Success is Subjective: Real People. Raw Stories. Embracing a Non-Linear Life!

Hosted by Joanna Lilley, MA, NCC

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Episodes

351

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Interviews of people who took a break from life at one point or another to get help, grow up, or just to reassess their life direction. Some guests struggled with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, a death in the family, or just decided college was not the place for them. These stories are all-to-real, and yet we don't talk enough about how common it is for those who took a gap year to defer college, went to college and took a break, or those who struggled launching into the workforce post-college graduation. This goes out to all the young adults and parents of young adults who are struggling and contemplating what will happen if they walk away right now.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 9, 2026Episode 35226 min

Episode 352 - From the Stage to Student Support: An Unexpected Path to Purpose with Risher Reddick

What happens when the path you imagined for yourself turns into something completely different? In this episode, Joanna sits down with Risher Reddick, Executive Director of Canopy College Coaching, to explore his unexpected journey from studying acting and theater to helping neurodivergent college students navigate higher education and early adulthood. Risher shares how skills he developed as an actor—listening, presence, curiosity, and adaptability—became the foundation of his work supporting young adults. Together, they discuss redefining success, the importance of allowing young people room to struggle and grow, and why finding the right support can make all the difference during the transition to independence. This conversation offers encouragement for parents and students alike, reminding us that success is not about following someone else’s blueprint—it’s about creating your own. Risher's Resources:Risher’s Website: ReddPrepCanopy’s Website: Canopy College Coaching Canopy’s Instagram: @canopycollegecoachingCanopy’s Facebook: Canopy College CoachingConnect with Joanna Lilley Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #CollegeCoaching #AcademicCoaching #Neurodiversity #ExecutiveFunctioning

June 2, 2026Episode 35126 min

Episode 351 - Preparing Students With Disabilities for College Independence and Self-Advocacy with Annie Tulkin

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna speaks with Annie Tulkin, founder of Accessible College, about supporting students with physical disabilities, chronic health conditions, and sensory impairments as they transition into higher education. Annie shares her own nonlinear journey through education, the Peace Corps, disability services at Georgetown University, and entrepreneurship, while offering insight into why so many students struggle to access accommodations and support once they arrive on campus. This conversation is packed with practical guidance for families navigating college readiness, self-advocacy, and disability support services.Annie's Resources:Website: Accessible CollegeInstagram: @accessiblecollegeFacebook: Accessible CollegeConnect with Joanna Lilley Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #Disability #Accessibility #CollegeLife #CollegeConsultant #AccessibleCollege

May 26, 2026Episode 35025 min

Episode 350 - From Hong Kong to Addiction Treatment: How Human Connection Shaped a 38-Year Career with Brian Coon

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna sits down with Brian Coon, Chief Clinical Officer at Pavilion, for a thoughtful conversation about identity, purpose, and redefining success on your own terms. Brian shares what it was like growing up overseas in Hong Kong before moving to rural Illinois as a teenager, how his early love of marine biology unexpectedly led him into psychology and addiction treatment, and why he has remained in the field for nearly four decades despite the high burnout rate in the profession.Together, Joanna and Brian explore the pressure many young adults face to follow a predetermined path, the value of learning through mistakes, and the importance of finding trusted mentors and allies outside the family system. Brian’s perspective as both a clinician and storyteller offers a grounded, deeply human conversation about curiosity, growth, and building a life that reflects your own values instead of someone else’s expectations. Brian's Resources:Pavilion Treatment CenterPavilion AdmissionsPavilion on FacebookConnect with Joanna Lilley Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #PavilionRecovery #TraumaInformedCare #PavilionTreatmentCenter #AddictionCounseling

May 19, 2026Episode 34927 min

Episode 349 - When the Ship Is Sinking: Addiction, Chronic Illness, and the Brave Decision to Pursue Recovery with Madison Burke

Today’s episode features Madison Burke, a trained interventionist and recovery professional whose journey through addiction, chronic illness, mental health struggles, and recovery reshaped her understanding of identity and success. Despite appearing highly functional on the outside, Madison spent years battling substance use, unmanaged diabetes, depression, and survival mode behind the scenes. Madison shares with Joanna and listeners what it was like to experience her body breaking down before her mind was ready to fully confront her addiction. She also discusses the pressure to “keep it together,” the hidden reality of high functioning addiction, and how recovery forced her to rediscover who she was outside of achievement and crisis. Today, Madison helps individuals and families navigate addiction and healing through a whole-family recovery approach grounded in compassion and lived experience.Madison's Resources:LinkedIn: Madison BurkeWebsite: Maxwell Recovery ServicesConnect with Joanna Lilley Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible

May 12, 2026Episode 34824 min

Episode 348 - From Side Passions to Purpose: Cultivating Self-Trust Through Creativity with Aideen Ni Riada

In this episode of Success if Subjective, Joanna sits down with Aideen Ni Riada, a vocal coach and creative mentor who helps people build confidence and reconnect with their authentic voice through singing and creativity. Aideen shares her nonlinear journey from growing up in Ireland and pursuing “safe” career paths, to experiencing burnout in London before eventually rebuilding her life around music, self-expression, and meaningful work. Together, they explore the pressure many young people feel to choose practical paths over creative passions, the importance of self-trust and experimentation, and how success often comes from allowing yourself to evolve. This episode is a reminder that fulfillment rarely follows a straight line — and that creativity can become a powerful path back to yourself.Aideen's Resources: Email: info@confidenceinsinging.comWebsite: Confidence in Singing Facebook Group: Confidence In Singing With AideenInstagram: @aideenniriadaConnect with Joanna Lilley Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #ResonateWithAideen #YourVoiceMatters #SpeakYourTruth #VoiceCoach

