I’m Too Busy!

Christina Flach

✨ Welcome to I’m Too Busy — the podcast where passion meets purpose and hustle is your superpower! ✨ Hosted by Christina Flach — celebrity makeup artist, wellness entrepreneur, and all-around glow-getter — this show brings you raw, real, and radiant conversations with world-class athletes, visionary entrepreneurs, inspiring celebrities, and fearless trailblazers. Each episode is packed with insider stories, powerful insights, and heartfelt inspiration designed to fuel your drive and light your path. Whether you’re juggling dreams or chasing bold new goals, I’m Too Busy empowers you to own your busy life with confidence, joy, and unstoppable sparkle. 💖 Subscribe now and join a community of fierce, fabulous go-getters just like you. Your time is NOW — let’s shine together!

  1. 5d ago

    Too Dressed Up? The Hidden Bias Behind Dress Codes

    Have you ever wondered why the same outfit reads as professional on one person and inappropriate on another? I sat down with Stanford Law Professor Richard Thompson Ford to find out what dress codes really reveal about identity, power, and belonging. Episode Overview Richard is the author of Dress Codes: How the Laws of Fashion Made History, and he walked me through the fascinating history of fashion rules and the legal battles over clothing and grooming. We talked about workplace expectations, unequal enforcement of school dress codes, race, gender, natural hairstyles, and why what we wear carries so much meaning. *What You’ll Learn* - Why clothing and grooming rules become legal disputes - How workplace expectations can affect women differently - Why school dress codes raise questions about unequal enforcement - How fashion has reflected status and power throughout history - How race and natural hairstyles enter conversations about dress codes and discrimination - Why clothing can be a meaningful form of self-expression *About the Guest* Richard Thompson Ford is a Stanford Law Professor, legal scholar, and author of *Dress Codes: How the Laws of Fashion Made History*. His work connects law, race, and fashion, exploring how style and clothing reflect power, discrimination, and self-expression. *Connect with the Guest* Website: https://law.stanford.edu/directory/richard-thompson-ford Book: *Dress Codes*, available at major retailers Twitter: https://twitter.com/ProfRTFord *Chapters** 00:00 Cold open: Clothing rules and gender equality 00:49 Meet Christina Flach and Richard Thompson Ford 01:25 Dress codes and discrimination in law 05:41 The tech workplace's unwritten dress code 15:07 Researching the history of fashion rules 19:11 Clothing laws and social rank 30:07 When women wearing pants broke the rules 35:22 Sagging pants and cultural judgment 37:21 Natural hairstyles and workplace rules 39:44 Fashion, civil rights, and the Zoot Suit Riots 41:49 Richard's career and priorities 44:42 Race and equality in the U.S. and France 48:33 Richard's writing process and next book 53:43 Advice for aspiring law students *About the Host: Christina Flach* Christina Flach is a celebrity makeup artist, beauty entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and host of *I’m Too Busy!*, where being busy is a celebration of passion, purpose, and possibility. She is the Founder and CEO of Pretty Girl Makeup and creator of ITB! Wellness. Christina has been featured in Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Forbes, Modern Luxury, and NBC’s California Live. She is also a Beauty & Wellness Contributor for Women Fitness Magazine. Her philanthropic work supports initiatives including Northern Light School and The Beau Friedman Outdoor Classroom. Website: https://www.christinaflach.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/christinaflachmakeup Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Christinaflachmakeup Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ChristinaFlachMakeupArtist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-flach-1185825 *About I’m Too Busy!* Hosted by Christina Flach, *I’m Too Busy!* features authentic conversations with icons, innovators, and thought leaders about growth, creativity, and transformation. The show celebrates the passion, purpose, and possibility behind a busy life. *Podcast Links* Explore more episodes: https://www.imtoobusytv.com/episodes *Watch More Episodes* ▶️ https://youtu.be/Y3p9DGdh6YQ ▶️ https://youtu.be/PDrrZ_XL60o ▶️ https://youtu.be/ooJp-tLanSs ▶️ https://youtu.be/arwq7DsGmuk ▶️ https://youtu.be/mKMvxz3JEhE ▶️ https://youtu.be/jXIQEw-Y3DI *Subscribe* Never miss a conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast?sub_confirmation=1 *Join the Conversation* Have you seen a clothing or hairstyle rule applied differently to different people? Share your perspective in the comments, and like the episode if it gave you something new to consider. *Disclaimer* This conversation is for general information and discussion. It is not legal advice. *Copyright* © I’m Too Busy! with Christina Flach. All rights reserved. #DressCodes #Fashion #RichardThompsonFord #christinaflach #fashionhistory

