Ready to rewire how you think about competition, confidence, and community? We sit down with jiu-jitsu competitor and water plant operator Aylissa St. John for a candid, energizing conversation about going first—on the mat and in life—and why you should never leave your story to a referee’s perception. From teen wrestling to modern tournaments, Aylissa breaks down how shifting from reactive to proactive changed her results and her mindset. She details a favorite sweep that needs refining, the sting of stalling calls, and the simple rule that keeps her grounded: set the pace, don’t surrender it.

The conversation widens beyond sport into identity, resilience, and belonging. As a Black woman in a male-dominated space, Aylissa names bias without letting it define her ceiling. Cross-training in women-led rooms revived her skill and joy, proving that the right environment can be a growth accelerator. She shares practical ways to build trust in new gyms, manage emotions to avoid injury, and read a room—habits shaped by a disciplined military upbringing and sharpened through real competition.

Aylissa also opens up about choosing divorce in her twenties, the shower epiphany that nudged her toward self-preservation, and the power of boundaries, accountability, and forgiveness without apologies. Then she flips the script on rest and creativity by revealing how crochet—yes, crochet—became a flow-state counterpart to grappling. Her brand, Naughtylicious, turns hats and custom sets into wearable wins, and her approach to customer feedback mirrors her approach to matches: take action, learn fast, keep building.

If you’re chasing better—on the mats, at work, or in your own head—you’ll find tactical insights and real warmth here: lead the exchange, pick your rooms, and choose yourself with intention. Follow Aylissa on Instagram at Aylissa for training and life, and at naughtylicious for custom crochet. If this resonated, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs a push to go first, and leave a quick review so more curious listeners can find us.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

What happens when a ballerina-turned-cinematographer trades film sets for flower beds—and discovers her legacy in petals, patience, and parenting? We sit down with Cait to explore how a creative life survives strikes, pandemics, bunnies with big appetites, and the beautiful chaos of raising two boys while growing a business from the backyard.

Cait brings hard-won wisdom from the gig economy: money swings, momentum matters, and progress is built in inches. She opens up about choosing stay-at-home seasons for the early years, teaching kids through a vegetable patch and muddy windows, and why “earning the bath” is a sign of a good day. On the craft side, she unpacks the art of solving for impossible blues in wedding palettes, bending stems without fear, and turning bridal bouquets into pressed keepsakes that outlast the day. Expect practical takeaways on risk-taking in design, running on late-night creativity, and transforming mistakes into better methods.

Threaded through the conversation is a clear call to connection: cultivate friends who cheer, learn to ask for help, and listen twice as much as you speak. Cait shares how gardening rekindled family bonds, why workshops unlock hidden voices, and how small acts—like fixing the cart corral—can be a quiet form of impact. If you’re navigating a pivot, juggling motherhood with making, or craving permission to break the frame, this story offers grounded inspiration you can use today.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a nudge to start, and leave a quick review—your support helps more curious people find conversations that matter.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

What if the most powerful thing you do today is move toward someone in pain—gently, on purpose, and with tools that actually work? That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with Monica Brown, a coach, crisis‑line veteran, ER patient care specialist, and mother of five who rebuilt her life around “forwarding support” instead of frantic fixing.

We explore how soul care differs from self‑care, and why the former changes your baseline. Monica walks us through trauma‑informed yoga, nose‑only breathing to trigger the parasympathetic system, and a simple eight‑domain check‑in she uses when overwhelmed. She shares hard‑won lessons from childhood trauma, the limits of control even for vigilant parents, and a practical way to spot safe people: they repair. From redefining “my people” to include the whole community, to reframing self‑talk as a daily choice rather than a cheesy mantra, Monica shows how compassion, boundaries, and clear language can transform relationships at home, at work, and in crisis.

We also talk about strengths‑based coaching, clarifying needs versus wants, and detaching self‑worth from a to‑do list. Monica explains why multi‑generational support is a resilience superpower, how to balance ambition with contentment, and why doubt is a signal to repair—not to hide. She opens up about bringing coaching tools into the ER, the stigma that still shadows mental health, and her next step into marriage and family therapy to better serve clients looping around unresolved trauma.

