GoalChat

Hosted by Debra Eckerling

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295

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The GoalChat podcast is your go-to destination for all things goal-setting, productivity, and personal and professional development. Whether you're striving to achieve your career goals, enhance your time management skills, or find motivation to pursue your passion, this podcast is for you. Each week, host Debra Eckerling invites three experts to dive into a special topic. Debra and her panel of thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives share their own experiences, successes, and challenges. They also offer valuable insights and actionable advice to help you stay focused, organized, and inspired. You can’t reach your goals on your own. You need your community. Whether you're a seasoned goal-setter or just starting out on your path to personal and professional growth, this podcast will empower you to take control of your life and turn your dreams into reality.  A goal-strategist, speaker, and workshop leader, host Debra Eckerling is the founder of The D*E*B Method system of goal-setting simplified and the author of "Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Planning, Setting and Achieving Your Goals." The GoalChat podcast is the audio version of Debra’s GoalChatLive show, which streams Mondays at 4pm PT on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more at TheDEBMethod.com. GoalChat is on the Marketing Podcast Network.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 27, 20261 hr 5 min

Writing & Productivity with Dr Judith Briles, Christine Carron & Danielle Weil #632

On this week’s GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling talks about Writing and Productivity with author/publishing expert Judith Briles (The Book Shepherd), productivity expert Christine Carron (Goodjelly), and Danielle Weil, who specializes in creativity and copywriting. The panel explores what it really takes to get the words on the page, including getting past the pressure to always be productive, finding your own rhythm, and figuring out what you need to do to get unstuck. Judith, Christine, and Danielle share anecdotes, recommendations, and more. Define Productivity - Christine: Old school is more, faster; new school is your best work done as fast as possible - Judith: The perfection factor is what stops productivity - Danielle: What words will actually move the needle; pint your best efforts toward the things that will make the biggest difference Goals - Judith: If you never say, your yeses are worthless. Don't do well what you have no business doing - choose 3 things that are important for you to do! - Christine: Every time you sit down to work, ask yourself how to make it easier for you. Do something for 10 minutes and celebrate the progress - Danielle: Embrace your constraints; figure out how to use your constraints to your advantage - Deb: Get rid of a project that is not serving you Final Thoughts - Christine: Give yourself grace and give yourself credit for all the things - Judith: Take credit for the work you've done - getting up the morning is a big thing - Danielle: Enjoy the process Learn more about Judith Briles: https://www.judithbrilesbooks.com/ Christine Carron: https://www.goodjelly.com/ Danielle Weil: https://https://dwcopy.com/ Debra Eckerling: https://TheBookProposalExpert.com https://TheDEBMethod.com/blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 20, 20261 hr 12 min

Imposter Syndrome with Jackie Cote, MJ Fievre & Leslie Marsh #631

On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling speaks with freedom mentor Jackie Cote; MJ Fievre, author of the Badass Black Girl series; and mind methodologist Leslie Marsh about Imposter Syndrome, and its connection to confidence, self-doubt, and reaching your goals. The panel talks about where Imposter Syndrome comes from, how it shows up, and what you can do when those "voices" get in the way. What is Imposter Syndrome - Leslie: The voice that says you are not capable of doing something - MJ: It's the part of yourself that says you have not earned your place at the table; it's a voice, a guide - Jackie: A protective mechanism that reflects the stories and things we think about ourselves that tries to keep you from failing, getting hurt Goals - MJ: Ask yourself what is one skill that you would benefit from learning; educate yourself - Leslie: Start looking at your beliefs; look at the lie within them and prove yourself wrong - Jackie: Allow yourself to feel your feels, be aware of where it is coming from, acknowledge it and put it in the back of the bus - you are the driver Final Thoughts - Leslie: Give yourself space to be you - take it all up - Jackie: It's never too late to start; there's so much you can still accomplish - awaken your inner you - MJ: Be the main character and the architect of your story Learn More About Jackie Cote: https://destinymakers.net/links MJ Fievre: https://badassblackgirlsbooks.com Leslie Marsh: https://youtube.com/in/@therapistsinconversation Debra Eckerling: https://TheBookProposalExpert.com https://TheDEBMethod.com/Blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 13, 20261 hr 11 min