  2. Sep 27

    Annie Cheever: Sobriety, Relapse & Finding Herself Again

    What happens when you realize the life you’re living isn’t the life you want anymore? I sat down with Annie Cheever, founder of Preppy & Sober, for such an honest conversation about sobriety, relapse, motherhood, grief, OCD, and finding your way back to yourself. Annie shares what happened after years without alcohol, what relapse taught her, and why sobriety eventually had to become more than simply not drinking. We talked about rebuilding self-worth, reconnecting with who you are, and learning to make yourself a priority again. We also talk about her experience navigating a BRCA1 mutation and the preventative healthcare decisions that came with it, and why she created Preppy & Sober — the kind of community and support she wished she had during her own journey. This conversation isn’t about being perfect. It’s about what happens when you get lost, tell yourself the truth, and begin finding your way back. If you’ve ever had to start over — with sobriety, your health, a relationship, or simply with yourself — I think there’s something in Annie’s story that will stay with you. ABOUT ANNIE Annie Cheever is the founder of Preppy & Sober, a sobriety-focused platform inspired by her own journey of choosing an alcohol-free life. Subscribe to I’m Too Busy! for more honest conversations about health, wellness, reinvention and the stories that shape CONNECT WITH ANNIE Website: www.preppysober.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acheev/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preppysober/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@preppysober Threads: https://www.threads.com/@preppysober CHAPTERS 00:00 Cold Open: Questioning Alcohol 00:33 Meet Annie Cheever 01:43 Beginning Her Sobriety Journey 05:48 BRCA1 and Preventive Healthcare Decisions 13:46 Living With OCD 17:07 Relapse and Putting Sobriety First 19:55 Creating Preppy & Sober 23:13 Getting Sober Without Losing Yourself 28:51 Sober Curious and the Rock-Bottom Myth 31:04 Relationships, Boundaries and Inner Work 34:00 Why Women Need Better Recovery Support 39:41 The 90-Day Reflection Practice 45:18 Annie’s Vision for Preppy & Sober 47:41 Rapid-Fire Questions and Self-Care 57:16 Final Reflections and Closing ABOUT THE HOST: CHRISTINA FLACH Christina Flach is the host of I’m Too Busy!, where she leads inspiring conversations about personal growth, beauty, wellness, balance, creativity, and navigating a busy life. Connect with Christina: Instagram: @christinaflachmakeup Website: http://www.christinaflach.com ABOUT I’M TOO BUSY! I’m Too Busy! features inspiring interviews with beauty and wellness experts, changemakers, and compelling guests who share meaningful lessons about balance, personal growth, success, and living well in a busy world. PODCAST LINKS Podcast website: http://www.imtoobusytv.com YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast WATCH MORE EPISODES https://youtu.be/Z1At4hQblK4 https://youtu.be/mKNCw9GgLzs https://youtu.be/A1yGZQCT3vE https://youtu.be/3ciX0S2ZIPM https://youtu.be/OLqU1HJHgOc https://youtu.be/7UJT6hhJWxE SUBSCRIBE Subscribe for more honest conversations about personal growth, wellness, creativity, resilience, and navigating a busy life: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast What part of Annie’s story resonated most with you? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments. DISCLAIMER This episode presents the guest’s personal experiences and perspectives for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical, mental health, or substance-use treatment advice and should not replace guidance from a qualified professional. COPYRIGHT © 2026 I’m Too Busy! All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. #SobrietyJourney #RelapseRecovery #soberliving #WomenInSobriety #imtoobusypodcast #christinaflach #SoberCurious #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealth #WomensWellness #PersonalGrowth #FindingYourself #PreppyAndSober #AnnieCheever

