What does it take to thrive as a young designer in the bustling world of advertising? In our latest episode, we're joined by the incredibly talented Dyneisha Gross, whose unique journey from Baltimore to the heights of the creative industry offers a blueprint for success and resilience. Dyneisha opens up about the hurdles she has overcome, from bat…

What happens when a small-town art teacher discovers the power of creativity and community? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Shellie Phelps, an artist and director of the Chamber of Commerce in Wetumpka, Alabama, who transformed her life from an untrained art teacher to a successful studio owner and community leader. Shellie's passion for…

Tiffany Burnett's journey from a young girl with a love for the trumpet to a professional blending music and therapy is nothing short of inspiring. Tiffany shares her unique path and passion for music therapy, which was sparked by a serendipitous meeting that set her on a course to help families with developmental and neurodevelopmental needs. Her …

Have you ever wondered how a brain injury could lead someone to a fulfilling life of artistic expression? Meet Theodora Miller, the inspiring artist whose journey from financial services to a world of color and creativity began with an unexpected accident. Theodora shares her incredible transformation, revealing how a fall down the stairs rekindled…

Ever wondered how being a parent could transform a professional career? Join us as we sit down with Kayla Wenth, a passionate professor in human development and family science, who shares her unique journey from a desire to understand families to a fulfilling academic career. Kayla's insights reveal how motherhood has enriched her teaching, offerin…

Maria Bowie, a trailblazer in agriculture and public health, shares her inspiring journey, marked by 26 years at the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension until she began a new career at Clemson in 2025 as the Director of the new ECHO- Extension Center for Health Outreach. Her passion for mentoring women in agriculture shines through as she d…

What happens when a small town's heartbeat synchronizes with the passion of a dedicated individual? Jenny Stubbs, the first director of Main Street Wetumpka, knows the answer. We sit down with Jenny to uncover her incredible journey in breathing new life into downtown Wetumpka, Alabama. Her story is one of deep community connection and resilience, …

Discover the captivating journey of Dr. Virginia D'Antonio, a sociology professor with a flair for performance and a passion for understanding consumer culture. From her early dreams of acting to her current role as an educator at the University of North Alabama, Virginia's story is one of transformation and discovery. Immerse yourself in her resea…

Balancing the demands of motherhood and a writing career is an art that Gina Godeen has mastered. She shares her transformative journey from a secure full-time job to the uncertainty of freelance content writing, and ultimately, the joy of being a self-published author. Gina opens up about the challenges of adapting to her family's needs and the in…

What if the path to effective leadership was more about embracing vulnerability and less about having all the answers? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jamie Brown, who shares her journey from the financial world to leading the Heart of Alabama Food Bank. Her story is not just about a career shift but an inspiring narrative of faith, s…

Discover the inspiring journey of Toni Bruner, Executive Director of Legacy Partners in Environmental Education, as she shares her passion for Alabama's natural beauty and the power of experiential learning. Toni takes us behind the scenes of her dynamic role, leading thrilling caving expeditions for educators while juggling grant writing and offic…

Ever wondered how a part-time nurse, a mother of four, and a small farm owner manages to find time for creativity and personal growth? Meet Jessica Haberman, a dynamic woman sharing her inspiring journey of balancing these multifaceted roles. Jessica invites us into her world, where she cultivates grass-fed beef and pastured pork on her farm, while…

Join us as we bring you a captivating conversation with Jennifer Eifert, the dynamic executive director of the Kelly Center for the Arts in Wetumpka, Alabama. With a career that transitioned from dental software sales to art advocacy, Jennifer shares her inspiring journey, highlighting the power of art to unite communities. She opens up about her e…

Ever wondered what it takes to break free from traditional career paths and find empowerment in non-conventional roles? Join us as we highlight the insights of Amy Owens from Central Alabama Community College, who shares her passion for guiding students toward diverse and rewarding career opportunities beyond the typical four-year college track. He…

This episode comes with a gentle warning—some topics discussed may be triggering for listeners. My goal is to approach this conversation with sensitivity and care because these issues are so important and touch us all in one way or another. Life's unexpected tragedies can catch us off guard, and being prepared to address them matters. That’s why th…

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Haley Sherman, an esteemed academic in human development and family science. Together, we unravel her inspiring journey from uncertainty as an undergraduate at Florida State University to her role as a tenure-track assistant professor at Valdosta State University. Discover how mentorship, especially…

What happens when the dream of becoming a pediatrician leads to an unexpected calling in mental health? Join us for an engaging conversation with Sarah Bradley, a lively marriage and family therapist who shares her journey from aspiring doctor to mental health advocate. Sarah's authentic approach is infused with humor, helping clients embrace their…

