“When in doubt, do nothing.” This was a piece of advice today’s guest, Shannon Kroll, was given while at a conference. Shannon has taken this advice to help herself take a beat and then make impactful decisions based on the feeling of what is right rather than to keep up with the fast-paced decisions so many of us fall into on a daily basis. Shannon is a Child Behavior Specialist + Parent Coach, who walks us through her transition in careers (and when she knew that was the right choice), shifting away from the need to be productive and instead recognizing new needs - and new impact - being made, and advice for those listening that might not be doing what they feel like doing. Shannon and I would love to hear what you thought of today’s episode. Share the episode and tag us on IG - @shannonkroll & @thelifeeclecticpod Transitioning from a career as a special education teacher to one as a Child Behavior Specialist + Parent CoachDeveloping a program for schools and parents of students with high needs and/or emotional and behavioral challengesHow the foundations of the program Mynd Over Matter kept Shannon coming back for moreRecognizing unhappiness in a seemingly happy situation - and allowing herself to process and hold space for emotionsShifting away from the need to be productive and instead recognizing new needs and new impact being madeGiving yourself permission to get back to yourself - in a way that feels goodThe moment after switching careers that Shannon knew it was the right choiceAdvice for those listening that might not be doing what they feel like doingA New Year’s resolution that will change education as it currently standsBook recommendations: The Whole-Brain Child and How to Raise an Adult   Find out more about today’s guest, Shannon Kroll: Shannon is a learner, thinker, feeler, empath, perspective shifter, possibility-seer, wife, and mother. For over 15 years, she has helped people of all ages see and step into their highest potential. She is a Support Coach for the master receiver program Mynd Over Matter, a Coach to families of children with behavioral and emotional challenges, and a consultant to schools seeking support with student behavior. Shannon holds a B.A. in Special Education, a M.A. in Educational Leadership, and is a National Board Certified Exceptional Needs Specialist. She lives in the south suburbs of Chicago with her husband and three children. IG: @shannonkroll

Today’s guest, Justin Goodhard gives us a glimpse of being a passionate creative, while still having a “traditional” 9-5.  Though Justin speaks modestly of his work, be sure to take a look at his accounts - his photography is truly incredible.     Justin shared with us his background in photography, juggling a day job while pursuing a creative passion and how he gets into the creative zone.  We also talked about his meetups with hikers along the Appalachian Trail and being part of the trail magic, the hidden gems of the Hudson Valley, and advice for listeners interested in the creative arts.   Justin and I would love to hear what you thought of today’s episode. Share and tag us - @justin_goodart_photography & @thelifeeclecticpod.   Here’s what you can look forward to in today’s episode: The common interest that caused Colleen and Justin to keep running into one anotherJustin’s background in photographyMeeting hikers along the Appalachian Trail and being part of the trail magicJuggling a 9-5 job while pursuing a creative passion and hoping to not burn outBecoming a photographer for Gustar and otherThe difference in being a photographer for a band vs. photographing natureHow the perspective on careers and stability have shifted over the past 25 yearsHow Justin gets into the “creative zone”Hidden gems of the Hudson ValleyAdvice for listeners interested in the creative artsThe song Justin could listen to on repeat (https://youtu.be/sigRrMjD-FE)   Find out more about today’s guest, Justin Goodhart: Justin grew up in New York’s Adirondack region and has always had a strong connection to the land and finds inspiration in the beauty of the natural world around us.  After attending St. Michael’s College in Vermont and starting a career in New England, Justin returned to New York in 2009 and currently resides in Patterson, NY with his wife Kelly and their cat Little Miss Chowder. After having been a casual photographer for many years it was the beauty of the Hudson Valley and a visit to Yellowstone National Park that served as inspiration for Justin to start taking photography more seriously.  A strong sense of wanderlust brings Justin around the region, the country and the world in search of that perfect light.   Much of Justin’s work focuses on fine art landscapes, often in the realms of long exposure and night photography.  In recent years Justin has also delved into live music photography with multiple national touring acts.  He also has an ongoing project of photographing long distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Justin’s work has appeared in multiple local, regional and national publications, shown in galleries throughout the Hudson Valley and has found its way into the homes of collectors across the US.  He is also a member of Land Gallery (Pawling, NY) where his work is always on display.   Work can be seen at:  Website: www.justinpgoodhart.com FB: www.facebook.com/JGoodhartPhotography IG: www.instagram.com/justin_goodhart_photography Gallery: Land Gallery, 30 Charles Colman Blvd, Pawling, NY 12564    Contact:  jgoodhartphotography@gmail.com (845) 319-9104