  3. Sep 18

    He Survived a Neo-Nazi Attack and Brain Cancer — Finding Hope with John Daly

    I sit down with John Daly to talk about surviving a neo-Nazi attack as a teenager, then facing brain cancer as an adult — and how both experiences shaped what he now believes about hope, forgiveness, and purpose. We get into what makes a good day for him, whether he fears dying, and why helping others still matters most. John returns to I'm Too Busy! for a deeper conversation about the hate crime he survived, his cancer diagnosis, and how those two experiences taught him about resilience, faith, and forgiveness. He also shares what it's like speaking to others about extremism and what hope looks like for him today. What You’ll Learn How John describes living with uncertainty after a cancer diagnosis Why an ordinary interaction can change his definition of a good day What he has learned about hate, belonging, and extremism How sharing his experiences helps him connect with others Why he continues to think about forgiveness and choosing “better instead of bitter” About the Guest John Daly is an American-Israeli anti-racism advocate, author, and speaker. He survived a severe hate crime after living as a closeted Jewish officer within a prominent American white-supremacist organization. In this episode, he reflects on that experience and his later experience with brain cancer. Connect with the Guest John’s website: https://youbeginchange.com/ YouTube Chapters 00:00 John Daly survival story: A question about death 00:31 Christina welcomes John back 01:32 John's cancer update 02:04 What makes a good day? 03:10 Facing different kinds of fear 04:53 Offering hope while struggling 06:40 Why John wrote his book 09:07 How he became involved with neo-Nazis 12:22 Surviving the attack 14:24 Extremism and the need to belong 15:25 Bringing divided people together 17:43 Warning signs for parents 20:06 Testifying against the organization 25:29 Death threats and moving to Israel 29:13 Entering Israeli politics 31:32 Playing a Nazi-era saxophone 35:08 Escape from Room 18 documentary 38:06 The pressure to be strong 40:43 Legacy beyond the trauma 42:00 What brings John joy? 46:50 The hardest part of writing his book 48:34 Hope in one sentence 49:15 Who is John Daly today? 51:45 Final thoughts and thanks About the Host: Christina Flach Christina Flach is the host of I’m Too Busy!, where she leads inspiring conversations about personal growth, beauty, wellness, balance, creativity, and navigating a busy life. Connect with Christina: Instagram: @christinaflachmakeup Website: http://www.christinaflach.com About I’m Too Busy! I’m Too Busy! features inspiring interviews with entrepreneurs, beauty and wellness experts, and changemakers who share meaningful lessons about balance, personal growth, success, and living well in a busy world. Podcast Links Podcast website: http://www.imtoobusytv.com YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast Watch More Episodes https://youtu.be/Z1At4hQblK4 https://youtu.be/mKNCw9GgLzs https://youtu.be/A1yGZQCT3vE https://youtu.be/3ciX0S2ZIPM https://youtu.be/OLqU1HJHgOc https://youtu.be/7UJT6hhJWxE Explore more conversations from I’m Too Busy!: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast Subscribe Subscribe for more conversations about personal growth, wellness, and navigating life’s challenges: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast Disclaimer This episode discusses a hate crime, trauma, and cancer. John shares his personal experiences and views; the conversation is not medical or mental health advice. Copyright © 2026 I’m Too Busy! Podcast. All rights reserved. #johndaly #neonazisurvivor #cancer #ExtremismPrevention #SurvivorStory #AntiRacism #braincancer #forgiveness #ImTooBusyTV #ChristinaFlach #hope #faith #betternotbitter #truestory