What if you could redefine success by prioritizing passion over security? Former educator Christy Ashby did just that, choosing to leave behind a stable 24-year teaching career to chase her dream of becoming an international photographer. Her inspiring journey is a testament to the courage it takes to step into the unknown, driven by a love for tra…

Former Olympic athlete Paige Lawrence joins us to share her incredible journey from the ice rink to the entrepreneurial arena, offering lessons in resilience and sustainable success. Discover how Paige applies her high-performance mindset to coaching entrepreneurs, steering them away from burnout by aligning their goals with personal values and mai…

What if your passion could seamlessly intertwine with your profession? Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Celeste Hill, also known as Dr. Hill, an inspiring educator in human development and family science at Samford University. Discover how her diverse experiences—from communications and psychology to working with the Department of Defen…

Imagine taking the leap from teaching high school anatomy and biology to becoming a leading force in the health and fitness industry. Jen Dietrich, a personal trainer and jiu-jitsu competitor, shares her incredible journey, illustrating how passion can propel us beyond our comfort zones. Join us as Jen recounts her evolution from gymnastics to jiu-…

Jenna Keane, co-owner of RTR Media and mastermind behind HGTV hits like "Hometown" and "Hometown Takeover," shares her remarkable journey from film school to helming a successful production company. Curious about the secret to turning a passion for storytelling into a thriving career? Jenna talks about her proactive strategies, the grit required to…

Monica Mangelson, a certified life coach with a fervor for neuroscience and adventure, joins us on the Stacked Keys Podcast to share how an understanding of the brain can transform personal growth journeys, especially for individuals with ADHD. Discover how Monica’s blend of psychology, applied neuroscience, and real-world experiences create a powe…

Imagine navigating the chaos of a sleepless night and a hectic morning, only to emerge victorious in a jujitsu competition with your children cheering you on. Meet Chelsea Spurlin, a devoted stay-at-home mom, wife, and jujitsu athlete, shares this triumphant moment with us. Her story is one of resilience, balancing the demands of family life with p…

What happens when a successful wedding planner decides to pivot her career and empower other creative entrepreneurs? Discover the transformative journey of Geomyra Pollard as she transitions from orchestrating dream weddings to coaching women in building profitable and fulfilling businesses. Geomyra's mission is more than just about business succes…

Ever wondered how to balance creativity and motherhood? This episode of the Stacked Keys Podcast features Rachel Wolnski, a passionate homemaker and homeschooling mother of four boys, who transitioned from a career in graphic design to full-time motherhood. Rachel shares her journey, discussing how her childhood love for creativity shapes her daily…

Ever wondered how raising chickens could positively impact your mental health? In this uplifting International Women's Day episode, we sit down with the multifaceted Kimmie Bothwell, a Physical Therapist Assistant and passionate watercolor artist, who shares her journey of self-discovery and resilience. From her professional endeavors to her unexpe…

What if a career-ending injury could be the start of a new, even more fulfilling journey? Discover Heather Jo Clark's inspiring transformation from a professional MMA fighter to the first solely female-owned 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu gym owner. You'll hear how she navigated the intense world of UFC and Bellator, only to pivot into a leadership role tha…

What happens when a middle school teacher swaps chalkboards for crafting? This week, we uncover Lana Hebert remarkable journey from teaching seventh and eighth graders to launching her own boutique, the Lil' Farmhouse Market, in Wetumpka's downtown. Lana's knack for creating t-shirts, baked goods, and soaps during the COVID-19 shutdown not only kep…

We are super excited to have a special guest who is passionate about fitness and nature. She works out six to seven days a week and is diving into jiu-jitsu and kickboxing, despite her busy schedule. What truly rejuvenates her, though, is spending time in the great outdoors – hiking, camping, and exploring nature's beauty. These activities help her…

Have you ever wondered what happens when a marketing executive finds herself drawn to the spiritual world? This episode brings you the inspiring story of Colleen Coleman, a marketing expert and evidential medium who has masterfully balanced her career in land conservation with a profound spiritual calling. Growing up in rural Washington, Colleen’s …

Ever wondered how to balance the joy of eating with maintaining a healthy lifestyle? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Ashleigh Geurin, affectionately known as the "nutrition lady." From her early fascination with sports performance nutrition in high school to her impactful work in community health, Ashleigh shares her journey and insig…

In this powerful and emotional episode, we dive into a profound conversation with Rachel Joy Baribeau, whose life's work is rooted in changing narratives and fostering deep connections through vulnerability and strength. As a former sportscaster turned motivational speaker and mental health advocate, Rachel shares her intricate journey of personal …

In this inspiring episode of Stacked Keys Podcast, we sit down with Lila Smadja-Cruz, a trailblazing woman in the world of jiu jitsu. From her early start in Muay Thai to becoming a pioneering female competitor in Eddie Bravo's 10th Planet jiu jitsu system, Lila shares her insightful journey. Encouraged by a fellow female practitioner, Dawna Gonzal…