Visibility with Megan Dowd, Liz M Lopez & Amy Stone #630

On this episode of GoalChat, Debra Eckerling speaks with Megan Dowd, Liz M. Lopez, Amy Stone about Visibility, along with it's connection to Authenticity and Relationship Development. Megan is a brand coach and copywriter, Liz is a career and business success coach, and Amy is creator of The Art of Imperfect Adulting.  When are confident in your expertise, purpose, and/or superpower - Megan's superpower is unlocking words, Liz's is unlocking people, and Amy's is unlocking origin stories - it's much easier to show up as your authentic self, be seen, and be of assistance to others. What is Visibility? - Liz: It's about relationships. Staying in touch with people who are meaningful to you - Amy: Discoverability/the ability to be found - Megan: It requires the courage to be misunderstood, to put yourself out there Goals  - Amy: Invite people to do the thing you want them to do: listen to your podcast, subscribe to your newsletter, etc. - Megan: Repetition is key to visibility. Repeat yourself - make/post the same invitation - 5 times in one week. - Liz: Call 3 people you haven't spoken to in over a year Final Thoughts - Megan: Your work is this beautiful sanctuary - drop anyone into it, they will be confused. You audience needs you to over simplify what you do in order to understand your value - Amy: Visibility can be overwhelming; keep working it - Liz: Take a step closer to visibility. Isolation is a dream killer, but courage is contagious Learn More About Megan Dowd: https://withmegandowd.com/ Liz M Lopez: https://lizmlopez.com/ Amy Stone: https://imperfectadulting.com/ Debra Eckerling: https://thebookproposalexpert.com https://thedebmethod.com/visibility-megandowd-lizmlopez-amystone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 6, 20261 hr 6 min

Go Be Awesome with Dave Bricker, Stacia Crawford & Jason Falls #629

On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling has an awesome conversation about how to "Go Be Awesome" with Dave Bricker, Stacia Crawford, and Jason Falls. Dave is a business storytelling expert and founder of Speakipedia; Stacia is a media strategist, Stay Ready Media; and Jason is an influencer marketing strategist. He is also executive director of the Marketing Podcast Network, which hosts this show, as well as other amazing podcasts. To celebrate the Mid Year, Deb has been doing GoalChats with achievers featured in 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting. The theme: "Just Go," the bonus secret in the book and the perfect topic to wrap up the celebration. Define Awesome - Dave: Something remarkable - Jason: Being in awe of someone's talent, wanting to tell others about it - Stacia: Being memorable Goals - Stacia: Create an awesome jar. On little slips of paper write down all the things that you do that make you feel awesome. Put them in a jar. And pick one out every day, and do what it says - Jason: Schedule 15 minutes each day - mid morning and mid-afternoon - to sit quietly, clear your brain, then start over/reboot yourself - Dave: Think about what the word awesome means; take an inventory of what is actually the most awesome, make that your standard of awesome, and find your awesome reflector people Final Thoughts - Dave: Let's up the ante for what qualifies as awesome - Stacia: Be extraordinary and create more awesomeness in the universe - Jason: Have a great attitude Learn More About Dave Bricker: https://remarkable-stories.com Stacia Crawford: https://StayReadyMedia.com Jason Falls: https://FallsPartners.com Debra Eckerling: https://TheBookProposalExpert.com https://TheDEBMethod.com/blog Marketing Podcast Network: https://MarketingPodcasts.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 30, 20261 hr 7 min

Go Eat GoalChat with Elaine Hall, Kat Neff & Jessie-Sierra Ross #628

On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling talks about the power of food with Elaine Hall, Kat Neff, and Jessie-Sierra Ross. Elaine is a speaker, advocate, and founder of The Miracle Project; Kat is senior publicist and media relations at Llewellyn Worldwide; and Jessie-Sierra Ross is author of “Seasons Around the Table” and founder of StraighttotheHipsBaby.com. Food has a way of bringing people together. It creates connections, builds community, and gives us opportunities to show kindnessWhat Makes Food the Universal Language- Jessie: It’s about celebration – we survived. It’s fundamental.- Elaine: We all need to eat. In different countries, even when you don’t speak the same language, you come to the table, connect over food and share experiences and joy- Kat: Family traditions Goals - Elaine: Smile to yourself. There’s a meditation where you let yourself smile – it helps how you approach everything - Jessie-Sierra: Do unto others … Be the person you needed for other people, take the opportunity to offer help - Kat: Don’t miss an opportunity to be kind; be gentle to those around you Final Thoughts - Kat: Goal is not a dirty word, you need to embrace goals to create the life you want - Jessie-Sierra: Be fearless in extending an arm to the ones before you and behind you - Elaine: Start with a vision and make sure that vision is aligned with your heart and soul. Celebrate everything along the way Learn More About: Elaine Hall: https://Elaine-Hall.com The Miracle Project: https://TheMiracleProject.org Kat Neff: https://KatNeff.com Jessie-Sierra Ross: https://StraightToTheHipsBaby.com Debra Eckerling: https://TheBookProposalExpert.com https://theDebMethod.com/blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 23, 20261 hr 6 min