  4. Sep 10

    NASCAR to Spiritual Awakening: Dr. Brandon Croud on Trusting Intuition

    What if your life looks successful on paper, but something inside still feels missing? That question sits at the center of my conversation with Dr. Brandon Croud on this episode of I'm Too Busy. Brandon spent over 20 years in corporate America and hosting a NASCAR podcast before a layoff and a shift in perspective pushed him toward intuition, self-awareness, and metaphysical work. We talk about how becoming a father changed him emotionally, how that layoff disrupted his career-based identity, and why he started questioning everything he thought he knew. We get into the difference between a spiritual awakening and a hard life transition, the importance of presence, and a simple coin-flip exercise that helps you recognize your honest reactions. We also cover nervous system awareness, spiritual bypassing, repeating relationship patterns, journaling for self-discovery, and his children's book, Alden and the Light That Blinked Back. *WHAT YOU’LL LEARN* • Why outward success can still leave you feeling disconnected • How Brandon moved from NASCAR podcasting to metaphysical work • How to begin recognizing and trusting your intuition • Why presence can change how you respond to uncertainty • What spiritual bypassing looks like in everyday life • How journaling can reveal thoughts and feelings you have been ignoring *ABOUT THE GUEST* Dr. Brandon Croud, Ph.D. is an author, metaphysical practitioner, spiritual life coach, and organizational performance consultant. His work focuses primarily on embodied awakening, which involves integrating spiritual awareness and intuition with real-world responsibilities such as leadership, careers, relationships, and family life. He is also the author of Alden and the Light That Blinked Back, a children’s book inspired by his son that explores intuition, curiosity, and approaching the unknown without fear. *CONNECT WITH THE GUEST* Website: https://www.theawakenedcroud.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncroud Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Awakened-Croud/61577034338928/ *CHAPTERS* 00:00 Meet Dr. Brandon Croud 00:51 Feeling Muted in Corporate America 03:33 How Fatherhood Changed Everything 05:42 Losing His Career Identity 06:49 Spiritual Awakening or Burnout? 09:08 Letting Go of Control 10:54 How to Trust Your Intuition 13:16 Spiritual Growth and the Nervous System 15:32 Manifestation and Abundance 17:17 Recognizing Spiritual Bypassing 18:37 Can Spirituality and Ambition Coexist? 20:17 Why Relationship Patterns Repeat 23:28 Teaching Children to Trust Themselves 25:49 From NASCAR Podcasting to Metaphysics 28:45 Finding His Voice Through Podcasting 29:44 Finding Opportunity in Life’s Curveballs 32:16 Why You Are Not Behind 33:37 Journaling for Self-Discovery 35:10 Rapid-Fire Questions 38:23 Interviewing NASCAR Hero Kevin Harvick 42:10 Being Present for Family 43:02 Replacing Fear With Curiosity 44:38 Closing Thoughts *ABOUT THE HOST: CHRISTINA FLACH* Christina Flach is the host of I’m Too Busy!, where she leads inspiring conversations about personal growth, beauty, wellness, balance, creativity, and navigating a busy life. *Connect with Christina:* Instagram: @christinaflachmakeup Website: http://www.christinaflach.com *ABOUT I’M TOO BUSY!* I’m Too Busy! features inspiring interviews with business leaders, beauty and wellness experts, and changemakers who share meaningful lessons about balance, personal growth, success, and living well in a busy world. *PODCAST LINKS* Podcast website: http://www.imtoobusytv.com YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast *WATCH MORE EPISODES* https://youtu.be/Z1At4hQblK4 https://youtu.be/mKNCw9GgLzs https://youtu.be/A1yGZQCT3vE https://youtu.be/3ciX0S2ZIPM https://youtu.be/OLqU1HJHgOc https://youtu.be/7UJT6hhJWxE *SUBSCRIBE* Subscribe for more thoughtful conversations about personal growth, wellness, creativity, and finding balance in a busy world: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast Have you ever achieved something you thought would make you happy, only to realize that something still felt missing? Share your experience or biggest takeaway in the comments. If this conversation helped you, please like the video, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need to hear it. *DISCLAIMER* This episode is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The spiritual beliefs, personal experiences, and practices discussed represent the perspectives of the speakers. This content is not medical, mental health, financial, or other professional advice and should not replace support from an appropriately qualified professional. *COPYRIGHT* © I’m Too Busy! Podcast. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution of this content is prohibited. #spiritualawakening #trustyourintuition #nascar #christinaflach

