Lisa Marie DeSanto - Podcast Details

Shows

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 64 - Rebuilding After Rejection: When Someone You Love Leaves YouLosing someone—a friend, a romantic partner, or even a family member—can shake you to your core. When you’re the one left behind, it’s easy to spiral into self-doubt, questioning your worth and whether the relationship meant anything at all. But here’s the truth: rejection does not define you. In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional aftermath of being left behind, exploring what it really means when someone chooses to walk away.We chat about:Navigating heartbreak and the emotional impact of rejectionUnderstanding why people leave and the differ...2025-05-0419 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 63 - Broken Relationships: When Holding On Hurts More Than Letting GoLetting go of a relationship—whether it’s a friendship, romance, or even a family tie—is never easy. But what happens when staying in that relationship does more harm than good? When love turns into obligation, respect transforms into resentment, and emotional exhaustion outweighs connection? In this episode of From Lemons to Limoncello, we talk about a tough but necessary reality: sometimes, walking away is the healthiest choice.This week, we chat about:Signs of a toxic relationship—how to know when it’s time to leaveEmotional boundaries and why setting them is essenti...2025-04-2710 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 62 - Are You Running Toward Your Dreams or Away From Your Past?Are you running toward your dreams or away from your fears? It’s a really important question we should all ask ourselves as we make decisions and walk down the road toward what we want for our lives. Understanding our true motivations can make the difference between a life driven by passion and purpose or one dictated by fear and avoidance.In this episode, we talk about:The importance of recognizing whether we’re moving toward our goals or simply trying to escape our pastThe signs that tell us whether our...2025-04-2013 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 61 - Should You “Be the Bigger Person” When Someone’s Hurt You?Navigating relationships can be challenging, especially when it comes with dancing around hurtful behavior from other people. In this week’s episode, we talk about what to do when someone suggests that you be the “bigger person” when someone has hurt you, why they might be suggesting that you overlook the bad behavior in the first place, and exploring the difficult decisions and emotional labor involved in going no contact with someone — and managing the fallout that can impact the other relationships in your life.In this episode, we talk about:Setting...2025-04-1312 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 60 - Why Losing People Can Be a Sign of Personal GrowthSetting boundaries is a crucial step in personal development and maintaining healthy relationships - but it can come with the difficult reality of losing people who are either unwilling or unable to respect those boundaries. This episode takes a look at the complexities of setting boundaries and the impact they can have on your relationships, especially with people who prefer the version of you that was easier to manipulate or control.In this episode, we talk about:The importance of setting healthy boundariesThe reasons why some relationships fall apart when...2025-04-0610 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 59 - Broken or Beautiful? Finding Strength in HeartacheHeartbreak is a universal experience that touches everyone at some point in their lives. How common it is doesn't mean it feels any better when you're the one going through it. Whether you're the one ending the relationship or the one being left, the pain is undeniable and it can hurt like hell. In this episode, we talk about the complexities of dealing with the end of a long-term relationship and the emotional journey that always follows — if you let it.In this episode, we talk about:The initial shock and hurt wh...2025-03-3006 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 58 - Grudges Hurt You More: Stop holding them and start livingHolding onto grudges has significant negative impacts on our lives, from draining our energy to taking our focus away from the positive things that are meant for us. It keeps us in a perpetual state of anger, resentment, fear and bitterness, which ultimately prevents us from living a fulfilling and peaceful life. In this week’s episode, we talk about why it’s so important to let go of grudges and the positive impact that decision has on our mental and physical health. We also cover why it’s important to understand what’s driving...2025-03-2316 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 57 - Transforming Your Life Can Be Scary: Do it anyway! (A Sunday Shot)Transforming your life can be a daunting process. Sometimes it's downright painful, but it's always a journey worth taking. In this episode, we talk about the challenges and rewards of making significant life changes, even when scary, awkward, or comes with loss. Growth and self-discovery, true transformation, usually starts when we finally recognize our own excuses for standing still or the toxic influences and people around us.In this episode, we talk about: The necessity of facing hard truths about ourselves and the people around us The growing pains that come with change...2025-03-1609 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 56 - Emotional Baggage: Pack it up so you can travel light (A Sunday Shot)Holding onto past pain can prevent us from embracing new opportunities and living a fulfilling life, but did you know it can also negatively impact