Go Be Creative with Heather Eck, Holly Homer & Brenda Knight #627

On this episode of Goalchat, host Debra Eckerling talks about creativity with intuitive artist Heather Eck (who has synesthesia - the ability to see color), content creator Holly Homer (founder of Pagewheel and Kids Activities Blog), and author/publisher Brenda Knight (Books that Save Lives aka BTSL). All three are featured in "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting" - a BTSL book, championed by Brenda. They are also champions of creativity, who constantly juggle multiple endeavors. Heather, Holly, and Brenda share their 52 Secrets secrets, their backstories, and the projects they are currently very excited about. They also discuss the impact of AI - hint, it will not replace people, as well as their favorite strategies for creating, cultivating, and enjoying the world around them. How to Get Unstuck - Brenda: Go for a walk - Holly: Stop stressing out about being stuck; let it rest - Heather: Movement, a vibration plate, go to a thrift store, create art with a lowercase a Goals  - Holly: Baby steps, do something today, even for a minute, also do something you are terrible at - Brenda: Sit somewhere relaxing and write a new idea with your non-dominant hand - Heather: Go for a color walk, notice what color you are drawn to first and take pictures; that color is offering you a message (DM @HeatherEckArtist on Instagram if you want her to tell you what that message means Final Thoughts - Holly: Remember all creativity starts with play - Heather: Go back to what you loved doing as a kid - Brenda: Listen to your inner voice and believe in yourself Read the full recap and get the links discussed: https://thedebmethod.com/creative-heathereck-hollyhomer-brendaknight Learn More About Heather Eck: https://HeatherEck.com Holly Homer: https://HollyHomer.com Brenda Knight: https://BooksthatSaveLives.net Debra Eckerling: https://TheDEBMethod.com https://TheBookProposalExpert.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 16, 20261 hr 5 min

Go Meet People GoalChat with Dave Bricker, Jess Dewell & Jeff Pulver #626

On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling talks about how to "Go Meet People" with Dave Bricker, Jess Dewell, and Jeff Pulver. Dave is a storytelling expert and founder of Speakipedia, Jess Dewell is founder of Red Direction and host of the Bold Business Podcast, and Jeff is founder of VON: Evolution and The vCon Foundation, among other endeavors.  The trio shares their takes on networking aka relationship development - showing up with presence, authenticity, and with a giving mindset. When you go meet new people, these qualities are much more important than collecting business cards and performing a quick, needy sales pitch.  How to Show Up as Your Best You - Dave: Be authentic, set boundaries - Jess: Be seen and see others - Jeff: The key is to breathe and be present Goals - Jeff: Be fearless. Ask for what you need. If you don't ask, the answer is always no - Jess: Know as much about yourself in the moment, so you take the next step from who you are today - Dave: Never go into a relationship lonely or hungry, especially if you are hungry or lonely. Figure out what can you do to make the conversation not about you Final Thoughts - Dave: Think carefully about ways to meet the people you want to meet - Jess: Intuition matters as much as the hard data. Use that voice in your head to guide you - Jeff: Have the confidence to be who you are Learn More About Dave Bricker: https://Remarkable-Speaking.com Jess Dewell: https://RedDirection.com Jeff Pulver: https://Pulver.com Debra Eckerling: https://TheDebMethod.com/blog https://TheBookProposalExxpert.com Read the full recap and get links: https://thedebmethod.com/go-meet-people-bricker-dewell-pulver Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 9, 20261 hr 16 min

