Bucket List Careers

Hosted by Bleav, Christa Lauri

Business Education

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193

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Join host Christa Lauri for Bucket List Careers, a podcast that delves into cool jobs with the people who do them, the HOW behind their pivots, and secrets to successfully monetizing doing what you love. Christa was a New York-based news anchor, business show host, and reporter in the field for years. Now she's made her pivot to share stories that will inspire you to identify your purpose, remove roadblocks, and initiate the launch of your Bucket List Career!

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60 recent

August 6, 202618 min

Stephanie Clapp, How a Teacher Became a Psychic Medium & Mentor | EP 192

What if the path you thought you were supposed to take was only the beginning? Stephanie Clapp shares how she went from a 20-year career in education to embracing her intuitive gifts as a psychic medium and mentor, and how that leap helped her—and the women she works with—trust themselves more deeply. This episode explores spiritual awakening, career reinvention, and the power of messy action, with practical tools for overcoming self-doubt and stepping into a more authentic life! To learn more about Stephanie: https://www.instagram.com/thestephanieclapp/ Key topics: Stephanie’s journey from educator in Westchester County to psychic medium and intuitive mentor How the pandemic accelerated her willingness to share her gifts publicly Understanding the differences between psychic and mediumship, and the importance of certification in the UK versus the US The role of Clairsentience—including hearing and gut feelings—in intuitive readings Practical tools like EFT tapping, meditation, and somatic practices to build confidence and trust in intuition Overcoming societal skepticism and stereotypes about being spiritual or intuitive Lessons on messy action and failing forward in career transitions Upcoming book that combines memoir and self-help to activate and heal your intuition Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Stephanie Clapp's career background 00:33 - Stephanie's early career in education and the career pivot 01:42 - The influence of family and innate gifts on her journey 03:16 - Skepticism and societal perceptions of psychic work 04:07 - Growing up in a spiritual environment and her family’s influence 05:02 - The impact of the pandemic in embracing her intuitive mentoring 06:07 - Personal story of losing a neighbor to COVID and using mediumship gifts 07:03 - How clair senses work and Stephanie’s intuitive methods 08:04 - Remote versus in-person readings and client experience 09:10 - Difference between psychic and mediumship work, including UK practices 10:08 - Communicating with passed loved ones and spiritual guides 11:08 - Feeling energy remotely and the integrity of intuitive practice 12:03 - How Stephanie helps women lead themselves and trust their intuition 13:15 - Overcoming societal programming and deprogramming fears 14:02 - Using somatic practices, EFT tapping, and mindset work for self-trust 15:02 - The importance of messy action and embracing failure 16:25 - Debunking stereotypes around spiritual practitioners 17:20 - How to connect with Stephanie and her social media presence 18:11 - Announcing her upcoming book on healing, intuition, and purpose 20:01 - Closing thoughts on living authentically and embracing your true self Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 23, 202614 min

Vera Gjelaj, From Immigrant Single Mom to Owner of Arome Caffe & Patisserie | EP 191

Cleaning houses. Overnight hospital shifts. After cosmetology school, a salon owner. And at 36 years old, a leap into pastry school that changed everything. Vera Gjelaj’s path to owning Arome Caffè & Patisserie in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY wasn’t a straight line — it was a series of reinventions, each one built on the one before it. In this episode of Bucket List Careers, Vera shares how she went from arriving in America at 19 with two young children, to Executive Pastry Chef and partner at one of NYC’s most iconic restaurants, to opening her own bakery at 51. She talks candidly about the obstacles along the way, and offers advice for anyone considering a late-in-life career change: don’t put a limit on your dreams, and it’s never too late to build the life you want. Key Takeaways: • Career pivots don’t follow a straight line — and that’s okay • Believing in yourself matters more than having it all figured out • It’s never too late to start over or chase a new dream • Hard work and perseverance compound over time About Vera: Vera Gjelaj is the owner and founder of Arome Caffè & Patisserie in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. An Albanian immigrant, Vera came to the United States at 19 with two young children. She later attended the French Culinary Institute and became Executive Pastry Chef and partner at One if by Land, Two if by Sea. Today, she brings that experience to Arome Caffè & Patisserie, serving French-inspired pastries and desserts to her community. Vera is proud to be a business owner, wife, mother, and grandmother. Connect with Vera: aromecaffepatisserie.com IG: @aromepatisserie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 9, 202619 min