your mental and physical health? In this week’s episode, we talk about the importance of letting go of emotional baggage and how it can lead to personal growth, happiness, and health.In this episode, we talk about:The difference between holding onto logical lessons versus emotional painThe impact of unresolved trauma on our present livesPractical steps to release what no longer serves usHow to identify and let go...2025-03-0909 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 55 - The Real Deal: No one has it all together — and that’s OK! (A Sunday Shot)Ever feel like everyone else has it all together — and you're just trying to keep up? You're not alone. In this week’s podcast episode, we take a look at the reality behind seemingly perfect lives. We talk about the hidden struggles most people face, and the curated images and stories they spin that can make it look like they’re breezing through life without a care — and what we can learn from people who do have one area of life covered that we envy. In this episode, we talk about: Why we shouldn’t e...2025-03-0210 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 54 - From Ruin to Reinvention: Join me on a global journey in 2025This week marks the one year anniversary of From Lemons to Limoncello, and there’s a LOT to share in this special episode. Over the last few months, I’ve vaguely mentioned a struggle I’ve been dealing with — and hinted at some big news I was getting ready to share. Well the waiting is over: today is the day. In this episode, I share the details about a recent event that’s upended every aspect of my life. I also share the epic journey I’m going to take to turn the truckload of lemons I’ve...2025-02-2334 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 53 - When Love Turns Toxic: Breaking Free from Manipulation and Control (Sunday Shot)In this week’s episode, we’re taking a look at dysfunctional relationships and the signs— some subtle and some very direst — that can mean you’re in a toxic situation. Inspired by a real-life story from social media, we talk about how some individuals may exhibit manipulative behaviors that isolate and control their partners.We talk about:The importance of recognizing red flags in relationshipsHealthy versus unhealthy dynamicsIdentifying toxic behaviorsThe importance of maintaining individuality in relationshipsThe necessity of having a support systemPractical advice on addressing these issues with your partnerThe importance of walking aw...2025-02-1611 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 52 - Courage to Change: Following Your Inner Voice to Reinvention (Sunday Shot)Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. How we respond to these changes can shape our fulfillment and happiness. Embracing the invitations to evolve with life's shifts can lead to profound personal growth and new opportunities. This episode explores the courage it takes to reinvent yourself when something within you calls for change. In this episode, we talk about: The importance of listening to your inner voice The challenges of navigating life's transitions The power of following your curiosity How to identify when...2025-02-0918 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 51 - When Your Family Isn’t Giving you the Love You Need (Sunday Shot)Feeling safe and secure is a fundamental need, but a lot of us don't experience this growing up. This episode looks at the impact of emotionally immature and unavailable parents on their children's sense of safety and well-being. I share personal experiences and insights on how the lack of emotional support from parents can leave a lasting void, affecting one's ability to feel truly safe and secure in the world - and what we can do about it. In this episode, we talk about: The deep, existential sense of safety that comes from having emotionally mature...2025-02-0216 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 50 - Culture, Identity, and Belonging: How Our Roots Shape Our Sense of Home (with Karen Sims)Ever thought about whether our ancestry and culture influence the way we view ourselves, other people, and the country we live in — or the way we interact with the world? They do! And when someone has lived in more than one country—especially if they grew up in one culture and are "adulting" in another—navigating cultural differences can be especially challenging. In this week’s episode of "From Lemons to Limoncello," we talk with Karen Sims, a Doctoral candidate at Georgia State University. Born in Taiwan to parents from two different cultures and later mov...2025-01-2654 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 49 - Positive Ways to Deal with Negative People (Sunday Shot)Dealing with negative people can be incredibly challenging, but it's essential for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being. This podcast episode delves into practical strategies and personal experiences to help you navigate these difficult relationships and protect your happiness. In this episode, we talk about: Recognizing the signs of negativity Setting healthy boundaries Making tough decisions to distance yourself from toxic individuals The importance of self-preservation The power of positivity in counteracting negative influences And the importance of: Identifying whether someone's negativity is temporary or a permanent trait Learning effective ways...2025-01-1919 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 48 - Breaking Free from Toxic Relationships: Finding the Love and Support You Deserve (Sunday Shot)Have you ever felt invisible or unlovable in a relationship, no matter how hard you try to be seen and heard? In this episode, we dive deep into the painful reality of toxic relationships and the emotional toll