The Next ChaptHER

The Next ChaptHER -Fully Informed Life

Welcome to The Next ChaptHER, a podcast for women navigating change, identity shifts, ambition, health wake-up calls, evolving relationships, and the messy middle of life. I’m your host, Andrea Hecht, Certified Professional Life Coach, educator, writer, and founder of Fully Informed Life. This is a space for honest conversations about what happens when the life you built no longer fits the woman you’re becoming. On this podcast, I sit down with inspiring women and respected thought leaders for real conversations about reinvention, resilience, body changes, career pivots, confidence, motherhood, marriage, health challenges, ambition, and joy. We talk about what it actually takes to begin again, sometimes more than once. You will hear personal stories, expert insight, and practical wisdom from women who are leading, building, healing, and evolving in real time. This podcast is not about having it all figured out. It is about learning to trust yourself again. It is about reclaiming your voice. It is about writing your next chapter on purpose. If you are in the in-between, no longer who you were and not yet who you are becoming, you are in the right place. Let’s step into your Next ChaptHER.

  1. 1D AGO

    Reclaiming Authorship: Finding Your Voice After Coercive Control with Dr. Andrea Hogan

    In this episode of The Next ChaptHER Podcast, Andrea sits down with Dr. Andrea Hogan — known to her students as “Dr. Dre” — for a powerful conversation about losing your voice without losing it physically. Together, they explore coercive control, what it looks like beyond physical abuse, and how identity can slowly erode through gaslighting, power imbalances, and survival mode. Dr. Dre shares her personal journey of recognizing coercive control, navigating mental health recovery, and reclaiming authorship of her life. This conversation also turns toward rebuilding — letting new things in, rediscovering joy, finding community, and stepping into advocacy and purpose. In This Episode We Discuss: What coercive control is and why it’s often invisible How women lose their voice and sense of self over time Mental health recovery and removing stigma around seeking help Post-traumatic growth and reclaiming authorship Finding identity and joy beyond survival Connect with Dr. Andrea Hogan LinkedIn: Andrea Hogan, PhD Instagram: @thegolfingprofessor TikTok: @dreahogan329 YouTube: @TheGolfingProfessor Book: Lucky Lion (available on Amazon) Domestic Abuse Advocacy Resource: https://www.crystalfedeli.com/ Connect with Andrea Hecht & The Next ChaptHER Host: Andrea Hecht Certified Professional Life Coach | Fully Informed Life Instagram: @fullyinformedlifecoaching Podcast: The Next ChaptHER Substack: The Next ChaptHER Website: https://fullyinformedlife.com If this episode resonated with you, share it with another woman who may need language, validation, and hope for her next chapter.

    42 min
  2. FEB 3

    The “F**k It” Moment

    Sometimes life hands you a moment where everything shifts. In this episode of The Next ChaptHER, Andrea Hecht sits down with Amy Schwartz, founder of F**k It Inc., to talk about what “f**k it” really means — not giving up or being reckless, but choosing yourself when life feels out of control. Amy shares how her personal “f**k it” mantra was born when her life shifted unexpectedly and what it’s taught her about choice, boundaries, and living fully. Andrea also reflects on her own “f**k it” moment during her breast cancer experience, and why this conversation resonates far beyond health crises. This episode is for any woman navigating a curveball, an identity shift, burnout, caregiving, loss, or the messy middle of real life. In This Episode, We Talk About What “f**k it” really means (and what it doesn’t) Choosing joy while still grieving what could have been Reclaiming choice when life feels out of control Boundaries, saying no, and protecting your sanity Why choosing yourself doesn’t require permission About the Guest Amy Schwartz is the founder of F**k It Inc., a jewelry and lifestyle brand turned movement — created as a reminder to keep living fully, even when life doesn’t go according to plan. Website: https://www.fuckitinc.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fckit.inc About the Host Andrea Hecht is a Certified Professional Life Coach & Well-being Specialist and the founder of Fully Informed Life. Through her coaching and The Next ChaptHER podcast, Andrea helps women reconnect with themselves and find their Roadmap Back to J.O.Y. (Journey of You) — especially in life’s messy middle. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullyinformedlifecoaching Learn more: https://www.fullyinformedlife.com

