You deserve a big, full life and the freedom to enjoy it. The Brilliant Balance Podcast helps women in leadership design their next chapter for sustainable success—without burnout. Every week, host Cherylanne Skolnicki, a leading expert in work-life balance, leadership growth, and mindset coaching, shares ideas, inspiration, and insights to help high-achieving women align their ambition with personal fulfillment. Through conversations on leadership mindset, time management, and personal grow ...
…
continue reading
Cherylanne Skolnicki Podcasts
Grab your fav pen ladies, because it’s time to write the story of how your life goes! The Write Your Own Story podcast is here to encourage women to live the life they dream about by sitting with women business owners, game changers, community leaders and friends in the most honest, no perfect allowed, just girls gabbin way, about all things life and womanhood. Stories are rooted in meaning, connection, and understanding and so often are the clues for our future selves. It’s so important for ...
…
continue reading

1
Why Ambitious Women Still Feel Empty (Even When They’ve “Got It All”) with Cherylanne Skolnicki
56:05
56:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:05You’ve checked all the boxes—career, family, beautiful life—and yet, there’s that quiet voice asking, is this really it? In this soul-stirring (and joyfully real) conversation, Betsy sits down with Cherylanne Skolnicki—founder of Brilliant Balance and beloved mentor to thousands of driven women—to unpack the hidden weight of success. Together, they…
…
continue reading

1
The Weather Within: Making Sense of Emotions with Kathy Washburn
48:36
48:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:36In today’s episode, we’re talking about a framework for making sense of our emotions with Kathy Washburn, a positive psychology practitioner, life coach, cancer survivor, and extraordinary human. We’ll explore her “emotional weather” metaphor, which offers a fresh perspective and actionable wisdom on the storms we can feel within. Kathy draws on he…
…
continue reading

1
"Be Her Now" Making your vision your reality with Julie Solomon
38:35
38:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:35I’m so excited to bring you today’s episode because I had the pleasure of sitting down with the dynamic Julie Solomon, author, speaker, coach, and host of The Influencer Podcast, to talk about what it takes to turn our boldest visions into reality with her “Be her now” mantra. Julie reveals her evolution beyond her bestselling book Get What You Wan…
…
continue reading

1
Can Your Marriage Be Saved? Here’s Where to Start with Sophie Orozco
59:18
59:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:18If you’re in a relationship that looks fine from the outside — but inside you feel invisible, disconnected, and exhausted — this episode is for you. Whether you’ve tried therapy, countless conversations, or just kept pushing through, it still feels like you’re carrying the emotional weight of it all. This week, Betsy sits down with Sophie Orozco, c…
…
continue reading
Do you feel like the “noise” in your life is turned up way too high? Between buzzing phones, the din of a busy home, endless notifications, and the constant pulse of comparison, it can be nearly impossible to hear your own thoughts. Today, I’ll talk about the shocking impact of noise on our clarity, creativity, and sense of calm. I’m sharing how to…
…
continue reading

1
When the World Feels Too Heavy: An Honest Conversation About Anxiety, Tragedy, and Motherhood
21:47
21:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:47In this solo episode, Betsy opens up about the heavy anxiety so many of us are feeling right now—amid summer chaos, heartbreaking news out of Texas, and the emotional toll of simply trying to keep it all together. She shares her own experience with anxious spirals and past panic attacks, and offers two simple, powerful tools that helped her move th…
…
continue reading

1
The Surprising Truth About Why You Do It All
22:44
22:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:44If you often catch yourself thinking, It’s just easier if I do it myself, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the truth behind why so many women try to do it all and how it’s holding us back from freedom and lasting happiness. I’ll share some of my own stories of control and explain how the drive to control often creates burnout and strained relat…
…
continue reading

1
How to Motivate Yourself When You're Just Not Feeling It
20:39
20:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:39Today, I’m talking about something that hits close to home for so many of us: how to spark motivation on those days when you’re just not feeling it. Even though I’m ambitious by nature, there are days when motivation is tough to find. Whether it’s being stuck inside on a gorgeous summer day or just feeling bored with a routine that’s gotten stale, …
…
continue reading

1
Understanding Perimenopause: What Every Woman Should Know with Dr. Sara Rinala
1:09:27
1:09:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:27Brain fog? Palpitations? Random anxiety, stubborn weight, and sleep that straight-up vanished? Welcome to the chaos we never got the manual for: perimenopause. In this honest, hilarious, and hope-filled episode, Betsy sits down with women’s health expert and truth-teller Dr. Sara Rinala to pull back the curtain on the decade before menopause that n…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 400: What’s Next for You, for Me, and for Brilliant Balance
19:36
19:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:36I can hardly believe this is the 400th episode of the Brilliant Balance show! Today, I’m taking a beat to honor the milestone and sharing some of the powerful shifts I’m seeing in women like us that will influence where we go from here. From letting go of “busy” as a badge of honor to seeking real connection and weaving more ease into our lives, I’…
…
continue reading