they take on our self-worth and well-being. Whether it's a parent, partner, or friend, being dismissed or devalued by someone you care about can be heartbreaking. In this episode, we talk about the patterns of emotional neglect and the struggle to break free from unhealthy relationship dynamics. We take a look at how these experiences shape...2025-01-1210 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 47 - Reclaiming Your Work Life: What to do when you don’t like your jobFeeling stuck in a job that’s more grind than passion? You’re not alone. Did you know that 77% of Americans have reported being stressed out by work, 62% of global employees aren’t engaged, and 95% say it’s important to them to work for an organization that respects the boundaries between work and non-work time? In this episode, we dive into a reality for a large number of people: being unhappy at work. We talk about what to do when you don’t like your job, how to make the most of...2025-01-0537 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 46 - New Year Resolutions for a True-to-You 2025 (Sunday Shot)Hey there, my friends. As we get ready to welcome a new year, join me for a super-short Sunday Shot of "From Lemons to Limoncello." In this mini-episode, we talk about taking a slightly different approach to New Year's resolutions. And while I think we should always consider this important factor - this year it feels especially important. With so much happening around the world, it's easy to get so caught up in the whirlwind of change and worry that we end up losing sight of ourselves and what our purpose on this earth...2024-12-2907 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 45 - A Holiday Wish: The hope that unites us (Sunday Shot)In this brief holiday episode, I share some things I love about the holiday season and my wishes for you, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, or Diwali. I also share an observation about the humanity and hope we share, despite the differences in the religions we practice or where we are in the world. Highlights: A warm and inclusive holiday greeting for all listeners, no matter what they celebrate. Acknowledgment of the stress that often accompanies the holiday season, with a reminder to enjoy the special moments. Personal anecdotes about...2024-12-2206 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 44 - The Year Behind & the Road Ahead: 5 Lessons to to take into 2025 (Sunday Shot)Reflecting on the past year, today’s podcast episode takes a look back at season one of “From Lemons to Limoncello” with gratitude for 2024 and anticipation for the coming year. I can’t thank you all enough, listeners and guests alike, for the incredible sense of community and support you’ve given the show — and me. This episode is all about celebrating our journey together, being ready for whatever lemons life might hand us in 2025, and looking forward to season two of the podcast. In this episode, we talk about: 5 key takeaways from 2024 to carry into...2024-12-1521 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 43 - From Stuck to Satisfied: Changing Your Life When You’re Unhappy (Sunday Shot)Feeling stuck in life can be incredibly frustrating, but it’s important to remember that you have the power to change your circumstances. In this episode, we explore the journey from feeling dissatisfied to finding true satisfaction by making meaningful changes in your life. Whether it’s a draining job, an unfulfilling relationship, or a goal that no longer excites you, this episode is all about empowering you to take control and make the changes necessary for your happiness. In this episode, we talk about: The common reasons people feel stuck, from guilt and...2024-12-0814 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 42 - Mental Health, Loneliness and the Power of Human Connection - with Sara PassamonteDid you know that 1 in 4 people have a diagnosed mental illness? Or that half of the adults in the US have reported feeling lonely - and 41% of people worldwide are reporting the same over the last 6 months? In this episode, we talk about removing the stigma of mental illness, the importance of connection in a world that can be incredibly disconnected, ways you can make a difference in the lives of people who are struggling, or help yourself if there are things you’re struggling with regarding your mental health and wellbeing. We also co...2024-12-0158 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 41 - Changing Your Story: When History Keeps Repeating Itself (Sunday Shot)Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a loop, facing the same challenges over and over again? When history repeats itself in our lives, it’s often a sign that we need to take a closer look at why these patterns keep happening—and the role we play in them. In this episode, we talk about: Examining recurring patterns Understanding the impact of our self-esteem and lack of self-alignment on these cycles The importance of self-reflection when we want to flip the script Personal examples about past relationships and career Insights on how...2024-11-2412 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 40 - Breaking Age Barriers: Insights on People over 50, with "Openly Gray"Are you over 50 years old? If so, do you ever feel invisible in life, at work, or in the media? Do you care about someone over 50? According to the Harvard Business Review, older consumers contribute more than half of consumer spending in the US, yet only 5–10% of marketing budgets are aimed at winning them over. While 46% of the U.S. adult population is age 50-plus, a recent AARP study found that only 15% of online images containing adults include people this age. Feeling overlooked at work, by the opposite