  5. Sep 3

    Berlin Fisher: Sobriety, a Heart Attack, and Owning Who He Is on TV

    What if the one habit holding you back is also the hardest one to leave behind? Berlin Fisher’s sobriety journey reveals how honesty, courage, and self-acceptance helped him rebuild his life after addiction, a heart attack, grief, and career setbacks. *Episode Overview* In this deeply personal conversation, Christina Flach sits down with her longtime friend and “TV husband,” Berlin Fisher, for one of their most honest interviews yet. Berlin shares why he stopped drinking, how his sobriety journey changed his health and priorities, and what happened when he experienced a heart attack only months after getting sober. He also reflects on losing his mother, navigating fear and uncertainty, and learning to accept support instead of trying to change alone. The conversation explores Berlin’s television career, his experience hiding his identity as a gay man, and his decision to stop covering his facial tattoos on camera. Berlin and Christina also reveal what live television demands behind the scenes, why authenticity matters more than perfection, and how shifting from ego to service gave Berlin a renewed sense of purpose. *What You’ll Learn* • Why Berlin decided his relationship with alcohol needed to change • How honesty became the turning point in his recovery • What his heart attack taught him about health, purpose, and perspective • How to approach a major life change when the future feels frightening • Why authenticity and preparation are essential for live television • How letting go of ego, blame, and outside approval can create room for growth *About the Guest* Berlin Fisher, famously known in the beauty industry as “The Bad Boy of Beauty,” is a master stylist, beauty expert, and television personality with over 25 years of styling experience in downtown San Francisco’s luxury Union Square district. Known for blending edgy style with timeless refinement, Berlin has served a diverse, high-end clientele that includes celebrities, executives, politicians, and media personalities. *Connect with the Guest* Website: https://www.outlawbarberandbeauty.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/berlin-fisher-96ab39111 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/berlinsf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badboyofbeauty/ *Chapters* 00:00 Introduction 02:22 Meet Berlin Fisher 04:43 From Beauty Expert to Television 07:46 Work Ethic Behind Success 09:32 Building a Life by Saying Yes 10:53 Berlin’s Sobriety Journey 15:30 Identity, Openness, and Representation 17:07 The Heart Attack Wake-Up Call 22:42 Grief, Recovery, and Resilience 24:29 Letting Go of Blame and Worry 26:14 Advice for Making a Difficult Change 30:05 How Sobriety Changed His Friendships 33:11 What Live Television Really Takes 37:10 Moving Beyond Ego and Failure 44:00 Why Authenticity Works on Camera 49:26 Helping Others Rise 55:12 Favorite California Live Memories 01:01:40 Beauty, Confidence, and Facial Tattoos 01:05:54 The Problem With Viral Beauty Advice 01:07:32 What Berlin Would Tell His Younger Self 01:08:25 Rapid-Fire Questions 01:09:35 Self-Care and Meaningful Work 01:17:01 Living a Life You Love 01:17:36 Why Berlin Chose Christina 01:24:07 Final Reflections *About the Host: Christina Flach* Christina Flach is the host of I’m Too Busy!, where she leads inspiring conversations about personal growth, beauty, wellness, balance, creativity, and navigating a busy life. *Connect with Christina:* Instagram: @christinaflachmakeup Website: http://www.christinaflach.com *About I’m Too Busy!* I’m Too Busy! features inspiring interviews with entrepreneurs, beauty and wellness experts, and changemakers who share meaningful lessons about balance, personal growth, success, and living well in a busy world. *Podcast Links* Podcast website: http://www.imtoobusytv.com YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast *Watch More Episodes* https://youtu.be/Z1At4hQblK4 https://youtu.be/mKNCw9GgLzs https://youtu.be/A1yGZQCT3vE https://youtu.be/3ciX0S2ZIPM https://youtu.be/OLqU1HJHgOc https://youtu.be/7UJT6hhJWxE Explore more conversations from I’m Too Busy!: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast *Subscribe* Subscribe to I’m Too Busy! for honest conversations about personal growth, wellness, creativity, beauty, and building a meaningful life: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast *Disclaimer* This episode shares personal experiences and opinions for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not medical, mental health, addiction-treatment, legal, or financial advice. Anyone experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, substance-use concerns, or another health emergency should seek appropriate professional or emergency medical care. *Copyright* Copyright © I’m Too Busy! Podcast. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or republication of this content is prohibited. #sobrietyjourney #berlinfisher #authenticity