Dane Johnson, From Actor to Healing Pioneer: How Overcoming Illness Transformed a Dream into Purpose | EP 190

Discover how Dane Johnson transitioned from a Hollywood actor to a leading health coach specializing in autoimmune disease reversal. His story exemplifies resilience, purpose, and innovative health solutions. In this episode: Dane shares his unexpected career pivot after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis The emotional and physical toll of nearly dying from Crohn's disease and how it became a catalyst for change The concept of building a "Shield" for holistic health and autoimmune recovery Insights into Dane’s groundbreaking program delivering over 750 success stories of IBD reversal Practical strategies: customized supplements, lab work, and biohacking techniques Vision for a health-focused restaurant chain aligned with natural, anti-inflammatory foods Advice on creating a purpose-driven career and building trust with clients 00:01 - Introduction to Dane Johnson and his diverse background in acting and health 00:39 - Dane's beginning in acting and early successes 01:09 - Diagnosis with ulcerative colitis amid a Hollywood career 01:42 - The emotional impact of health struggles and lost roles 02:29 - Inner conflict: pursuing vanity versus meaningful purpose 03:39 - Turning point: severe health crisis and hospitalization 04:27 - Near-death experience and realization of life's deeper purpose 05:26 - How health crises shaped Dane’s new career path 06:22 - The journey of healing and coming off medications 06:51 - The importance of experiential learning as patient zero 07:18 - Building a support community and the "Shield" framework 09:25 - The success and scope of the Shield program for IBD reversal 10:07 - The multifaceted approach: supplements, lab work, and biohacking 11:25 - The philosophy behind the Shield: empowering health and stress resilience 12:01 - Applying the Shield model in daily life for thriving not just surviving 13:16 - Key advice: creating purpose and authenticity in your career 14:34 - Pricing, trust, and building a compelling personal brand 15:23 - Future vision: health-focused restaurant chain and creating art through business 17:06 - Values-driven entrepreneurship and innovations in food for autoimmune health 18:14 - Special offers: free IBD strategy session and healing journal 19:29 - Closing thoughts and gratitude Resources & Links: Dane Johnson's Crohn's Colitis Lifestyle Shield Program Details Connect with Dane Johnson: LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 18, 202618 min

Lexi Brine, Cosmetics, Courtrooms and Closings: A Winding Path to Purpose | EP 189

Lexi Brine didn’t follow a straight line to where she is now — and that’s the point. After five years in luxury cosmetics marketing at Estée Lauder, she found herself drawn elsewhere, eventually landing at NYU Law after a stint volunteering on a 2008 presidential campaign. From there: litigation at a corporate law firm, a hard exit after becoming a mother, a wandering search through legal recruiting and LSAT tutoring, and finally a real estate career at Compass that finally clicked. Along the way, she co-founded Inc., a networking community supporting women through their own career transitions. In this conversation, Lexi talks candidly about ignoring well-meaning advice, treating “failures” as data rather than dead ends, and building a personal brand rooted in authenticity instead of perfection! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 4, 202617 min

Dr. Trish Leigh, Preschool to Brain Science: Reinvention and Rewiring Your Mind | EP 188