sex, and even among younger generations, people 50 and up...2024-11-1757 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 39 - The Next 4 Years: Strength, Support, and Solidarity After the US 2024 ElectionIn the wake of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, so many of us are grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. This week’s podcast episode takes a look at the feelings of shock, betrayal, and uncertainty that have emerged for so many Americans - especially those from marginalized groups. It's a raw and heartfelt discussion aimed at making sense of heavy hearts and troubled minds. In this episode, we talk about: The 4,600% increase in online harassment of women that has occurred, post-election, according to research by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue The importance of...2024-11-1039 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 38 - Battling for Social Justice: Women's rights under siege - with Alex PoppeIn this powerful episode, I sit down with Alex Poppe, a business analyst turned actress, turned humanitarian aide volunteer, and now strategic communications advisor for USAID’s Democracy Delivers initiative. An award-winning author, she's written four powerful books, featuring fierce and funny women who overcome trauma and violence. Alex’s diverse and eventful career has taken her to places like Northern Iraq, the West Bank, Turkey, and beyond. Driven by a passion for women’s issues, her experiences have inspired her to tell stories that shed light on the global struggles women face daily. ...2024-11-0356 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 37 - Drained by Relationship Vampires: Protecting your emotional energy (Sunday Shot)Navigating relationships can be challenging, especially when dealing with someone who drains your emotional energy. These “relationship vampires” can leave you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and insecure. They might be partners, friends, coworkers, or family members who manipulate, guilt, or gaslight you into prioritizing their needs over your own. Whether their behavior is intentional or not, it can take a real toll on your mental and emotional well-being. In this episode, we talk about: Recognizing the signs of relationship vampires (also called emotional vampires) Understanding their manipulative behaviors The emotional toll these toxic relationships take...2024-10-2720 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 36 - Beyond the Mirror: Unlocking Confidence Through Self-Care - with Rhoda JohnsonWe all want to feel confident in our own skin, don’t we? To express ourselves freely, to feel good in the clothes we wear, and to walk into a room and own it with confidence. But that’s easier said than done when the images we’re bombarded with daily don’t reflect who we are or what we look like. In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that affects so many of us: the way we feel about the way we look — and how that feeling impacts the way we show up in...2024-10-2057 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 35 - Hard Work Doesn't Equal Success in Careers or Relationships. Try anyway. (Sunday Shot)Hard work doesn’t guarantee you’ll get what you want but, if you love what you’re doing — or the person or relationship you’re doing it for — it does guarantee a journey full of rewards and lessons. In this episode we talk about the value of putting in effort, even when the outcome isn’t what we hoped for. We talk about the importance of resilience, the beauty and pain involved with the process, and the power of reinvention. In this episode, we cover: The reality that hard work doesn’t always lead to su...2024-10-1319 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 34 - Practicing Gratitude: Rewriting your life, with Julia ChristineToday we’re diving deep into a topic that changes lives: practicing gratitude. I know, I know - everyone talks about it, but before you think you know where this is going, trust me, we’re taking the conversation to a deeper level. In this episode, I’m joined by the inspiring Julia Christine, an intuitive healer who has a gift for grounding people while helping them reach their fullest potential. She’s not just a guest; she’s someone who helped me navigate through a particularly tough time earlier this year, and I can’t wait...2024-10-061h 09

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 33 - Sunday Shot Series: Self-Connection - The Strength in Being VulnerableHey there, my friends. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been taking a close look at all of the things we need to build strong self-connections. We talked about accepting ourselves—even the parts we’re not so proud of. We unpacked the difference between being selfish and self-full, so we can get past the guilt and realize that self-love is a good thing. We talked about trusting ourselves to handle anything life throws at us and forgiving ourselves for the things we did in the past, when our choices were limited or we didn’t know any better.2024-09-2920 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 32 Sunday Shot Series: Self-Connection - Building Self-Trust to Connect with Your True SelfWelcome back to the September Sunday Shot series! This week, we're exploring the link between self-trust and self-connection. Have you ever found yourself stuck at a crossroads, second-guessing every decision, big or small? What about standing at the edge of an opportunity that you just can’t seem to step into? So many of us struggle with trusting our own instincts or abilities, and it keeps us from moving toward the things that matter to us. It also puts up stubborn barriers against us getting fully connected with ourselves. In...2024-09-2216 