If you’ve been craving grounded mental health tools, relationship repair that sticks, and a kinder story in your own head, this conversation offers both insight and practice. Listen, take a breath, and pick one tool to try today. If this episode helps, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a quick review so others can find it too.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Jessica Sanders takes us behind the judicial bench to reveal the path that led her from tough prosecutor to compassionate district court judge. With disarming honesty, she shares the delicate balance between upholding the letter of the law and honoring her own sense of justice – sometimes making decisions that feel personally difficult but legally necessary.

Having served Autauga County for over two years as District Court Judge after a decade-plus career as a prosecutor, Jessica offers a rare glimpse into what makes an effective judicial temperament. "I have to continue to study for the rest of my life," she admits, dismantling the notion that judges have all the answers. Instead, she emphasizes being studious, candid, and committed to service as foundational to administering justice fairly.

Beyond her professional insights, Jessica reveals how her relationship with her special needs brother has shaped her worldview and given her perspective on life's true priorities. Her dedication to servant leadership shines through as she describes wanting to be "the leader that will take the trash out at the end of the day" – a philosophy that guides both her courtroom and her community service through organizations like Rotary and Lions Club.

Perhaps most compelling is Jessica's perspective on personal responsibility – what she would change about the world if given one wish. "It seems like human nature for us to always have somebody else we want to blame," she reflects, advocating for a return to individual accountability as the path toward positive change. Her message of balancing faith, discipline, and service offers wisdom applicable far beyond the courtroom.

Whether you're fascinated by the justice system, seeking leadership inspiration, or simply drawn to authentic conversation about finding purpose through service to others, this episode delivers profound insights wrapped in warm, accessible storytelling. Join us for this memorable discussion with a remarkable woman who's making a difference one judicial decision at a time.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

In this episode of Stacked Keys Podcast, host Amy Stackhouse interviews Rebekah Harrison, a fine artist from Woodstock, Georgia. Rebecca shares her journey into the art world, the struggles of balancing different creative avenues, and her passion for connecting personally with her collectors. They discuss the challenges and rewards of being a creative business owner, the importance of pursuing personal passions even as a mom, and the value of mentorship and self-kindness. Rebekah also touches on how pivotal moments, like during COVID, allowed her to embrace her dreams and pursue art full-time. They explore the dynamics of family life, societal pressures, and the therapeutic benefits of counseling. This episode is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, and finding joy in both professional and personal worlds.

00:00 Introduction to Stacked Keys Podcast

01:21 Meet Rebecca Harrison: Fine Artist

01:54 The Journey of an Artist

02:37 Connecting with the Community

05:17 Teaching and Encouraging Creativity

07:28 Artistic Preferences and Challenges

10:07 Balancing Art and Life

13:55 Dreams, Failures, and Personal Growth

21:54 Navigating Motherhood and Creativity

29:25 Family Adventures and Inspirations

33:01 Balancing Art and Business

33:21 Learning to Delegate and Manage

34:03 Finding Joy in Art Despite Business Challenges

37:07 Self-Talk and Personal Growth

38:29 Parenting Pressures and Forgiveness

42:46 The Importance of Counseling

47:34 Navigating Technology with Kids

54:48 Mentorship and Friendship

57:03 Final Thoughts and Superpowers

58:50 Connecting with Rebecca

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

What if the secret to exceptional leadership isn't about having all the answers, but about making others feel truly seen and heard? In this vibrant conversation with Neen James, the self-described "velvet bulldozer" shares her remarkable journey from growing up in a caravan in Australia to becoming an internationally sought-after executive coach and speaker.

Standing at just 4'10" and almost always dressed in her signature hot pink, Neen brings extraordinary energy to every room she enters. But her true superpower lies in what she calls "contagious confidence" – walking into any space with the assumption that everyone wants to engage with her. This mindset has propelled her through a successful corporate career and into her current role advising CEOs and leadership teams around the world.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Neen challenges our conventional understanding of luxury. Growing up with a single mother who worked multiple jobs, she learned that luxury isn't about expensive possessions but about finding beauty in everyday moments – what she now calls "champagne moments." This philosophy forms the foundation of her new book, "Exceptional Experiences: Five Luxury Levers to Elevate Every Aspect of Your Business," which includes the first-ever research study on luxury as a mindset.

Throughout the episode, Neen shares practical wisdom on building networks from scratch, managing attention rather than time, embracing adventure in daily life, and extending grace to yourself and others. Her insights on how different people make decisions (thinkers, feelers, and knowers) offer a fresh perspective on communication and leadership styles.

Whether you're leading a Fortune 500 company, building your own business, or simply seeking to create more meaningful connections, Neen's message is clear: we all have a responsibility to make the people we encounter feel valued. Take her challenge to find and share your own #ChampagneMoments, and discover how small shifts in attention can transform both your professional success and personal fulfillment.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

What happens when life's unexpected turns lead to your most fulfilling path? Abbie Weldon never planned to leave her 11-year teaching career or enter real estate, but when her surprise third child arrived, everything changed.

In this heartfelt conversation, Abbie reveals how she transformed a desire to be home with her baby into a thriving real estate career built on authentic relationships. "I want real estate built by relationships," she shares. "You're not just a number on my ranking report." This philosophy drives her unique approach—selling the stories and possibilities of homes rather than just listing features.

Abbie's journey is made even more remarkable by her personal health story. Having undergone two open-heart surgeries before age 21, she brings a profound appreciation for life's precious moments to both motherhood and business. This perspective shapes how she balances work demands with being present for her three children's milestones.

From practical insights on setting boundaries to navigating today's challenging real estate market, Abbie offers wisdom that transcends industry. She discusses the delicate balance of parenting in the digital age, managing youth sports commitments, and finding time for self-care amid a busy schedule.

Whether you're contemplating a career pivot, seeking better work-life balance, or simply looking for inspiration on living purposefully, Abbie's story reminds us that our deepest challenges often reveal our greatest strengths. Her message of patience, perseverance, and putting relationships first provides a refreshing counterpoint to our achievement-obsessed culture.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

From being told she might never walk or talk to becoming a genetic counselor who helps families navigate similar journeys, Ashlyn Stackhouse Bolen's story exemplifies finding purpose through personal struggle. As a pediatric genetic counselor at UNC Chapel Hill, Ashlyn works with families seeking answers about their children's complex medical conditions—a role shaped by her own childhood health challenges.

Sixteen hours after birth, Ashlyn suddenly lost the ability to suck, swallow, and maintain muscle tone. Doctors warned her parents she might never develop normally, suggesting they consider institutional care where "she could pass peacefully." Instead, they fought tirelessly for her, through countless appointments, therapies, and five years of feeding tube dependency. Those early genetic evaluations, though they revealed no diagnosis, planted seeds for her future career.

"I've been through a lot of the testing and imaging that our families go through," Ashlyn explains, noting how this firsthand experience shapes her approach. "Even if I haven't walked their exact path, I've walked a similar one." This lived experience adds profound depth to her work of counseling families through genetic testing decisions, diagnosis processing, and the emotional complexities that follow.

The conversation explores the beautiful intersection of science and faith in Ashlyn's life. Before pursuing genetic counseling, she completed a Theology, Medicine and Culture Fellowship at Duke Divinity, wrestling with challenging questions about genetics through a Christian worldview. Rather than seeing conflict between scientific understanding and spiritual belief, she describes how they complement each other in providing a holistic perspective on human suffering and purpose.

Beyond her professional identity, Ashlyn shares insights on marriage, family dynamics (including the joys and challenges of living next door to parents), and cultivating independence through studying abroad. She articulates a life philosophy centered on seeing people beyond their diagnoses or limitations: "They're image bearers of God...treasure their life."

For anyone wrestling with finding meaning in difficult circumstances or seeking to transform personal challenges into purposeful work, Ashlyn's journey offers powerful encouragement. Her story reminds us that sometimes our greatest struggles become the foundation for our most meaningful contributions to others.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff