The Next ChaptHER

The Next ChaptHER -Fully Informed Life

Welcome to The Next ChaptHER podcast, a place where women like you rediscover their most fulfilled selves - beyond and within motherhood. Meet your host, Andrea Hecht, a Life & Purpose Coach for busy moms, an educator, and a mother of 2. This is a podcast where we explore what it means to reclaim ownership of your time, well-being, and personal identity outside motherhood. Join Andrea for deep conversations with inspirational women as we find out what it means to feel lit up by your life again – both as a mom and as an individual. From rediscovering your authentic ambitions and reigniting your passions to ditching the mom guilt and putting your needs first - each episode will motivate you to write the next ChaptHER on your own terms. So get ready to create the inner identity AND outer lifestyle that will empower you to live your most joyful and fulfilling life - both inside and outside the home. Let’s dive in...

  1. 12/09/2025

    Protect the Feeling: The Camera Roll Exercise for Real End-of-Year Clarity

    Before we step into the rush of December — the events, expectations, emotions, and everything extra — this episode invites you to slow down and take a breath. Today, Andrea walks you through one of the most clarity-creating exercises she uses with clients and inside her Circle groups: choosing a feeling you want to protect and then using your camera roll or calendar as a truth-telling inventory to understand what supports that feeling… and what drains it. This isn’t about resolutions, reinventions, or “new year, new me.” It’s about recognizing a feeling that already lives in you — even if it shows up inconsistently — and learning how to protect it as you move into your next chapter. Inside this episode, Andrea shares: Why choosing one anchor feeling is far more powerful than setting a dozen goals How your camera roll and calendar reveal the real story of your year The three buckets that help you see your wins, your drains, and your clues How patterns point directly to what needs to be protected, released, or re-aligned Why boundaries hide in your calendar How Andrea’s own year — including breast cancer, recovery, healing, recalibration — led her to choose strength as her feeling to protect This episode is part grounding, part practical exercise, and part invitation to choose differently before January arrives. What You’ll Learn How to identify the feeling that anchors you What your camera roll and planner reveal about your lived experience How to gather data about your life without judgment How small smile moments and forgotten wins show you what supports you Why repeated drains show you exactly where boundaries are needed A simple, powerful framework to step into December with intention Try the Exercise for Yourself Download the step-by-step reflection guide here. If This Episode Helped… Share it with a friend who might need a moment of clarity before the holidays hit. You never know who needs an anchor feeling right now. Connect Learn more about coaching or the Roadmap Back to J.O.Y. program: FullyInformedLife.com Follow Andrea on Instagram: @fullyinformedlifecoaching @thenextchaptHER

    11 min
  2. 11/25/2025

    When Life Cracks You Open: Rewriting Your Inner Playlist with Cara Lockwood

    There are moments in life that stop you cold — the ones you didn’t schedule, didn’t plan for, and definitely didn’t see coming. The kinds of moments that crack you open and force you to see yourself, your life, and your inner voice through an entirely different lens. In today’s episode, I’m joined by USA Today bestselling author Cara Lockwood, whose newest book, There’s No Good Book for This (But I Wrote One Anyway), brings humor and raw honesty to the chapter of her life that changed everything: her breast cancer journey. But our conversation goes far beyond illness. This episode is about mindset, self-talk, and the negative playlist so many women carry without even realizing it. It’s about what happens when life throws a curveball big enough to make you finally hear that inner soundtrack — and the turning point that comes when you decide to rewrite it. Cara and I dive into reframing old narratives, challenging the stories we’ve absorbed over the years, why asking for help is actually a strength, and what it means to take back control of the pen as you write your next chapter. Whether you’re currently navigating a heavy season or simply feeling stretched thin, this conversation is your reminder that you are stronger than you think… and you deserve the same grace you so freely give to everyone else. Resources Mentioned Rewrite Your Inner Soundtrack (Free Guide): https://fullyinformedlifecoaching.myflodesk.com/hitplayonjoy Cara Lockwood: Website: https://nogoodbookforthis.com/ Instagram: @cara.the.author | @cara_lockwood Connect with Andrea Instagram: @fullyinformedlifecoaching @thenextchapther Follow my writing + life’s curveball journey on Substack: https://substack.com/@thenextchapther Explore coaching and resources: https://fullyinformedlife.com