  6. Aug 28

    Gluten-Free Baking: How Heather Hardcastle Turned a Need Into a Career

    Are you struggling to make gluten-free baking taste as satisfying as traditional baking? I sat down with acclaimed California pastry chef, author, and Flour Craft Bakery & Café founder Heather Hardcastle to find out how one personal diagnosis inspired her to reinvent her entire career and transform the way people experience gluten-free food. In this episode of I’m Too Busy!, Heather shares how being diagnosed with gluten intolerance led her from an entirely different profession to studying at the Culinary Institute of America and building a successful culinary career. We explore the science and creativity behind gluten-free baking, common flour-substitution mistakes, recipe development, seasonal California cooking, building a food business, working with a spouse, writing a cookbook, and finding the courage to begin again professionally. *WHAT YOU’LL LEARN* • What happens when gluten is removed from baked goods • Why one flour blend does not work equally well for every recipe • Common mistakes people make when substituting gluten-free flour • How Heather turned a personal dietary need into a new career • What it takes to operate a bakery and develop original recipes • Why reinvention is possible at any stage of your professional life *ABOUT THE GUEST* Heather Hardcastle is an acclaimed California pastry chef, author, and entrepreneur. She is the chef and founder of Flour Craft Bakery & Café, a 100% gluten-free institution with locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. After being diagnosed with gluten intolerance more than 20 years ago, Heather changed careers, studied at the Culinary Institute of America, and dedicated her culinary work to creating artisanal food using fresh, seasonal ingredients. *CONNECT WITH THE GUEST* Website: https://www.flourcraftbakery.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flourcraft/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefheatherhardcastle/ *CHAPTERS* 00:00 Introduction 03:01 Heather’s Path to Gluten-Free Baking 04:32 Making a Major Career Change 07:30 Learning Through Trial and Error 08:36 What Gluten Does in Baking 10:20 Choosing the Right Flour Blend 13:46 Making Gluten-Free Food Inclusive 16:23 Building Flour Craft Bakery 19:40 Chef Skills vs. Business Skills 23:12 Running a Business With Your Spouse 24:36 Creativity and Seasonal Cooking 28:25 The Challenge of Gluten-Free Croissants 31:28 Writing the Flour Craft Cookbook 34:44 Recipes for Beginner and Advanced Bakers 35:36 Food Memories and Cooking With Care 37:49 Creating the Good Life Shop 40:11 Self-Care and Avoiding Burnout 42:49 Rapid-Fire Food Questions 50:43 Heather’s Recipe Community *ABOUT THE HOST: CHRISTINA FLACH* Christina Flach is the host of I’m Too Busy!, where she leads inspiring conversations about personal growth, beauty, wellness, balance, creativity, and navigating a busy life. *Connect with Christina:* Instagram: @christinaflachmakeup Website: http://www.christinaflach.com *ABOUT I’M TOO BUSY!* I’m Too Busy! features inspiring interviews with entrepreneurs, beauty and wellness experts, and changemakers who share meaningful lessons about balance, personal growth, success, and living well in a busy world. *PODCAST LINKS* Podcast website: http://www.imtoobusytv.com YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast *WATCH MORE EPISODES* https://youtu.be/Z1At4hQblK4 https://youtu.be/mKNCw9GgLzs https://youtu.be/A1yGZQCT3vE https://youtu.be/3ciX0S2ZIPM https://youtu.be/OLqU1HJHgOc https://youtu.be/7UJT6hhJWxE *Explore more conversations from I’m Too Busy!:* https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast *SUBSCRIBE* Subscribe to I’m Too Busy! for more thoughtful conversations about wellness, creativity, personal growth, success, and living well: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast *DISCLAIMER* This episode is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The personal experiences and opinions shared by the host and guest are not medical, nutritional, financial, or professional advice. Always consult an appropriately qualified professional regarding your individual health or dietary needs. *COPYRIGHT* © I’m Too Busy! All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, or reuse of this content without permission is prohibited. #glutenfreebaking  #careerreinvention  #pastrychef  #imtoobusy #flourcraftbakery #christinaflach #glutenfree  #food  #chef