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 31 - Sunday Shot Series: Self-Connection - Forgiving Ourselves & Releasing RegretIn this episode of my "Sunday Shot Series on Self-Connection," we’re taking a look at regret – because sometimes the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. We'll talk through the sometimes painful but always transformative journey of self-forgiveness, but also how regrets can end up being the reasons for our growth and development. We’ll also dig into why forgiving ourselves is essential for emotional healing, letting go of the past, and moving forward. We'll cover: The role of regret in personal growth Practical steps to start forgiving yoursel...2024-09-1511 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 30 - Sunday Shot Series: Self-Connection - Love Yourself by Valuing "You" (10 Ways to Do It!)This episode of From Lemons to Limoncello is part of my September Sunday Shot series on the most important relationship we have — the one with ourselves. Last week, we talked about accepting all the parts of who you are, from the things you love to the things you’re working on. This week, we’re chatting about the many ways you can show yourself love by valuing yourself and practicing self-care. But I'm not just talking about bubble baths and massages — I'm talking about deeper practices with a bigger impact that feed your soul, protect your well-being, and foster your inn...2024-09-0820 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 29 - Sunday Shot Series: Self Connection - Accepting All the Parts of Who You AreIn this special September series of "From Lemons to Limoncello," we're taking a look at the most important relationship you'll ever have—the one with yourself. As a writer, corporate storyteller, and mindset mentor, I've always believed that meaningful connections are the foundation of a fulfilling life. So this month, we're switching up our usual mix of solo episodes and interviews to do a Sunday Shot-only series on getting better connected with ourselves. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of self-acceptance and how it plays a crucial role in personal growth and br...2024-09-0114 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 28 - Finding Strength in Every Step: Kim Builta’s journey to defy cancer’s limitations and thriveKim Builta hadn't thought about her battle with stage 3B cancer for years, when she was blindsided by a cancer diagnosis for both her father and her husband on the same day — and the news that her own cancer had metastasized. After losing her father, her husband, AND her hip, it would have been understandable for Kim to give in and give up. Instead, she leaned into her faith; learned to use her leg, despite new limitations in movement; and lifted herself over the emotional and physical hurdles that life had thrown at her. In...2024-08-2548 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 27 - Learning to Trust Again: Balancing self-protection & vulnerability after getting hurt (Sunday Shot)Let’s face it, it's painful when the people we’re supposed to be able to trust end up hurting us instead. When that betrayal comes from family, friends, or coworkers, it’s especially shocking. Still, we can be so hard on ourselves that we’ll blame ourselves for not seeing it coming. Our first instincts? To shut down completely, build internal walls so high and thick that no one can ever get near us, and to never trust anyone again. But here’s the thing: That approach may solve one problem, but it usually ends up causing...2024-08-1810 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 26 - Finding Balance and Living in the Moment: Falling in love with your life, with John FicoHave you ever wondered what it's like to be an actor? Or maybe wanted to be one? In this episode, I talk with my friend, actor and student of the human experience, John Fico about this and so much more. John is an exceptional actor, but he’s also a truly mindful and kind human being who's mastered something we all struggle with: finding a balance between meeting our responsibilities and still loving our day-to-day existence. In this funny and candid chat, we talk about that balance, stereotypes around acting as a profession, and th...2024-08-1157 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 25 - Redefining Success: Breaking society’s mold and setting your own standards (Sunday Shot)We all want to be successful in life, but what does that mean, really? Is it always about money and fame? Do all cultures define success the same way? Should I have to sacrifice things to be considered successful and, if the answer is yes, does my definition of success need to change? In this solo episode — a super-short Sunday Shot — I share my thoughts on these questions — and an alternative to the type of lifestyle society says we should be working for if we want to be considered "successful." After you tune in, I’d love to h...2024-08-0410 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 24 - Chasing Success & Finding Misery: Stepping off the corporate ladder, with Paula SchusterWhat happens when you succeed in your career — when you have all the things society says are supposed to make you happy — but, instead, you find yourself feeling unfulfilled, uneasy, and UNhappy? Paula Schuster had it all: She'd worked her way up to a leadership position at a multinational financial services company. She was respected, making great money, and was even being eyed for a promotion. She was living a personal life that was worthy of a successful executive, too, complete with all of the material things that come with the position. 