Go Big with Bobbie Carlton, Troy Sandidge & Viveka von Rosen #625

On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling speaks with friends and founders: Bobbie Carlton, Innovation Women;  Troy Sandidge, Strategy Hackers®; and Viveka von Rosen, Women’s Technology Integration Collaborative. The topic - how to Go Big - kicked off the July GoalChats "Just Go" theme, celebrating the Mid-Year and featuring achievers Debra interviewed for her book 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting. Whether you're growing your business, building your visibility, writing a book, speaking on bigger stages, or stepping into a new chapter, there comes a time when you have to stop playing small and embrace what's possible. Bobbie, Viveka, and Troy share stories and insights about taking risks, embracing pivots, and creating opportunities ... for yourself and others. The conversation is all about claiming your expertise, owning your authority, and amplifying your impact! What It Means to Go Big Troy: Releasing the belief that you are small! Embrace the pivot and go with it Viv: Using liminal space (transitions) as a creating space. You have to believe in what's possible Bobbie: Getting comfortable with an audience ... or the idea of an audience; speaking as one to many Goals Troy: Eliminate 99% of your offers; focus on the big things, raise prices Bobbie: If you are interested in speaking, fix your bio, so it is audience focused, not client focused Viv: Every time you feel discomfort with your situation/progress, reframe it as a rich, creative space Final Thoughts Viv: Paint your oura ring Bobbie: Get comfortable with public speaking,, so you can do the big things Troy: Take a deep breath and go! Throughout July, Deb is featuring achievers who shared tips in her book ⁠52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting⁠ on GoalChat.  Learn More About Bobbie Carlton: https://InnovationWomen.com Troy Sandidge: https://FindTroy.com Viveka Von Rosen: https://VivekaVonRosen.com Debra Eckerling: https://TheDEBMethod.com/blog https://TheBookProposalExpert.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 2, 20261 hr 2 min

Happy Mid-Year 2026 with Stacia Crawford & Keith Spiro #624

On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling welcomes Stacia Crawford of Stay Ready Media and business strategist/community builder Keith Spiroto ring in the mid-year. Stacia and Keith, who also kicked off 2026 with Deb on GoalChat, share their personal and professional wins, goals, and aspirations for the remainder of 2026. Deb chimes in with her own updates, as the panel reflects on the first half of 2026 and looks ahead to what's next. Whether you've been checking off goals all year or need a fresh start, the halfway point is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and refocus. Follow along, get inspired, and make the most of the rest of your year! Gifted Goals - Deb: Start a giggle project - Stacia: Think bigger in terms of your identity - this ties into Stacia's 52 Secrets' secret; what do you want to be known for a year from now? - Keith: Create a daily projects calendar - choose one professional, learning, and self-project to get your attention each day; 20 minutes for each (5 of 7 rule) Final Thoughts - Keith: Take action, move forward - Stacia: Sustainable consistency - Deb: "Just Go" was Greg Grunberg's 52 Secrets' secret. It's also the theme of the July GoalChats! Stop waiting and start doing! Read the full recap and get the links discussed: https://thedebmethod.com/midyear-2026-stacia-crawford-keith-spiro Learn More About Stacia Crawford: https://StayReadyMedia.com Keith Spiro: https://www.keithspiro.com Debra Eckerling: https://TheBookProposalExpert.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 25, 20261 hr 8 min

GoalChat Celebrates Pride Month with Diana Greshtchuk, Monique Impagliazzo & Duncan MacLeod #623

On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling celebrates Pride Month with Diana Greshtchuk, Monique Impagliazzo, and Duncan MacLeod. All three are members of the LGBTQ+ community, advocates, entrepreneurs, and proud multi-hyphenates. CPA Diana is founder/CEO Fan Your Flame Financial Literacy and an investor, Monique is director/writer/producer, Manifesting Productions, and Duncan is an author and Joint CEO, Books That Save Lives. The panel discusses about Pride, philanthropy, visibility, mental health, and allies. They also talk about the importance of showing up as your authentic self and "opening the door" for others throughout your journey. Goals - Diana: Hold the door open for others; pass along opportunities - Monique: Anything you put out there will come back to you; create opportunities - Duncan: Go to a museum, educate yourself on something that is a different experience from your own Final Thoughts - Duncan: Be your authentic self please - Diana: Celebrate pride in a way that you feel pride - Monique: You are already unique anyway. Take more risks and have fun while your doing it Diana Greshtchuk: https://www.fan-your-flame.com Monique Impagliazzo: https://www.manifestingproductions.com/ Duncan MacLeod: https://BooksThatSaveLives.net Debra Eckerling: https://TheDEBMethod.com/blog https://TheBookProposalExpert.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices