five Whys” to get to the root of your strengthsNetworking is about relationship-building, not sales pitchesSpeak from your future self and let people meet that version of youOwning your expertise helps others find you—and trust you 📚 Resources & Mentions: Kolby Goodman on LinkedInStart Now and 49 Other Things You Can Do to Be Employed by Graduation – Amazon KindleTim Ferriss quote: “The quality of your life is directly proportional to the number of uncomfortable conversations you’re willing to have.”Brian Tracy’s Eat That Frog If you’re ready to build a career that actually fits your life, share this episode with a friend and tag @thejoanrussell or @theleaplounge. For more inspiration, tools, and events, visit IntuitiveNorth.com 🎧 Subscribe, follow, and review The Leap Lounge wherever you get your podcasts.

    33 min
  5. Leaving, Laid Off, Lost? Now What?

    07/21/2025

    Leaving, Laid Off, Lost? Now What?

    The Leap Lounge — Episode 5 Title: Leaving, Laid Off, Lost? Now What? In this solo episode, host Joan Russell dives into whatreally happens when change isn’t your idea -- or even when it is. Whether you walked away from a job, got laid off, ended a relationship, or packed up your life to start over, this episode explores the psychological difference between choosingthe leap and being forced into it. From identity loss and rejection to self-doubt and eventualself-trust, Joan breaks down what both paths have in common, and what it takes to move forward when everything feels uncertain. 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The emotional difference between being let go and walking awayWhy “shock” is often the first emotion in forced changeHow chosen change can still come with fear and regretThe role of identity, belonging, and tribe in career transitionsWhy your “why” matters when making self-initiated leapsWhat to do before you jump into a new job, person, or placeHow to move from victimhood to authorshipThe importance of community while you build your next chapter 🔑 Key Takeaways: Not all leaps feel like flying, some start with a fall.Whether the leap is chosen or not, you still have to navigate the void.Shock, anger, doubt, and grief are normal, and so is relief.Rebuilding your identity takes time, space, and reflection.You don’t have to do this alone. The right support changes everything. 📚 Resources + Mentions: The Leap Lounge Community – Find your people for big changes in life, career, or purpose. theleaplounge.comExplore Coaching with Joan: intuitivenorth.com  ✨ Find Joan + The Leap Lounge: 🌐theleaplounge.com🌐intuitivenorth.com 🌐📣 Follow on Instagram: @theleaploungeor @thejoanrussell   If you loved this episode, please subscribe, share, or leavea review to help others make their leap with courage, clarity, and community.

    15 min
  6. Burnout, Courage & Heartfelt Navigation with Bonnie Graham

    07/15/2025

    Burnout, Courage & Heartfelt Navigation with Bonnie Graham

    Have you or someone you know experienced burnout? In episode 4 of The Leap Lounge, host Joan Russell sits down with burnout recovery coach Bonnie Graham to explore the emotional rollercoaster of big life changes and how fear, self-doubt, and burnout are often intertwined. Whether you're making a career leap, leaving a long-heldidentity, or just feeling stuck, this episode will help you reconnect with your truth, challenge perfectionism, and take small courageous steps forward - starting with your heart. Bonnie shares her journey from "recovering architect" to certified coach, the emotional collapse that became herturning point, and how heartfelt navigation and not hustle, brought her back to life. 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why fear and self-doubt spike during big transitions (and how to manage them)How ignoring emotions can contribute to burnout - and how to listen insteadWhy mindfulness, journaling, and naming your emotions creates movementWhat neuroscience teaches us about rewiring beliefs and shifting stuck patternsHow metaphor, emotion wheels, and presence can support forward momentumWhy courage isn’t just action - it’s speaking your truth and living from the heart 🔥 Key Takeaways: “You can’t access your creative mind unless your body is in a calm state.”“Perfectionism is a fast track to burnout. Curiosity and baby steps lead to growth.”“It’s not about work-life balance, it’s about work-life harmony.”“Ask yourself: what has energy for me right now?” 💡 Resources & Mentions: Byron Katie – The WorkEmotion WheelBonnie’s Meetup Group: Life After Burnout (online & in-person)Connect with Bonnie Graham on LinkedIn ✨ Find Joan + The Leap Lounge: 🌐 The Leap Lounge🌐Intuitive North📣 Follow on Instagram: @theleaplounge or @thejoanrussell If you loved this episode, please subscribe, share, orleave a review to help others make their leap with courage, clarity, and community.

    24 min
  7. Something Has to Change...But What?

    07/15/2025

    Something Has to Change...But What?

    In this solo episode, Joan explores one of the most common yet complicated thoughts people have: "Something has to change." Joan breaks down the four key areas where people most often feel stuck—health, relationships, work, and money—and invites listeners to get honest with themselves about what isn’t working and what they really want instead. With stories from her coaching practice and personal reflections, Joan explores how our conditioning, fear, and comparison traps often keep us from speaking our truth, and making real change. You’ll walk away with self-reflection prompts, practical ways to take small aligned steps, and encouragement to claim the life you truly want. Key Topics Covered: Why “something has to change” often means you have to change The 4 major zones where people feel stuck: health, relationships, work, and money How societal and personal conditioning keeps us quiet about what we truly want Questions to uncover your hidden desires and take the first step toward change The myth of waiting for clarity before taking action Real-world tips for getting support, whether you’re changing jobs, quitting drinking, dating again, or facing a money fear Why failure isn’t a bad thing—it’s a data point How small, consistent moves create real transformation Reflection Questions from Joan: What part of your life feels the most off right now? What’s one shift that would bring relief? If shame and fear weren’t part of the equation, what would you admit you really want? What are you pretending you can tolerate at work? What about money scares you? Resources Mentioned: AA, SMART Recovery, r/stopdrinking on Reddit Toastmasters Speaking coaches (DM Joan for a recommendation!) The Leap Lounge in-person events (San Diego area) One-on-one coaching with Joan → intuitivenorth.com Work With Joan: Need support in navigating your own leap? Whether it’s health, career, or clarity, Joan offers 1:1 coaching to help you move forward with confidence. Book a free discovery call at intuitivenorth.com. Join the Community: If you're in the San Diego area, come join us at the next Leap Lounge event—an inspiring space for clarity, courage, and connection. RSVP at theleaplounge.com. Connect with Joan: Website: intuitivenorth.com Podcast & Community: theleaplounge.com Instagram: @thejoanrussell | @theleaplounge

    18 min

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About

The Leap Lounge is for anyone who feels ready to make a change in career, life, or whatever's next but is unsure how to go about it. Hosted by change coach Joan Russell, this podcast offers real talk, inspiration, and support to help you navigate the emotional and practical challenges of taking a leap into something new. If you’ve been dreaming of something different and are ready to explore the possibilities, you’re in the right place. Let's leap together!