Today’s guest, Kelsey Cichoski, was hit with one life altering event after another. Rather than letting that cripple her, she found power in embracing her grief that led her to new horizons. Kelsey shared with us life altering events that happened to her and how she’s working through them and how physically moving their home rippled into moving in other ways. Additionally, we discussed how teaching skills were transferable to a mental health career and a look into “reflection sessions.” Kelsey and I would love to hear what you thought of today’s episode. Share and tag us - @kelseycichoski & @thelifeeclecticpod.   Here’s what you can look forward to in today’s episode: The events and factors that pushed Kelsey to leave teachingHow teaching skills were transferable to a mental health careerThe life altering events that happened to her and how she’s working through themThe things Kelsey was looking for in other people when she was going through everything is what she brings forward in her work now as a grief coachHow physically moving their home rippled into moving in other waysHow to build a network and make connections with people as a grief coach A look into reflection sessionsAdvice for listeners   Find out more about today’s guest, Kelsey Cichoski: I’m Kelsey and this is my story. My husband and I decided we wanted to become foster parents in 2018. We went through the licensing process and found out I was pregnant with our first child at the end of that year. We felt confident that we could still foster while welcoming a new baby into our home. In early 2019, we were foster parents to three brothers and all of us were looking forward to welcoming this baby boy. Unexpectedly, I went into pre-term labor and our little boy was born too early to survive. We learned that my pregnancies would always be high risk, and the thought of having another baby felt scary. Towards the end of the year, the brothers we were fostering were reunified with their family. I decided I could be ready to be pregnant again. Shortly after receiving a positive pregnancy test, I went to the doctor because of a lump I found. As if the fear of pregnancy after loss wasn't enough, I was diagnosed with cancer while pregnant. I received chemotherapy during and after pregnancy, learning that I was in remission when our little girl was five months old. I've learned that hard things happen to all of us. And even though life is not easy, it can still be good. IG: @kelseycichoski Website: https://kelseycichoski.com/

For some artists, they stick with a specific medium. For today’s guest, she is skilled in multiple mediums with one condition - as a lover of traveling, the art has to be able to go with her wherever she wants to take it. I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with a friend of mine, Domenica Rohrborn. Domenica is self proclaimed as mostly vegan, a professional traveler, artist and yogi. Domenica shares with us her love of traveling and culture, and how she shifted from the expectations held for her and her career to what she’s doing now. Additionally we talked about the Pay Me For Boarding Campaign and advice for anyone going for what they want in life. Let Domenica and I know you listened to today’s episode by sharing it and tagging us on IG - @heyminz and @thelifeeclecticpod. Here’s what you can look forward to in today’s episode: Diving into being an artist and Domenica’s mediums of choiceThe love of traveling and culturePay Me For Boarding CampaignHow Domenica shifted from the expectations held for her and her career to what she’s doing nowDiffering views on continuing education after high schoolThe obstacles that led Domenica to where she is todayReflections on what’s been going on since the age of 15Advice for going for what you want in life   Find out more about today’s guest, Domenica Rohrborn: Website: heyminz.com IG: @heyminz