2024-07-2852 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 23 - Happiness Takes Vacations: When sadness knocks on your door, let it in (Sunday Shot)When we’re sad, it’s so tempting to shut down and protect ourselves against more pain. Or we might want to feel better so badly that we’ll try to distract ourselves, numb our feelings, and avoid the sadness altogether. In my experience, both of these responses only lead to more heartache. In this episode we talk about sadness as a teacher in our lives and why it plays such an important role in helping us become better versions of ourselves in the long run. Af...2024-07-2108 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 22 - What a Best Friend’s Death Can Teach Us About Life: Living fully with Alana PuryearSome of the greatest gifts we get in this life are the friends we meet along our journey. They cheer us on, help us through rough times, and celebrate our joys and accomplishments. They're the people we can laugh with, be ourselves with, and even break down in front of, without fear of any judgement. And best friends? Well, they just become a part of our family – and we have every expectation that we'll be supporting and counting on each other well into our golden years. But what happens when that friend dies before re...2024-07-1453 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 21 - Breaking the Cycle: Emotionally Immature Parents (Sunday Shot)Parents are human, which means they have their own struggles and flaws. If they're emotionally mature, they make us feel loved and safe, even when they're working through their own internal conflicts. When they're emotionally immature, the resulting dysfunction can be devastating: As children, we can grow up feeling invisible, unsafe, like a burden, like everything about us is "wrong" and/or unworthy of love. It impacts our self-esteem, our confidence, our ability to trust our own judgement, and how much – or how little – we value our needs and ourselves. As adults, how we deal...2024-07-0718 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 20 - Traveling the World to Find Your Way Home: Divorce & reinvention with David ShakibanDivorce can be devastating, but if we approach what happens next with some introspection and creativity, it can take us on journeys — physical and emotional — that bring us back home to ourselves. In this episode, I chat with David Shakiban, a modern-day renaissance man who’s as innovative and mindful about his approach to life as he is about his creative pursuits. A website designer, acoustic guitarist, mosaic artist, and the creative force behind his company, ColorGrooves, David is big on introspection and personal growth. So when he found himself feeling lost after a painful...2024-06-3056 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 19 - Seven Truths About Happiness (Sunday Shot)Happiness isn't something that just happens to us — we have to work for it. But it's attainable, even during the hardest times of our lives. But I also think we may have to change our definition of what happiness really is. After a lifetime of tragedy and challenges, I've learned 7 truths about happiness that have made all the difference in my life. In this episode, I share each of them with you. I also share some of my experiences to show you that I'm living proof that finding happiness isn't just possible — it's what turning life...2024-06-2320 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 18 - Identity Crisis: When your DNA test results surprise you (with Jennifer Hahn Wiseman)We’ve all heard stories about ancestry tests revealing surprise relatives: adults who find out they have long lost siblings, mothers finding our their children were switched at birth, children learning that the fathers who raised them aren’t their biological fathers after all. I never expected to have a story of my own - but that’s just what happened when I received a message from a woman claiming to be my first cousin in the fall of 2023. Our DNA test results showed a match on Ancestry.com. Her story surprised me just as much...2024-06-1653 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 17 - Six Ways to be Nicer to Yourself: Picking yourself up instead of putting yourself down (Sunday Shot)It doesn’t seem to matter who we are or where we’re from: we all have a tendency to be hard on ourselves. In this episode, we talk about why we’re so much more patient, encouraging, and kind when it comes to supporting other people — why we lift other people up but have a habit of putting ourselves down. I also share six ways we can be nicer to ourselves so we can build up our self-esteem, meet life’s challenges head on, and accept our past mistakes and future misst...2024-06-0918 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 16 - Setting Boundaries with Mint Miller: Finding self-worth & empowerment by staying true to ourselvesSetting boundaries in our personal and professional lives is the key to self-respect, self-empowerment, living authentically, and our safety and well-being. But so many of us are either afraid to be confrontational or confused about what a healthy boundary would even look like if we tried establishing one. In this episode, I chat with Mint Miller — a divorced, single mom of two and boundary-setting coach — about what healthy boundaries look like, how to set them, what to do when people don't respect them, and why knowing our values and embracing our self-worth make up the...2024-06-0257 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 15 - Keeping Quiet to Keep the Peace: shrinking, stress, and health issues (Sunday Shot)Are there people in your life that would love it if you just kept quiet? Who tell you not to make waves? Who make you feel like you need to ignore your own feelings to protect theirs or show them “respect?” When we keep quiet to keep the