1
The Art of Happiness: How to Feel Better, Even When Life Doesn’t
37:10
37:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:10What if happiness wasn’t something to chase… but something you create, even on the messiest days? In this deeply personal episode of Write Your Own Story, we’re getting real about what happiness actually is—and what it isn’t. No toxic positivity. No shiny Instagram-filtered illusions. Just honest truths about grief, boundaries, acceptance, letting …
…
continue reading
Today, I’m inviting you to shake up the routine of your daily life and revive the sparks of sheer delight, pleasure, and aliveness you may be missing lately. This week, I’m introducing the "Live a Little” challenge, a seven-day invitation to rediscover the small moments that make life truly worthwhile. From dancing in your kitchen to savoring a sun…
…
continue reading

1
LinkedIn Without the Cringe: Building Your Brand with Confidence with Angie Snowball
1:14:02
1:14:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:02What if LinkedIn wasn’t just for job hunting—and actually became one of your favorite places to learn, connect, and grow your personal brand? In this energizing episode of Write Your Own Story, host Betsy Leonis sits down with LinkedIn strategist and storytelling powerhouse Angie Snowball. Together, they bust the myths around LinkedIn (“Isn’t it ju…
…
continue reading

1
The Two Levers of Leadership: Power and Influence
28:03
28:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:03Today, I’m talking about the art of leading with both power and influence. After numerous conversations with college-aged women and coaching calls with experienced leaders, it’s evident that these two sides of leadership show up everywhere—at work, at home, and in our communities—but we often wrestle with when to exercise authority and when to win …
…
continue reading

1
The Conscious Mom: Coming Home to Yourself in the Chaos of Motherhood with Erin Morrison
1:14:11
1:14:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:11In this deeply grounding episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy Leonis sits down with Erin Morrison—therapist, author, and creator of The Conscious Mom—to explore what it really means to mother from a place of inner clarity, not outer pressure. Together, they unpack the internal tug-of-war so many moms feel: the push to get it right and the pull of…
…
continue reading

1
When your problem solving becomes a problem
27:34
27:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:34Have you ever caught yourself slipping into “fixer mode,” always jumping in to solve everyone’s problems, sometimes before they even ask? In today’s episode, I’m sharing the psychology behind why so many of us feel compelled to take charge and what it’s really costing us (and those we care about most). You'll discover why being the go-to problem-so…
…
continue reading

1
Your Home, Your Healing: Interior Design for Mental Wellness with Jackie Barnes
1:00:48
1:00:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:48In this inspiring episode of Write Your Own Story, host Betsy Leonidas sits down with interior designer Jackie Barnes to explore the profound connection between our living spaces and our mental health. From her roots as a mental health professional to her thriving design career, Jackie shares how thoughtful, intentional design can transform a home …
…
continue reading
Have you ever felt a tug in your heart that whispers, “There has to be more than this”? You’re not alone, and in today's episode, I’m sharing why ignoring that nudge could be holding you back from the vibrant, fulfilling life you deserve. I’ll shine a light on those subtle signs calling you forward, and we’ll talk honestly about why it’s so easy to…
…
continue reading

1
Rebuilding After the Storm: Grief, Grace, and Growth with Jaime Townzen
1:10:37
1:10:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:37In this heartfelt episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy sits down with author and artist Jaime Townzen for a powerful conversation on grief, motherhood, and rediscovering yourself after unimaginable loss. Together, they explore: 🌿 The invisible weight women carry when they put everyone else first 🌿 How creativity became Jaime’s path to healing aft…
…
continue reading
I am beyond excited to share today’s episode with you as I welcome the brilliant Jessica Zweig, dynamic entrepreneur, bestselling author, and renowned voice in spiritual alignment for business and life. Jessica is here with her latest book The Light Work and will explain the intersection of spirituality, personal growth, and joyful living. In our c…
…
continue reading

1
Reclaiming Our Bodies: Navigating Eating Disorders with Dr. Ashley Solomon
1:02:37
1:02:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:37In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of the Write Your Own Story podcast, Betsy sits down with Dr. Ashley Solomon, a clinical psychologist and founder of Galia Collaborative, for a deeply honest conversation about women’s mental health, body image, and the complex layers of eating disorders. Dr. Solomon, a recovering perfectionist and fierce a…
…
continue reading

1
5 Little Reminders You Might Need Right Now
10:36
10:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:36This week, I’m taking a step back from my usual focus on achievement and momentum to share five gentle reminders for anyone experiencing a tough season. If life feels heavy or overwhelming right now, tuck this episode away like a little love note in your pocket—it’s chock full of encouragement, perspective, and permission to honor where you are. I’…
…
continue reading

