In a world where we're overly connected to technology, which should, in theory, make community stronger, we are actually the loneliest we've ever been.

Dr. Sylvia was a Book Proposal Blueprint student of mine several years ago. About to leave a hospital therapeutic practice, she was in that "what's next" moment we all find ourselves in at one point or another.

So she began to listen.

Listen deeply, for themes coming up in her patients. From youth to folks in their golden years, much of what her patients were struggling with could be reduced down to disconnection, abandonment and loneliness.

And there she had her next call to service.

She joined my program and we developed the book that hits shelves THIS WEEK! Lonely AF: A Therapist's No BS Guide to Feeling Less Alone (Wiley)

Join Dr. Sylvia and me on this week's episode of Bound & Determined, where we deep dive into her process for real connection, and she breaks down the journey of bringing this incredible book to life.

What if the path to ease and freedom is not scaling up, but scaling down? Fewer clients. No costly employees. No content treadmill.

This is the conversation I'm having with Pia Silva this week on Bound & Determined. She's the founder of No BS Mastery and is about to launch her second book, Scale Solo this week!

Pia teaches boutique agencies, consultants, and coaches the No BS Business Model for multi-six figure revenue with freedom and ease and no employees. She's aTEDx speaker, host of The No BS Mastery Podcast, former Forbes contributor, and author of Badass Your Brand.

Tune in to find out how to grow your business, coaching practice, platform and authority with more ease!

The world is changing all around us at rapid pace. We have to think on our feet now more than ever. And for those of you reading this, alongside that rollercoaster life is also a creative passion. A project you want to bring to life.

If you're ready to go deep, this week's Bound & Determined podcast episode with Paul Lubicz is for you.

Paul works with high-capacity founders, leaders, and creatives who are externally successful but internally overextended.

For over two decades, Paul has worked at the intersection of performance, psychology, and lived experience—helping people identify where they've become the bottleneck in their own lives and remove the emotional and structural load that's quietly eroding clarity, health, and decision-making.

He is the founder of Return to True Nature, a private mentorship and advisory practice where he works one-on-one and in small groups over extended periods, guiding clients through sustained behavioral change rather than insight alone.

Paul's perspective has been shaped by decades of personal inquiry, leadership exposure, and deep observation of what actually works when pressure is high and stakes are real.

Today, he speaks and teaches on clarity, alignment, and responsibility—helping people stop managing appearances and start living with coherence, authority, and integrity.

I'm certain you'll leave this episode with as many Aha's as I did.

Mid-podcast interview with Courtney Townley, my guest this week, a comment she said stopped me in my tracks.

"I moved from discipline to devotion."

She was talking to me about how she reframed the times she showed up to write–moving from discipline (or something she HAD to do), to devotion (focusing on this incredible book that would serve her community).

I absolutely love the distinction.

Courtney, already known for her poignant reframes around women, midlife and wellness, made the point that women don't need another guru telling them to move their body, stress less and eat kale–we need to understand self-leadership.

With over three decades in the wellness industry, she's discovered that deep health isn't about following someone else's manual—it's about writing your own. A sought-after speaker and educator, she blends science with straight talk, helping women navigate behavior change with grace, grit and self-trust.

Ladies, this episode is for you–full of nuggets and applicable wisdom–you don't want to miss it!

After a wonderful lunch with a former client last week, sharing stories and delicious Italian food, I was reminded how damaging comparison can be in the creative process.

What does it look like to move through your creative journey in alignment, self-trust and agency instead?

That's the conversation I'm bringing to the Bound+Determined pod this week–A quick, 10-minute pep talk for all creatives who are growing into something new.

This week on Bound & Determined, we're breaking down the process of book and brand creation and how you can write a book even if you don't deem yourself a writer.

My favorite quote from the episode, and a concept we dive deep into, is when Mike shared:

"All the good stuff reveals itself on the field of play."

Tune in to see what we mean!

Mike Kim is a brand strategist for business thought leaders, coaches, and authors who want to create impact with their ideas and get their message heard.

Mike's refreshing approach has made him a sought-after speaker, online educator, and consultant for top thought leaders. Mike's clients include New York Times bestselling authors and other experts featured on PBS, TED, CNN, and Fox. Mike has been featured in and written for Inc., Entrepreneur, and The Huffington Post.

Mike is the author of the Wall Street Journal & USA Today best-selling book, You Are the Brand: The 8-Step Blueprint to Showcase Your Unique Expertise and Build a Highly Profitable, Personally Fulfilling Business.

He has spoken at industry leading events, including Social Media Marketing World, Tribe Conference, and Podcast Movement.

Have you ever been working on a big project that spawns lots of little project ideas? This recently happened to me while looking for a new bed for my son. It turned into an entire room remodel and started giving me ideas for changes to make in my own room and entryway, new organization for the kitchen, and more.

I see it happen with books, too–working on the proposal, then deciding to start a Substack or a podcast.

Creativity begets creativity.

Recently, one of my Book Proposal Blueprint students reached out to let me know how much the program benefited her business with new products and writing gigs, even though she was still working on the "Big Book" idea. We decided to bring the conversation to the podcast for a few reasons:

1. I LOVE catching up with former students

2. I think it's important to hear different timelines and processes when it comes to publishing

3. It's important to focus on the value of what you're learning, even if you apply it elsewhere

4. To bring creative inspiration to people who may feel their book journey is taking too long

Listen in as Jenna Zaffino and I chat all things success and obstacles when it comes to chasing your big dream.

With more than two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry, Jenna is a board-certified health coach, movement expert, and inspiring keynote speaker. She is the founder of JZ Wellness, a platform dedicated to helping individuals live well despite limits™️, navigating the challenges of chronic conditions in midlife to find a support plan that works for them in the long term.

An author of two self-published books, Jenna has a gift for making complex ideas accessible. Her first book, the children's story Horatio Moves, encourages young readers to embrace their individuality through movement. Her second, You're Doing a Great Job: The Movement Teacher's Guide to Fearless Movement, is a resource for fellow movement teachers to identify their strengths, establish their vision, and rise above the abusive power dynamics that often frequent fitness training spaces.

As a freelance writer for the American Lung Association's Patient and Caregiver Network, she combines her deep knowledge of wellness with a passion for empathetic communication.

Currently, she is channeling her expertise into her Book Proposal Blueprint project, which is close to being determined…

I hope you'll tune in!

This week on Bound + Determined, I'm beyond thrilled to introduce you to my editor and book collaborator, Hannah Robinson. She has been an integral part in helping me make Do the Thing all that I want it to be for you. I have 3 weeks until my manuscript deadline, and I'm right on time! In this episode, you'll hear how we worked together, and some of the challenges I came across in my writing.

Hannah and I crossed paths many times over the years, as she was previously at Simon & Schuster and Hachette, where many of my clients have published. Now, Hannah is out on her own and eager to shed light on how editors can support authors in diverse ways.

Hannah is an absolute stand-out talent at what she does, and she's breaking down all the ways an outside editor/collaborator (someone beyond your Publisher's editor) can enhance your writing experience and the final product.

Don't miss it!