When the recession hit in 2008, today’s guest took a leap of faith and followed her gut to start her own company - not something many people would do during uncertain times.  But wow, did it turn out well.   I had the pleasure of speaking with Ronii Bartles, a Business Strategist + Marketing Expert.  Ronii shares with us what it means to be a holistic business strategist, obstacles and struggles she faced while building a business, and aspects of her success and career that built her confidence. Additionally, we spoke about the surprising things discovered when working for yourself, advice for those changing something they’re doing currently, and being out of your comfort zone in new experiences. Following your own path can be scary, but also necessary.  Let Ronii and I know you listened to today’s episode by sharing it and tagging us on IG - @iamronii and @thelifeeclecticpod. Find out more about today’s guest, Ronii Bartles Ronii Bartles is a Business Strategist + Marketing Expert who helps entrepreneurs and business owners break free of one-size-fits-all strategies + tactics to build unique systems and processes that exponentially grow + scale your dreams. That's a fancy way to say she’s a practical brain for creative businesses. She believe that marketing is a science and it's just a math problem that we need to figure out. That's why she teaches business owners how to create business management systems + strategic marketing plans that are simple to implement and don't suck the life out of you. Website: https://www.roniibartles.com/ IG: @iamronii

This week’s guest gets a rare glimpse into a person’s world when he works with them.  They share stories of their lives and loved ones, inspiring him to create unique pieces through typewriter poetry.    I had the pleasure to talk with Pierce Logan, creator of QWERT Poetry, a custom typewriter commissions experience; he is also an all-around writer and English teacher. Pierce talks about his background, what got him into poetry and the typewriter poetry experience.  He also shared experiences he has had while encountering people and writing poems for them as well as solid advice for all of us.  Poetry is an artform that is maybe not talked about a lot by everyone, but it is very much appreciated.  Let Pierce and I know you listened by tagging us on Instagram - @qwertpoetry and @thelifeeclecticpod.   Find out more about today’s guest, Pierce Logan Pierce Logan is the creator of QWERT Poetry, a custom typewriter commissions experience; he is also an all-around writer and English teacher. Having taught English as a second language for nearly seven years, Pierce’s intention is to bridge instructional practices with creative pursuits. Since 2015, Pierce has been composing custom poetry for the public on a typewriter. Currently, Pierce exhibits his work at Green Hive Atelier in Union City, NJ, has five publications in literary magazines, four self-published books, and offers custom typewriter experiences for special events. At the time, it is of essence to introduce other disciplines with poetry such as performance and sketches. Website: www.qwertpoetry.com IG & TikTok: @qwertpoetry

There’s so much potential in the world … you have to have the confidence to take yourself seriously.  There will be people that have thoughts about what you are doing with your life or career, but it is your responsibility to yourself to know what it means to you, and your life, and to move on from there.     In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure to talk with Robin Colton, an Artist and Illustrator driven by her explorations into femininity and what it means to be a Woman; to express herself, experience the world, and move through life as a woman.   Robin talks about how she came to be an artist and how she’s found her way as well as imposter syndrome and how it relates to art.  We also discussed how Robin balances the creative side with the business side of her business and what her creative process looks like.   This episode highlights what it means to recognize and embrace who you really are and I hope you do the same for yourself.  Let Robin and I know you listened by tagging us on Instagram - @robincoltonartist and @thelifeeclecticpod.   Find out more about today’s guest, Robin Colton:   Robin Colton is an Artist and Illustrator driven by her explorations into femininity and what it means to be a Woman; to express herself, experience the world, and move through life as a woman. Her work is inspired by her experiences and emotions, travels, film, fashion, and architecture. Taking her experiences into consideration, she allows herself to express and create for the sake of expression and creation — her brushes and pens allow her to get out of her head and into the depths of her soul. Stepping into this next chapter of her life, she has emerged from her darkest times with the insatiable urge to express herself, to be seen. Knowing that it is her purpose to find and use her voice, her art has transformed from a means for survival into her healing journey as she continues discovering and growing into all the layers of herself in her femininity and as a woman. Colton grew up in Paradise Valley, Arizona, spent 13 years in Seattle, Washington raising her daughter with her husband Mykol, and currently resides in Austin, Texas. Robin has received degrees and worked for decades in the fields of both Fashion Design and Interior Design. A visual communicator at heart, she stepped into her role as a full-time Artist and Illustrator in 2021. Website: https://www.robincolton.com/ Instagram: @robincoltonartist

You’ve heard the phrase “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”  Today’s guest embodies this to the fullest extent.  I had the pleasure to talk with Samantha Kehoe, a licensed therapist with a passion for helping women become the absolute strongest, most empowered, best versions of themselves—personally, and professionally.  As a person who has always been very in touch with feelings and in processing and understanding how and why people work the way that they do, Samantha sought a career focused around mental health and wellness and the cultures of work. Samantha talks about how her multi-passionate entrepreneur life embraces the benefits of networking and making connections to follow each breadcrumb to her next move and next decision.  We discussed the benefits of sharing your knowledge and information with other people so that they can make informed decisions.  Additionally, Samantha talks about her position and consistency in direct sales and how bumps in the road of her life taught her to not compromise her values and to follow her intuition.   This episode emphasizes the importance of following your gut instinct and to use that to guide your next decision.  Let Samantha and I know you listened by tagging us on Instagram - @ms_samanthakehoe and @thelifeeclecticpod.   Find out more about today's guest, Samantha Kehoe Samantha is a licensed therapist with a passion for helping women become the absolute strongest, most empowered, best versions of themselves—personally, and professionally. Often that includes helping them become more informed consumers for their overall health and wellness. Samantha is a Director at Beautycounter and over the last 3 years has gotten safer products into the hands of 137 people. She leads a team of 26 incredible women who are also helping to change an industry and advocate for better. Along with Beautycounter, Samantha is also affiliated with two additional direct retail companies that provide clear, safer, and more transparent products: Scout & Cellar and Modere.    Samantha currently resides near the beach in Central New Jersery with her husband and Golden Retriever, Charlie.    Connect with Samantha:  IG: @ms_samanthakehoe Website: https://samanthakehoe.weebly.com/

“Stay curious and don't cling too hard to your opinions or your beliefs about what's possible.”  Wise words spoken by today’s guest, Harvey Wright.  Harvey is a climber, musician, and hair stylist, who shares his life openly with those around him, hoping to raise awareness and healing around mental health and navigating the process of life’s grand adventure. Harvey and I discussed how traumatic accidents and experiences ended up leading him to discovering the world of climbing and the documentary, Crux.  Additionally, I had the pleasure of talking with Harvey about bringing light to the challenges in life around drugs, alcohol, responsibility and depression and developing a quality of compassion and love for yourself. This episode highlights the challenges a person can go through in all seasons of life - and how to love yourself, especially when you’re challenged to do so.  Let Harvey and I know you listened by tagging us on Instagram - @harveyharvey and @thelifeeclecticpod.

What is at the core of sustainable transformation?  Find out on today’s episode, where I have the pleasure to talk with Shauna VanBogart.  She is a transformative business coach who helps small business owners build, run, and scale sustainable service-based businesses that feel as good as they look. Shauna and I discussed her path to becoming a transformational business coach, using intuition in her personal life as well as her business and the best fundamental building blocks for transformation.  Additionally, Shauna gave us advice about intentionally using your surrounding energy from the situations you are in, tips for tuning people out if you’re going down the self-employed journey and how self hypnotherapy can be used as a tool to push through resistance. We all go through seasons of change in our personal and professional lives.  I know this episode will get you a step closer to feeling confident while going through that transformation.  Let Shauna and I know you listened by tagging us on Instagram - @shaunavanbogart and @thelifeeclecticpod.

In this episode, you will learn who your host, Colleen Tirtirian, is and her inspiration behind creating The Life Eclectic pod.  Listen in to this interview style podcast, which features the unique stories of individuals that don't fit into the "one size fits all" box and how their creative lives thread into their entrepreneurial lifestyles.  In listening to these episodes, the hope is that you find something that sticks with you and inspires you as you go about your day to day.  Thanks for tuning in!