peace with someone, it’s a lot like swallowing poison on a regular basis. After a while, all that toxicity starts to build up and eat away at you, causing real emotional and physical stress. And all that stress has very real impacts on our physical health...2024-05-2616 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 14 - Adversity, Racism & Mother-Daughter Conflict: Primary Lessons with Sarah White (Part 2)In episode 13, we started our conversation with Sarah Bracey White, an amazing woman whose creative life expanded exponentially at the age of 75 years old. Over the last three years, Sarah has become a celebrated author of books, poems, and recorded stories. She's written and produced plays. She's acted on stage in an immersive theater production based on her memoir — a show that was produced and staged by Hollywood professionals who worked with The Who and contributed to prime time television shows and the Olympics. Now 78, Sarah continues to write, speak, and educate others on the value of sharing our st...2024-05-1947 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 13 - Adversity, Racism & Mother-Daughter Conflict: Primary Lessons with Sarah Bracey White (Part 1)What happens when the woman that raised you isn't the mother you had in mind — when what you need or deserve isn't what she's able to give you? Sarah Bracey White is no stranger to adversity. In fact, she's endured and transcended what would break most of us. At the tender age of 5 years old (in the 1940s) Sarah was uprooted from the only home she ever knew and loved — a nurturing, supportive home in an integrated neighborhood that she shared with her aunt — and relocated to her mother’s poverty stricken, dysfunctional home in the segregated Jim Crow...2024-05-1249 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 12 - The Dangers of Overgiving: Why self-care matters when we’re caring for others (Sunday Shot)Balancing life's demands seems to be getting tougher and tougher: We're being asked to do more at work with fewer resources. We're caring for our homes and children, often while caring for aging parents. Layoffs have meant higher stress and lower energy, but our friends and loved ones need our emotional support for all the stress they're dealing with, too. Our high school students are facing challenges never seen by their age group before and our college-aged kids are accumulating higher debt and facing lower salaries when they graduate. How can we deal with it all? It...2024-05-0509 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 11 - The Road to Reinvention with Kristina Italic: From burnout to bliss and better healthKristina Italic ignored her passions to pursue a traditional career in healthcare — and ended up sick herself in the process. In this episode, Kristina talks about her journey from burnout to following her bliss, why we should all be fearless when it comes to reinventing ourselves, and how listening to her own body and inner voice ended up being the secret to regaining her health and happiness. More About Kristina: To hire Kristina as a speaker or visit her website, go to: https://www.kristinaitalic.com/ Listen to her podcast, Bold Beyond, on Sp...2024-04-2848 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 10 - Control Is An Illusion: Letting go so you can start living (Sunday Shot)Are you someone who always needs to know where your life is headed? Who plans every step and tries to be prepared for any possible future outcome? Are you so caught up in overthinking and working for future stability that you don’t feel fulfilled right now? Where does a need to control our lives come from, and what does it cost us when we focus more on “being ok” than actually living? In this episode, we’re going to talk about some of the reasons we let a need for control overtake our lives, why fear- and contr...2024-04-2115 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 9 - Getting Organized with Andrea Wait: How making space at home also makes space in our livesWe’re all so busy these days that it’s hard to keep up. And with all of the running around, responsibilities have a way of piling up — along with clutter: clutter in our thoughts, in our day-to-day schedules, and in our homes. According to Neuroscience News, disorganization in our homes can often lead to feelings of stress and anxiety, since all of the clutter ends up competing for our attention and mental load. That's where professional organizer Andrea Wait comes in. In this week’s episode of From Lemons to Limoncello, Andrea talks about her book...2024-04-1447 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 8 - Just a Joke? What to do when someone's "humor" hurts (Sunday Shot)Have you ever been on the receiving end of a “joke” that felt more like a masked insult? Is there someone in your life that says things that are hurtful or embarrassing on a regular basis — and then tells you you’re too sensitive if you speak up about it? It isn’t funny when someone’s teasing or sarcasm makes you feel bad. And if someone makes a habit out of hiding behind humor to humiliate you in front of others, sets you up with jokes that hurt you, then tries to make you feel even smaller by ca...2024-04-0720 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 7 - Plus Size in Paris with Erin Zhurkin: Fashion & self-love - around the world, at any sizeErin Zhurkin spent years climbing the corporate ladder and lived in several countries before an unexpected encounter set her on the path to becoming a writer. Because of her new book, Plus-Size in Paris, she’s also become an advocate for plus-sized women and realistic body types everywhere. In this episode of From Lemons to Limoncello, Erin talks about her book and shares funny and touching stories about