    38 min
  3. 11/04/2025

    Even in the Sticky Moments, Joy Is Still a Choice

    The past few weeks have been full of “full-circle” moments for me — from hosting my very first Next ChaptHER Connect event, Courage & Caramels, to speaking at a Pink Babka Bake in front of the most incredible group of women. Both experiences reminded me what this community is truly about: connection, conversation, and choosing happiness even when life feels sticky. In this heartfelt episode, I share the reflections, mindset shifts, and stories from both events, including what I’ve learned throughout my seven-month breast cancer journey about how to stay grounded, use humor and gratitude to heal, and reach for those rose-colored glasses even when they’re foggy. If you’re walking through something hard or just trying to find your footing again, this episode is for you. You’ll hear how small mindset shifts, community, and a willingness to laugh (even in the hospital gown moments) can help you rediscover your strength and your joy. 🌸 In This Episode, We’ll Talk About: The real story behind Courage & Caramels and what inspired it How humor and gratitude became my healing tools Why “being strong” doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine How to keep your brain “online” when life feels chaotic The power of faith, friendship, and letting yourself be seen How to ask for — and receive — help without guilt Why misery and happiness are both choices The role the community plays in helping us find joy again 💬 One Takeaway to Remember: “Even when life gets sticky, there’s always sweetness if you’re willing to look for it.” ✨ Connect & Continue the Conversation If today’s episode resonated with you, please take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another woman who might need this reminder. You can also connect with me on Instagram @fullyinformedlifecoaching or @thenextchapther and visit www.fullyinformedlife.com to learn more about working together and finding your roadmap back to J.O.Y. — The Journey of You.

    15 min
  4. 10/21/2025

    REPLAY- Rose Colored Glasses: The Road to Happiness with Samantha Kestin

    It’s been a season of slowing down and healing after my reconstruction surgery on October 6th, and at my recent follow-up, my doctors said the words “you’re healing beautifully.” Those words instantly lifted my spirits and reminded me how much happiness comes from choosing to notice the good, even in the messy middle. So this week, I’m replaying one of my very first and most joyful conversations — my chat with Samantha Kestin, the creative heart behind Sweet Samantha. Samantha lives by her grandfather’s advice: “When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.” In this episode, we talk about what it really means to find happiness, create sweetness, and keep following the road back to joy. It feels extra special to revisit this one because Samantha is joining me today for my first live Next ChaptHER Connect event — Courage & Caramels: Finding Happiness Even When Life Feels Sticky. Together we explore: 💗 What happiness looks like when life doesn’t go as planned 🍬 How creativity and kindness can shift your mindset 💫 The courage it takes to choose joy — one sweet step at a time 💕 Connect with Samantha Kestin Website: www.sweet-samantha.com Instagram: @sweetsamcakes ✨ Connect with Andrea Hecht If you’re ready to start writing your next chapter, visit www.fullyinformedlife.com to schedule your complimentary discovery session. Follow on Instagram → @fullyinformedlifecoaching and @thenextchapther Subscribe on Apple | Spotify | Google — and if this replay inspires you, please rate, review, and share The Next ChaptHER Podcast.

    38 min
  5. 09/16/2025

    When Love Turns Controlling: Recognizing Red Flags, Setting Boundaries and Finding Freedom

    Have you ever stayed in a relationship hoping it would get better — even as that little voice inside told you something was off? You’re not alone. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, my guest shares her story anonymously to protect her privacy — but it could just as easily be any of ours. She’s smart, successful, and like so many women, she found herself in a relationship that looked like love but was actually built on control and manipulation. This conversation goes beyond one person’s experience. Together, we explore: The subtle red flags that often get ignored — and why The impact of toxic relationships on self-worth, family, and children How to establish and enforce boundaries, even when it feels uncomfortable Practical steps to take when you’re ready to leave — emotionally, physically, and legally The journey of reclaiming your strength, trusting your intuition, and embracing the freedom that follows If you’ve ever ignored a red flag, stayed longer than you should have, or questioned your worth in a relationship — this episode will remind you that you’re not broken, you’re not alone, and there is a way forward. Resources & Support If this conversation resonated with you and you need support, these resources can help: Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness & Action – Education and resources for understanding relationship abuse Safe Horizon – Emotional Abuse – Support and guidance for those experiencing emotional abuse National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788 for 24/7 confidential support 🙌 Let’s Stay Connected Love this episode? Here’s how you can support the show and continue the conversation: Subscribe to stay up-to-date on what’s next. Leave a review – your words help other women find their own roadmap back to J.O.Y. Submit your review at ratethispodcast.com/thenextchapther Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it today. 💻 Ready for more support? Visit fullyinformedlife.com to learn how we can work together.

    40 min
  6. 09/02/2025

    Do the Next New Thing with Pam Lamp: Finding Courage, Connection, and Your Next Chapter

    This week on The Next ChaptHER Podcast, I sit down with Pam Lamp, author of Do the Next New Thing, for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about what it really means to step into the unknown and create your next chapter. This episode is extra special—it’s my first guest conversation back since my breast cancer diagnosis. Pam’s story felt like the perfect way to return. Her journey began in a season of uncertainty—relocating to a new city, feeling isolated, and wondering what’s next? Instead of staying stuck, she committed to doing one new thing every single day. What started as small daily steps turned into a transformative project that shifted her mindset, created connection, and sparked a book, blog, and podcast of her own. In this episode, we talk about: ✨ Why so many of us feel “frozen” when asking what’s next?—and how to unstick yourself ✨ The power of small, intentional daily actions and how they rewire your brain ✨ Practical ideas for starting your own “next new thing” list (without breaking the bank) ✨ How letting go of perfection and outcome opens the door to fun, growth, and connection ✨ Pam’s surprising stories (including her unforgettable police ride-along!) ✨ Why your happiness and purpose don’t always have to be tied to a paycheck Whether you’re navigating a life change, searching for purpose, or simply craving something new, Pam’s story will remind you that your next chapter starts with just one small step. 📖 Learn more about Pam and grab a copy of Do the Next New Thing 🎧 Check out her podcast Who I Met Today. 📲 Connect with Pam on Instagram @pamelalamp2. 👉 After listening, I’d love to hear from you—what’s YOUR “next new thing”? Tag me on Instagram @fullyinformedlifecoaching and let me know!

    37 min
  7. 08/05/2025

    I Wore the Bathing Suit Anyway

    In this episode of the Next Chapter Podcast, I share a personal story about a seemingly small moment—trying on bathing suits for my 20th wedding anniversary trip to the beach—that turned out to be a profound reminder about the power of showing up. It’s not about the bathing suit or how we look, but how we choose to feel in the moments that matter. I dive into how self-doubt and mental chatter can cloud our choices, but how mindset work can help us decide how we want to feel and what we want to embrace. If you’ve ever found yourself avoiding something you used to love because of how you think you look, this episode is for you. It’s a conversation about feeling present, reconnecting with who we are, and stepping into the next chapter of our lives with confidence, no matter where we’re at. Resources Mentioned: Substack: Read more about my Bathing Suit Moment and reflections on feeling like yourself in the current chapter.  Lifestyle & Mindset Assessment: A tool to help you reconnect with how you want to feel mentally, emotionally, and energetically.  Action Steps: Ask yourself: How do I want to feel, not how do I look? If you’ve been avoiding something you used to love, I challenge you to take the first step towards showing up—whether it’s a bathing suit, a pair of jeans, or something else. Remember, you don’t have to wait for perfect—just show up as you. Let’s Connect: Website: https://fullyinformedlife.com/ Social Media: @fullyinformedlifecoaching  If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need this reminder to not feel alone in their own journey. Let’s continue to show up and choose how we want to feel!

    8 min
  8. 07/15/2025

    What It Really Means to Regulate (and Why It’s Not Just Breathing)

    In this episode of The Next ChaptHER, I’m pulling back the curtain on what nervous system regulation really looks like — especially when you're walking through something hard in real time. Mindset matters — but it doesn’t work alone. To think clearly, stay grounded, and show up for yourself (and others) when life gets messy, you need tools that bring you back to your center in the moment — not just after the chaos ends. I’m sharing: What regulation actually means (spoiler: it's not just breathwork and candles) Unexpected ways I regulate in real life — from binge-watching to city walks What I did in the middle of a medical procedure to calm my nervous system Why regulation is about choosing your response — not controlling your emotions The one question I ask my clients (and myself) when everything feels like too much Whether you're navigating illness, burnout, parenting, recovery, or just regular life — this conversation is here to help you pause, reconnect, and come back to you. Links + Resources: 📝 Read more real-time reflections on my Substack: The Next ChaptHER Substack 🎧 Listen to my go-to playlist for emotional regulation and strength: Hit Play on J.O.Y. – Spotify Playlist (Or search Hit Play on J.O.Y. on Spotify!) 🧭 Take the Lifestyle & Mindset Assessment I use with clients: Roadmap Back to J.O.Y. Assessment 💬 Let me know what resonated — DM me on Instagram @fullyinformedlifecoaching or share your thoughts on Substack. — ✨ If this episode helped you feel seen or supported, pass it on to a friend or take a minute to leave a quick review. Every share helps more women find their way back to themselves.

    13 min
5
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Next ChaptHER podcast, a place where women like you rediscover their most fulfilled selves - beyond and within motherhood. Meet your host, Andrea Hecht, a Life & Purpose Coach for busy moms, an educator, and a mother of 2. This is a podcast where we explore what it means to reclaim ownership of your time, well-being, and personal identity outside motherhood. Join Andrea for deep conversations with inspirational women as we find out what it means to feel lit up by your life again – both as a mom and as an individual. From rediscovering your authentic ambitions and reigniting your passions to ditching the mom guilt and putting your needs first - each episode will motivate you to write the next ChaptHER on your own terms. So get ready to create the inner identity AND outer lifestyle that will empower you to live your most joyful and fulfilling life - both inside and outside the home. Let’s dive in...

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