  7. Aug 28

    Career Change: Top Chef Star Says There Was No Plan B

    Thinking about changing direction but worried that starting over means losing everything you have built? This career reinvention story shows how your previous experiences can become the foundation for an unexpected new chapter. Marisa Churchill went from professional pastry kitchens and television competitions to writing her debut novel, Secrets, Spells, and Chocolate. *EPISODE OVERVIEW* In this episode of I’m Too Busy!, Christina Flach sits down with chef and author Marisa Churchill to explore her career reinvention from pastry chef and Top Chef contestant to novelist. Marisa shares how cooking with her Greek grandmother shaped her creativity, what reality television taught her about pressure and control, and why leaving restaurant kitchens created space for a different kind of storytelling. She also discusses the three-year process of writing her first novel, finding a literary agent, facing self-doubt, and moving forward when there was no plan B. *WHAT YOU’LL LEARN* • How Marisa’s Greek heritage influenced her culinary and creative journey • What she experienced while competing on Top Chef • Why she transitioned away from professional restaurant kitchens • How her culinary experiences inspired Secrets, Spells, and Chocolate • What she learned from rejection, uncertainty, and second-guessing herself • How previous career experiences can support an entirely new creative direction *ABOUT THE GUEST* Marisa Churchill is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and continued her studies in advanced pastry skills at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. Her work has appeared on Food Network, in Food & Wine, and Oprah. *CONNECT WITH THE GUEST* Website: https://www.marisachurchill.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-churchill-4832585 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marisachurchill/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef_marisachurchill/?hl=en Threads: https://www.threads.com/@chef_marisachurchill *CHAPTERS* 00:00 Meet Marisa Churchill 00:56 Cooking With Her Greek Yaya 02:07 Choosing a Culinary Career 04:22 Nutrition and Healthier Baking 07:24 The Reality of Top Chef 09:47 Recognition and Self-Doubt 11:17 Creating Secrets, Spells, and Chocolate 13:28 Writing Versus Cooking 17:10 Career Reinvention Beyond Restaurants 19:50 Writing and Publishing Her First Novel 21:57 Professional Setbacks and Resilience 24:16 Facing Fear With No Plan B 28:36 Marisa’s Writing Routine 30:48 Food, Family, and Her Yaya’s Legacy 36:00 Book Two and Hollywood Possibilities 38:20 Cooking, Moderation, and Favorite Desserts 42:42 Family, Self-Care, and Rapid-Fire Questions *ABOUT THE HOST: CHRISTINA FLACH* Christina Flach is the host of I’m Too Busy!, where she leads inspiring conversations about personal growth, beauty, wellness, balance, creativity, and navigating a busy life. *Connect with Christina:* Instagram: @christinaflachmakeup Website: www.christinaflach.com *ABOUT I’M TOO BUSY!* I’m Too Busy! features inspiring interviews with entrepreneurs, beauty and wellness experts, and changemakers who share meaningful lessons about balance, personal growth, success, and living well in a busy world. *PODCAST LINKS* Podcast website: www.imtoobusytv.com YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast *WATCH MORE EPISODES* https://youtu.be/Z1At4hQblK4 https://youtu.be/mKNCw9GgLzs https://youtu.be/A1yGZQCT3vE https://youtu.be/3ciX0S2ZIPM https://youtu.be/OLqU1HJHgOc https://youtu.be/7UJT6hhJWxE Explore more conversations from I’m Too Busy!: https://www.youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast *SUBSCRIBE* Subscribe for more inspiring interviews, practical insights, and honest conversations: https://youtube.com/@imtoobusypodcast?si=wNoFuTZNgbmhIcHB What part of Marisa’s journey resonated with you most? Share your thoughts in the comments. If this conversation inspired you, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share the episode with someone considering a new creative or professional chapter. *DISCLAIMER* This episode is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The guest shares personal experiences and perspectives that should not be interpreted as medical, nutritional, financial, or professional advice. Viewers should use their own judgment and seek qualified guidance when appropriate. *COPYRIGHT* All original podcast content is owned by I’m Too Busy! unless otherwise stated. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, or commercial use is prohibited. Sharing the official video link with proper attribution is welcome. #CareerReinvention #topchef #christinaflach

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

✨ Welcome to I’m Too Busy — the podcast where passion meets purpose and hustle is your superpower! ✨ Hosted by Christina Flach — celebrity makeup artist, wellness entrepreneur, and all-around glow-getter — this show brings you raw, real, and radiant conversations with world-class athletes, visionary entrepreneurs, inspiring celebrities, and fearless trailblazers. Each episode is packed with insider stories, powerful insights, and heartfelt inspiration designed to fuel your drive and light your path. Whether you’re juggling dreams or chasing bold new goals, I’m Too Busy empowers you to own your busy life with confidence, joy, and unstoppable sparkle. 💖 Subscribe now and join a community of fierce, fabulous go-getters just like you. Your time is NOW — let’s shine together!