Dr. Trish believes life unfolds in seven-year chapters — and hers has been no exception. Her path to becoming a globally recognized cognitive neuroscientist wasn’t linear: she started as a preschool teacher, became a speech-language pathologist, worked in schools, and eventually went back to school herself to teach at the college level. A lifelong curiosity about brain performance and the human condition — combined with raising five children — led Dr. Trish to a deeper calling. She grew passionate about bringing neuro-therapies to the next generation and realized she could create greater clinical impact through brain mapping and rewiring how people think. Her guiding philosophy says it all: “If you don’t control your brain, it will control you.” Today, Dr. Trish is the founder of Dr. Trish Leigh & Co. and specializes in brain health, neurofeedback, and addiction recovery. Using qEEG brain mapping and neuroscience-based methods, she helps people heal overstimulated brains, break free from compulsive behaviors, and optimize focus, energy, relationships, and performance — and has helped thousands worldwide rewire their brains and reclaim their lives. Download this episode now and get ready to think differently — about your brain, your career, and what’s still possible! Find out more about Dr. Trish: https://drtrishleigh.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 7, 202614 min

Angelique Morelli, Trusting the Pivot: A Journey to Authorship and Impact | EP 187

Angelique Morelli’s career has been anything but a straight line. With over 15 years of experience—ranging from nonprofit fundraising to serving as the Communications Manager at Montefiore Nyack Hospital—she has mastered the art of the pivot. But her most significant transformation wasn’t a job title; it was finding the courage to step into her own light as a children's book author! In this episode, we dive into: The "Advocacy" Turning Point: Why waiting for a raise or recognition often leads to being overlooked, and how Angelique learned that being your own best career advocate is the only way to move the needle. Discovering the Leader Within: The exact moment as an interim director when Angelique realized she had the "it" factor to lead, mentor, and drive impact without fear of being "too pushy." The Pivot to Authorship: How a global pandemic and a rescue pup named Ellie inspired her to fulfill a lifelong creative goal, leading to the 2025 release of her debut book, Ellie Morelli and The Pack Unleash Their Super Powers . Fuels & Foundations: How her roles on the board of New York Women in Communications (NYWICI) and the Business Council of Westchester keep her fueled by community and purpose. Whether you’re feeling stuck in a career that doesn’t feel like yours or you have a "bucket list" creative project waiting to be unleashed, Angelique’s story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to reinvent yourself and trust your intuition. Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you get your podcasts! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 23, 202618 min

Cheri Carandanis, From Battlefields to Brushstrokes: How Injury Redefined A Career | EP 186

Can a devastating injury actually be a gateway to a new life? Cheri Carandanis' life story reads like two different books. For 25 years, Cheri lived in the high-stakes world of nursing, including a tour as a US Air Force critical care flight nurse during the height of the Iraq War. She was a self-proclaimed "Type A" professional who lived for the adrenaline of saving lives at 30,000 feet. Then, the world went dark. After suffering two traumatic brain injuries in six months, the cognitive skills Cheri relied on to survive vanished. Forced to abandon the only career she ever knew, she stumbled upon an unlikely lifeline: abstract art. In this episode, we unpack: The "Ungraceful Pivot": Why Cheri describes her career change not as a choice, but as "getting knocked flat" and rebuilding from the rubble. The Science of Healing: How shifting from the damaged "logical" left brain to the "creative" right brain became a literal survival mechanism. Art as a Second Language: How a woman who couldn’t draw a stick figure became a professional painter by using color and texture to process trauma. Finding Presence: The powerful lesson of staying in the "now" when you can no longer rely on who you were yesterday. More on Cheri Carandanis: Instagram: Follow her creative process and daily studio life @carandanisfineart . YouTube: Watch her abstract paintings in progress and studio sessions on the Cheri Carandanis YouTube Channel . Website: https://www.carandanisfineart.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 9, 202616 min