When world champion grappler and martial artist Bre Stikk joined the podcast , she brought with her a story that is as impactful as her presence in the ring. With two black belts and a heart set on empowering women and fighting against sex trafficking, Bre opens up about her journey towards becoming a beacon of strength and hope. Her tale is not ju…

In the latest episode of our podcast, we have the pleasure of introducing Andrea Slay, a multifaceted individual whose life is as rich and diverse as the gardens she cultivates. Andrea's journey is a remarkable story of integrating her passions for environmental science and floristry with the demands of family life. It's a narrative that resonates …

Have you ever imagined turning the page on your current career to pursue a simmering passion? Elizabeth Cummings did just that, trading in epidemiology for the heat of the kitchen as a personal chef. In our enriching conversation, she serves up her story, blending the art of cooking with the essence of family life, and shares insights on finding th…

From the disciplined ranks of the Marines to the spotlight of the MMA and jiu-jitsu arenas, Liz Carmouche's journey is as riveting as it is inspiring. Our latest conversation with this combat sports trailblazer reveals the sheer tenacity required to pivot from military precision to the unpredictable thrills of professional fighting. As Liz unpacks …

When Tracey Guidry, a beacon of hope in the Heart of Alabama Food Bank, shares her journey from math whiz to nonprofit maven, you can't help but feel the warmth of inspiration wrap around you. Prepare to explore Tracey's heartfelt struggles and victories, witnessing the transformation of her nurturing instinct into a force for change, touching live…

Have you ever marveled at the resilience and grace of those who master both the art of beauty and the discipline of combat? Rene Gamet is a hair and makeup artist with a twist – she's also a 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and she's here to share her extraordinary journey with us. She has taken real life situations and worked hard to be where she…

As the dawn breaks and most of the world is still nestled in their beds, Bethany Davis from WSFA 12 News is already lighting up the airwaves, navigating the demands of a career in the media while also keeping the home fires burning. Our conversation with her pulls back the curtain on this high wire act of juggling parenting and professionalism, off…

In today's episode, we're joined by an extraordinary 11-year-old horse rider and pianist named Brantley Barrett. Brantley shares her remarkable journey of balancing her two passions: horse riding and piano playing, all while excelling in her homeschooling education. We dive into Brantley's love for horse riding, particularly her experiences in barr…

Have you ever reached a crossroads, feeling the pull of your passions but shackled by the fear of the unknown? Kirsten Wild stands as an emblem of transformation, gracefully navigating the terrains of rock climbing and the philosophy of yoga. Her inspiring odyssey from a yogi to an entrepreneurial spirit embodies the essence of living a purpose-dri…

As we peel back the layers of educational leadership, Stephanie Emmons stands out as a beacon of dedication and insight. Her role as assistant superintendent in Scott County Schools, Kentucky, along with the unwavering support she provides for her team of 19 principals, is balance between professional rigor and deep-seated family values that she to…

Have you ever wondered what it takes to craft a truly unforgettable guest experience in the short-term rental market? Steph Weber, a maestro in branding and marketing, joins us to share her wisdom and journey from the fashion industry to revolutionizing destination real estate with The Weber Co and Hosted by the Webers. Together, we unpack the intr…

Ever find solace in the pages of a compelling book or wrestled with emotions through a soulful writing session? That's what we discover and explore with our guest, Stephanie Affinito, a passionate educator, and self-proclaimed "bookologist" from upstate New York. She shares a deeply personal narrative about her relationship with books, and how they…

Ever wonder what it's like to be a woman of color in a male-dominated field? Tune in to hear the empowering journey of our guest Monique Lee, an active duty JAG attorney for the United States Air Force. Monique is not just a lawyer but she is a mother, a wife, and a trailblazer who refused to let discrimination stand in her way. From changing her f…

Ever wondered how faith could guide and provide strength through the challenging journey of parenting, homeschooling, or even adopting children? Dawn Baggett, a lawyer turned homeschooling mom and post-adoption coach, joins us to share her remarkable story of change, growth, and resilience, powered by her strong belief. Dawn opens up about her life…

Have you ever wondered how it feels to face adversities head-on, overcome them and emerge stronger than ever? We've had the absolute pleasure to sit down with the remarkable Quan Buckhannon, a chemist whose journey is a testament to the power of self-motivation, courage and resolve. Quan walks us through how the untimely loss of her brother galvani…

Prepare to be inspired as we share the incredible journey of LaVerne Toombs. From her humble upbringing to her tenure as a political operative, grant writer, and fundraiser, LaVerne's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. She talks about her struggle with low self-esteem, how she transformed it into a powerful tool…