May 5, 2026Episode 34728 min

Episode 347 - Beyond Traditional ABA: Supporting Neurodivergent Families Through Connection and Regulation with Jerrod Zertuche

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna sits down with board certified behavior analyst and parent coach Jerrod Zertuche to explore the evolving world of ABA, emotional regulation, and supporting neurodivergent families through connection and regulation. Jerrod shares his own nonlinear journey through anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, and feeling lost after college before ultimately finding purpose in helping families heal generational patterns and build safer, more connected relationships with their children. Together, they discuss the importance of nervous system regulation, why parent support is often the missing piece in behavioral interventions, and how emotional safety can create lasting change for both parents and kids. This conversation offers an honest and compassionate look at what happens when families move beyond compliance-based approaches and begin prioritizing connection, regulation, and healing. Jerrod's Resources: Website: Parenting From LoveFacebook Group: Parenting From LoveInstagram: @parentfromloveConnect with Joanna Lilley Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #ParentFromLove #ABATherapy #Autism #NervousSytem #NervousSytemRegulation #ParentCoach #NeurodivergentHelp

April 28, 2026Episode 34627 min

Episode 346 - Running on Empty: Burnout, Boundaries, and a More Sustainable Way Forward with Dana Skaggs

In this episode, Dana Skaggs—a psychotherapist, keynote speaker, and podcast host known as the “Queen of Boundaries”—joins Joanna to explore burnout, boundaries, and sustainable success. With over 17 years of clinical experience, Dana shares how stepping away from external expectations led her into work that now helps high performers create more aligned, sustainable lives. She also hosts the top 5% globally ranked Phoenix and Flame podcast and is a regular contributor on her local ABC/CBS affiliate.Together, they unpack how burnout often builds quietly—through ignored limits and internal pressure—and why boundaries start with the relationship we have with ourselves. With humor and no-BS honesty, Dana offers a more sustainable way to keep going without losing yourself in the process.Dana's Resources: Website: Dana SkaggsBoundaries QuizInstagram: @dana.b.skaggsFacebook: Dana Bates SkaggsLinkedIn: Dana SkaggsDana’s Podcast:Website: Phoenix and Flame PodcastConnect with Joanna Lilley Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #DanaSkaggs #Boundaries #LetNoBeNo #ProfessionalGrowth #BurnoutPrevention

April 21, 2026Episode 34520 min

Episode 345 - Chasing Money, Finding Meaning: A Different Kind of Return with Rebecca Guez

Rebecca Guez’s journey challenges the traditional definition of success, moving far beyond the high-pressure expectations she grew up with on the Upper East Side of New York City. Raised in an environment that prioritized elite education, financial success, and status, she initially followed the expected path into business school and the finance world—only to realize it was deeply misaligned with who she truly was. In this episode, Rebecca shares how stepping away from that path led her into a much more meaningful and expansive journey of self-discovery, motherhood, and healing. From navigating the challenges of parenting to exploring spirituality and emotional growth, she ultimately built a career as an intuitive coach and emotional healer, helping others unpack limiting beliefs and reconnect with themselves. This conversation speaks directly to young adults who feel torn between external expectations and internal knowing, offering reassurance that it’s not only okay—but necessary—to question the path you were given. Rebecca reminds us that success isn’t something you arrive at once and for all, but something that evolves as you grow, heal, and choose alignment over approval.Rebecca's Resources: Website: Rebecca GuezInstagram: @rebeccaguezFacebook: Rebecca GuezConnect with Joanna Lilley Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #SpiritualGrowth #MindsetShift #PersonalDevelopment #SpiritualHealing #RebeccaGuez

April 14, 2026Episode 34429 min

Episode 344 - Running, Numbing, Rebuilding: The Life I Didn’t Plan with Clay Cross

Clay Cross grew up in a high-achieving environment that looked stable on the outside, but behind the scenes was shaped by addiction, secrecy, and a lack of emotional safety. From an early age, he learned to suppress anything beyond success or anger—carrying that mindset into boarding school and eventually into young adulthood. As expectations around achievement grew, so did his substance use. What followed was a pattern of expulsions, broken trust, and increasing distance from the life he was “supposed” to be building. After a turning point, Clay stepped away from everything familiar to pursue recovery—eventually becoming the owner and CEO of the very program where he once sought help. But his story isn’t just about sobriety—it’s about redefining success, rebuilding identity, and what it really takes to feel at home in your own life.Clay's Resources: Website: Ascend RecoveryInstagram: @ascendrecoveryFacebook: Ascend RecoveryConnect with Joanna Lilley Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #AscendRecovery #OutdoorTherapy #LifeInRecovery #RecoveryWorks

April 7, 2026Episode 34321 min

Episode 343 - 30 Years in Death Care: What Grief Taught Me About Living and Listening with Dr. Chris Putnam

Dr. Chris Putnam spent 30 years as a funeral director, building a career rooted in grief, service, and showing up for people in their hardest moments. With no clear direction after high school, he found his own path—one that eventually led him back to school, earning multiple degrees and transitioning into work as a therapist, professor, and parent coach. In this episode, Chris reflects on the pressure to prove himself, the unexpected reality of achievement, and the personal cost of building a life around it. He shares the tension between being a “fixer” and learning to step back, listen, and guide others toward their own answers. This conversation explores nonlinear paths, identity shifts, and how parents can support young adults through uncertainty with curiosity, safety, and connection instead of pressure. Chris's Resources: Therapy ServicesConnect with Joanna Lilley Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #ParentCoaching #TherapyWorks #RedefiningSuccess #DrChrisPutnam