    33 min
  3. JAN 20

    Planning Ahead Without Panic: Understanding Long-Term Care with Suzanne Scheer, J.D., CLTC®

    Most women in their 40s and 50s don’t think about long-term care—until they’re suddenly forced to. In this episode of The Next ChaptHER Podcast, Andrea Hecht sits down with Suzanne Scheer, J.D., CLTC®, to unpack what long-term care actually is, why it matters, and why waiting until a crisis hits can leave families overwhelmed—emotionally, logistically, and financially. Suzanne’s passion for this work is deeply personal. As part of the sandwich generation, she spent years caring for her parents through extended illnesses while raising her own young child. That experience opened her eyes to what families go through when there isn’t a clear plan in place—and why education before a crisis is so critical. Together, Andrea and Suzanne break down long-term care in simple, human language—without fear-mongering or pressure—so women can make informed decisions that protect both their future selves and the people they love. In This Episode, We Cover: What long-term care really means (and what it does not) Why Medicare and health insurance don’t cover custodial care Common misconceptions that keep women from planning ahead Why long-term care isn’t just about aging—it can happen at any age The different types of care: home care, assisted living, memory care, and more Traditional long-term care insurance vs. newer hybrid/asset-based options How health history and timing affect eligibility Why planning ahead gives you choice—not panic How proactive planning can reduce emotional and financial strain on families Key Takeaways: Long-term care covers custodial care—help with daily activities—not medical treatment Medicare offers only limited, short-term rehab coverage Planning earlier often means more flexibility, better options, and less stress Newer long-term care products can provide value even if care is never needed The goal isn’t just financial protection—it’s dignity, autonomy, and family peace About the Guest: Suzanne Scheer, J.D., CLTC® is a long-term care specialist who helps individuals and families plan proactively—before they’re in crisis. She is known for her clear, compassionate approach and specializes exclusively in long-term care education and planning. 🔗 Website: https://www.sgsinsurance.net 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannescheer/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannescheer_jd_cltc/ 💻 Upcoming Webinar: “Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance” will be on February 19th at Noon EST.  Registration link:  https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tcs5Y0ZIRgaHWVlFbwbYkw Resources Mentioned in This Episode: The Shopper’s Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/publication-ltc-lp-shoppers-guide-long-term.pdf Ready for Your Next ChaptHER? To learn more about Andrea’s work supporting women through transitions and helping them find their roadmap back to J.O.Y. (Journey of You), visit fullyinformedlife.com. Continue the conversation with Andrea on Instagram @fullyinformedlifecoaching. 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss what’s next on your favorite podcast app. ⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated. It helps more women find The Next ChaptHER Https://www.ratethispodcast.com/thenextchapther Until next time, keep writing your next chapter.

    34 min
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
5
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Next ChaptHER, a podcast for women navigating change, identity shifts, ambition, health wake-up calls, evolving relationships, and the messy middle of life. I’m your host, Andrea Hecht, Certified Professional Life Coach, educator, writer, and founder of Fully Informed Life. This is a space for honest conversations about what happens when the life you built no longer fits the woman you’re becoming. On this podcast, I sit down with inspiring women and respected thought leaders for real conversations about reinvention, resilience, body changes, career pivots, confidence, motherhood, marriage, health challenges, ambition, and joy. We talk about what it actually takes to begin again, sometimes more than once. You will hear personal stories, expert insight, and practical wisdom from women who are leading, building, healing, and evolving in real time. This podcast is not about having it all figured out. It is about learning to trust yourself again. It is about reclaiming your voice. It is about writing your next chapter on purpose. If you are in the in-between, no longer who you were and not yet who you are becoming, you are in the right place. Let’s step into your Next ChaptHER.