her experiences as a plus-sized woman and expat. She also reminds women — and the partners who love us — that we deserve to feel sexy, fashionable, and lovable, whatever our shape a...2024-03-3144 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 6 - Work-Life Balance: Why having a life outside of work works to everyone’s favor (Sunday Shot)As someone who’s always been a high achiever and dedicated employee, I had a lot to think about when I was recently laid off from a company where the appreciation for each other had been so mutual. My story isn't unique: so many employees prioritize their jobs, over working themselves into exhaustion - only to find that volume losses, automation, or other disruptive forces are forcing them into unemployment anyway. It all got me thinking about the importance of finding work-life balance when it comes to our health and our happiness — in and outside of the workplace. To...2024-03-2416 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 5 - Loss and Light: How Ydaiber Orozco turned multiple tragedies into a life of meaningYdaiber Orozco is no stranger to pain. After losing her sister, brother, AND father, each in separate, tragic circumstances, she also lost herself to emotional avoidance and overwork. In this episode, we talk about how losing her family ultimately drove Ydaiber to find and follow her purpose. We also discuss the importance of re-evaluating our direction on a regular basis, that spiritual awakenings don't look at all how we expect them to, and how surrendering is key to moving past our fears so we can turn our pain into purpose. More About Ydaiber: Ydaiber Orozco i...2024-03-1756 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 4 - Overthinking: What to do when you don't know what to do (Sunday Shot)We’ve all had to make difficult choices in life, but what do we do when we’re paralyzed by those choices — when we’re so worried about making the ‘right’ decision that we overthink our way into anxiety and end up not feeling able to make a decision at all? In this ‘Sunday Shot’ episode, we talk about some of the reasons we get stuck in overthinking mode, why there are no wrong choices in life, and how each decision we make is an opportunity — whether it leads to an outcome we wanted or one that we were trying to avoid.2024-03-1018 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 3 - Leaving It All Behind: How Kendall Lamb ditched the daily grind to travel the worldPeople everywhere are questioning who we are, what we want out of life, and how we can create a work/life balance that actually leaves room for living. If you’re tired of the rat race — if you feel disillusioned or like you’re on a hamster wheel that you can’t get off of — this episode is for you. Kendall Lamb and her husband had just bought a home, filled it with possessions, and settled in to their 9 to 5 lives when they had a surprising realization: they didn’t feel fulfilled. So, after selling their home and almost ev...2024-03-0353 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 2 - Don’t Try to Make People Treat You Right: Instead, believe their behavior (Sunday Shot)When someone isn’t treating you right — when they're not giving you or your relationship the same level of respect and care that you are — should you try to get them to behave differently? In this episode, we talk about what happens when we keep giving someone a free pass to act badly, why it’s a mistake to keep trying to teach someone how to treat you, and why observing someone's behavior — and believing it — is the key to knowing when to stay and when to walk away. This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet sol...2024-02-2514 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloEP 1 - Living Life Authentically with David Sabella: Becoming who you’re meant to beWhat does it mean to be authentically yourself? And what happens when you dare to step into that authenticity? In this first episode of From Lemons to Limoncello, Broadway actor, internationally known male opera soprano, and all-around inspiring human, David Sabella, shares: What it was like to grow up gay at a time when being gay wasn’t safe How he found his groundbreaking, unique voice (literally and figuratively) despite those social challenges — eventually landing him a historical role in Broadway’s revival of the hit musical, Chicago Why speaking your truth and owning who you are is the ke...2024-02-2557 min

Food, Feels & Banana PeelsHormones: The Surprising Root Cause and the Holistic Journey to HealthIn this episode I chat with former Marketing Executive Lisa Marie DeSanto about her health journey. She began having "menopausal-like" symptoms that continued to worsen to a point that she was having trouble functioning in her everyday life. She was misdiagnosed by the medical community for an extended period of time, then decided to take control of her health and find answers another way. It wan't until she sought the help of a Naturopathic Doctor that she began to get answers. She was finally diagnosed with MCAS and began her journey to healing her body, holistically. Lisa Marie shares...2024-01-2150 min

From Lemons to LimoncelloTrailer: From Lemons to LimoncelloThey say we should make lemonade when life gives us lemons, but I think we can do so much more than that. Adding a little sugar just masks the sour of life, but if we take the time to distill all of the flavors of our experiences—with honesty and empathy—we can completely transform our lives into something as bold and exquisite as a glass of limoncello. On this podcast, we savor the complexity of life. We look for inspiration in unlikely places, face adversity head-on, follow our curiosity into adventure, and explore ways to turn our...2023-09-2701 min