1
From Balloons to Big Business: Chrissie Blatt on Joy, Chaos & Creating Your Own Lane
1:22:06
1:22:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:22:06In this radiant, laughter-filled episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy welcomes the wildly creative and contagiously joyful Chrissie Blatt—event designer, balloon magician, and unapologetically real entrepreneur. Chrissie opens up about her journey from art school dreams to running two beloved Cincinnati businesses: Chrissie Blatt Creative and the…
…
continue reading

1
Finding Grit when you need it most with Shannon Huffman Polson
46:40
46:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:40In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Huffman Polson to talk about grit. Shannon is the founder of The Grit Institute and the author of The Grit Factor…a skill she honed by, among other things, being one of the first women to fly the Apache helicopter in the U.S. Army! Shannon shares her incredible journey from a shy Alaskan kid to breaking barr…
…
continue reading

1
Stillness is a Superpower: Creativity, Courage, and Coming Alive with Ericka Nicole Malone
1:03:25
1:03:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:25In this soul-stirring episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy is joined by the incredible Ericka Nicole Malone — award-winning screenwriter, director, producer, and the visionary behind Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story. From staging her own plays in college to fund her education to rewriting the narrative of her life through storytelling, Eric…
…
continue reading

1
How to Keep Moving Through Uncertain Times
24:36
24:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:36In today's episode, we're exploring how to keep moving through uncertain times. You know that swirling feeling of facing too many unknowns and variables? Fear not, you're not alone, and even amidst this uncertainty, there is a path forward. I've got insights and strategies to keep you not just afloat, but moving forward! Plus, I'm inviting you to a…
…
continue reading

1
From Longing to Loving: Rewriting the Story You Tell Yourself About Love with Amanda McCracken
1:06:13
1:06:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:13Why do we stay hooked on people who don’t choose us back? Why do we fall for the fantasy over reality—and call it love? In this deeply raw and revealing episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy sits down with author, TED speaker, and podcaster Amanda McCracken, whose personal journey through decades of longing, idealization, and self-sabotage led her…
…
continue reading

1
Money Mindset Series Part 4: Why the Smartest Investment You’ll Ever Make is YOU
22:07
22:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:07Investing in yourself might seem out of the question. You think of it as ‘burning cash” and can’t see the return. But when you classify everything as an expense, it’s hard to see the right things as investments. You miss opportunities that come your way when you are only looking at one side of the equation. But when you learn to value investments i…
…
continue reading

1
Shaping Cities, Shaping Lives: The Work Behind ArtWorks with Lisa Saia
58:37
58:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:37In this soul-stirring episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy sits down with longtime friend and total powerhouse, Lisa Saia—board vice chair of ArtWorks Cincinnati—for an unfiltered, deeply inspiring conversation about purpose, pivots, and the power of public art. What starts as a fun reunion quickly unfolds into a powerful narrative about civic pr…
…
continue reading

1
Money Mindset Series Part 3: Is It Time to Break Through Your Income Ceiling?
23:46
23:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:46We probably all carry a little fear around money conversations… but when it comes to asking for more, it feels easier to budget (than ask for the income we deserve). When we cut back on spending or look at downsizing, we only end up thinking smaller. And when we think smaller, we will always feel limited. There will be no financial opportunities to…
…
continue reading

1
Gratitude Is the Path: Resilience, Purpose & Leading with Heart with Rachel DesRochers
1:01:02
1:01:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:02In this radiant and raw episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy sits down with the remarkable Rachel DesRochers—serial entrepreneur, speaker, community builder, and founder of Power to Pursue—to explore what it really means to lead with gratitude, embody resilience, and live a purpose-driven life. From launching food ventures and a nonprofit Kitchen…
…
continue reading

1
Money Mindset Series part 2: Are You Acting Like a CFO or a Kid with an Allowance?
28:01
28:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:01Financial management is not a topic everyone wants to talk about. In fact, most people go out of their way to avoid money talk. Whether it’s a credit score that needs work or a budget that needs focus, finances aren’t always the easiest to discuss. But why do these conversations feel impossible to have? And how can we have a better relationship wit…
…
continue reading

1
Reclaiming Your Power Through Spiritual Business with Katrena Friel
1:06:55
1:06:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:55In this electric and soul-stirring episode of Write Your Own Story, host Betsy Leonis sits down with the radiant Katrena Friel—a business coach, spiritual guide, and unapologetic business witch—to unravel what it truly means to live a life rooted in authenticity, magic, and unapologetic self-leadership. 🌍 From Australia to your ears, Katrena shares…
…
continue reading