Amy Pepe, The "Why Not?" Mindset: How Five Love Larchmont Came to Life | EP 185

You don't always need a perfect plan to start over career-wise—you just need the courage to ask, 'Why not try?' In this episode, we’re joined by Amy Pepe , the creative force behind Five Love , a unique gift boutique in Larchmont that prioritizes experience and connection. Amy shares her inspiring transition from marketing and graphic design to full-time stay-at-home mom, and the pivotal moment while working at a local flower shop that reignited her professional passion. It’s a candid conversation about the "identity shifts" we experience and the courage it takes to start something new! Key highlights include: The Power of the Pivot: Moving from a career pause back into the workforce and rediscovering your sense of self. Navigating "Mom Guilt": An honest look at the emotional hurdles of building a business while raising a family. The "Why Not?" Mindset: Why you don’t need to have every answer before taking a leap of faith. Building Community: How Amy turned a spark of creativity into a business rooted in local connection. Whether you’re in the middle of a career break or looking for the sign to start your next chapter, this episode is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to rediscover what lights you up! In this episode, we’re joined by Amy Pepe , the creative force behind Five Love , a unique gift boutique in Larchmont that prioritizes experience and connection. Amy shares her inspiring transition from a career in marketing and graphic design to a full-time stay-at-home mom, and the pivotal moment while working at a local flower shop that reignited her professional passion. It’s a candid conversation about the "identity shifts" we experience and the courage it takes to start something new. Key highlights include: The Power of the Pivot: Moving from a career pause back into the workforce and rediscovering your sense of self. Navigating "Mom Guilt": An honest look at the emotional hurdles of building a business while raising a family. The "Why Not?" Mindset: Why you don’t need to have every answer before taking a leap of faith. Building Community: How Amy turned a spark of creativity into a business rooted in local connection. Whether you’re in the middle of a career break or looking for the sign to start your next chapter, this episode is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to rediscover what lights you up. Would you like me to draft a few catchy titles or show notes for this episode as well? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 26, 202619 min

Sarah Weihman, From Blueprints to Briefs: The Birth of Paradis Sport Active Underwear for Women | EP 184

After 23 years as an architectural and landscape designer, Sarah Weihman didn't expect a pair of underwear to change her life. But when her go-to activewear brand sacrificed quality for cost, the former D1 athlete realized a glaring gap in the market: most women’s performance underwear is designed by men with little regard for fit or durability. In this episode, Sarah shares how she pivoted from running her own architectural and landscape design practice, to becoming the CEO and Founder of Paradis Sport . Driven by a mission of sustainability and performance, Paradis is the only brand on the market that fit-tests products with elite and professional athletes. Tune in to hear: The Bold Pivot: How Sarah transitioned from a successful 23-year career to a completely new industry. Performance First: Why "good enough" isn’t enough when it comes to women's activewear. Sustainable Innovation: The research behind fiber technology and ethical manufacturing. Community Power: Building a brand for a crew of bold, determined women who refuse to compromise on comfort. Ready to upgrade your activewear? Experience the difference of performance-driven comfort for yourself. Listen to the full episode to grab an exclusive discount code for your first order at ParadisSport.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 12, 202622 min

Throwback Episode: From Wall Street to Ear Piercing Innovator, The Louisa Serene Schneider Story

The idea behind Rowan was born when Louisa Serene Schneider took her teenage nieces to get their ears pierced at the mall and found the experience lacking in both safety and celebration . Determined to fix a broken industry, she created a nationwide brand where ear piercing is treated as a safe medical procedure and a joyful life milestone—performed exclusively by licensed nursing professionals. Rowan has 100 or more ear-piercing studio locations across 33 states in the U.S. as of early 2026. In this episode, Louisa discusses: The Wall Street Pivot: Her transition from a high-powered finance career—covering consumer retail at JP Morgan and trading at Morgan Stanley —to becoming a venture-backed founder. Scaling Through Challenges: How she navigated the pandemic to grow Rowan’s at-home services and eventually expand to over 100 retail studios. Empowering Nurses: Why Rowan’s business model is a game-changer for medical professionals seeking flexible, creative, and empowering alternative career paths. Modern Leadership: Her commitment to maintaining flexible work patterns and a supportive company culture for her entire team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.