Where to Next | Spirituality, Health & Wellness, Life Coaching

Stacey Vulakh | Life Coach, Podcast Host, and Speaker

Welcome to Where to Next? A podcast for the driven woman who’s “been there, done that” and wants to be intentional about what’s next. Do you wonder why—on paper, your life is bomb—but you still feel meh? Maybe you want to wow yourself and finally, do the thing you’ve never done before? What if you could stop getting in your own way and see the patterns keeping you stuck? Do you love being proud of yourself, knowing you left nothing on the table? Hi, I’m Stacey V. Like you, I created a beautiful life and longed for more. Despite achievements and accolades, and having worked with experts and mentors, more remained elusive, and I kept searching with the hope something would magically click. Until one day, I stopped trying so hard. Pausing and listening to my intuition led me to what was next. And I’m here to share the same message with you. Each week, I’ll teach you how to get where you want to go next while focusing on what’s working and lighting you up. You’ll learn to connect and leverage your intuition, acknowledge doubt when it comes up, and have the skills and confidence to keep going. You’ll create your next steps with new mindset tools and crystalized wisdom, all while doing life YOUR way (and not someone else’s) and realizing it’s way easier than you ever thought. Because, my love, living life this way, your way, means the best is yet to come. Believe it. You were made for this. The best place to find me is directly in my inbox, hello@staceyv.com LinkedIn and Instagram work, too. And be sure to drop your email address for a weekly note with insights, wisdom, and recommendations—sign up below or hello@staceyv.com I can’t wait to connect with you. Thanks so much for being here. Website: www.staceyv.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/staceyvulakh LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/staceyvulakh read less
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Episodes

26. Closing Ceremony
Jun 10 2023
26. Closing Ceremony
Stacey has some news to share …this is the final episode of Where to Next. It’s not because Stacey is quitting or isn’t having fun. Quite the opposite. The podcast isn’t taking Stacey in the direction she wants to go, so instead of forcing things, she’s stopping while she’s still enjoying it. Hear more about this decision and Stacey’s plans for the future in this final episode.   As this chapter comes to a close, it's not a farewell, but an invitation to stay connected with Stacey. Join her on Instagram for  new adventures, remember to subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive updates, empowering insights, and the latest news about her upcoming endeavors. KEY TAKEAWAYS (0:10) This is the final episode of the Where to Next podcast! Hear why Stacey has loved this podcast so much. (1:05) Here’s why the podcast is ending. (3:49) It can sometimes take us a while to take action on how we’re feeling. (5:33) Part of this process has been through journaling. (8:22) The irony of the Where to Next Podcast ending isn’t lost on Stacey. Hear her thoughts. (10:58) Goodbye for now. Make sure to keep up with Stacey on her Instagram and newsletter! QUOTABLE “We tend to live in our heads, but we are not our thoughts.” “I don’t see this as quitting. I see this as no longer taking me in the direction I want to go.” “When we do things that don’t light us up, that’s letting me down and that’s letting you down.” “When you’re at a party, make sure you leave when you’re having a good time.” SOCIAL Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
25. What To Do When You Just Can’t Anymore
Jun 3 2023
25. What To Do When You Just Can’t Anymore
Have you ever experienced those overwhelming 'just can't' days when even the simplest tasks feel impossible? Whether it's tackling never-ending chores, to socializing, or battling low energy levels, we've all been there. And guess what? Stacey can relate!   On this episode of the Where to Next Podcast, Stacey shares how she gets through the hard days – where you’re feeling frustrated and exhausted. When everything feels so challenging. She also talks about how taking care of yourself models healthy behavior for your kids. Tune in to this episode and equip yourself with the tools you need to face your next 'just can't' day with grace and determination.   KEY TAKEAWAYS (0:14) Today’s topic can be shared with your kids! Hear why. (1:30) Stacey recently had one of these days. Here’s what happened. (3:09) The first thing Stacey does when these days are happening: Stop (4:40) Next, Stacey has a conversation with herself. (6:07) Third, Stacey pinpoints specifically what she “just can’t” do. (6:51) Finally, it’s time to solve the problem. (10:15) Here’s what Stacey learned through her most recent “just can’t” day. (12:26) Do you practice self-compassion on hard days? Hear why you should. (15:24) When you ask for help, you’re modeling healthy behavior for your kids. (17:19) Stacey shares an analogy from a storm.   QUOTABLE “The thing about thoughts is whenever we have a thought, we have a feeling.” “We are not the things we think.” “What’s gotta go? What can I let go of for now?” “Our children need to know they can ask for help. They need to know it’s okay.”   SOCIAL Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
24. How To Have a Hot Mom Summer
May 27 2023
24. How To Have a Hot Mom Summer
Do you have a love/hate relationship with summer? Bring on the vacations, and pool, and the beach, and later nights, and lots of BBQs. But also comes the whirlwind of chauffeuring our kids to various activities, disruptions to our daily schedules, and new routines, all of which can make it challenging to recapture the carefree summer spirit we experienced in our own childhood. Fear not!    In this engaging podcast episode, Stacey dives into practical tips and insights to help moms reclaim that wonderful summer feeling and create a season of joy and fulfillment for themselves.   From simple yet effective strategies to indulging in self-care and finding pockets of relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle, this episode is packed with inspiration to make the most of the summer season.   Sign up for Finding Forward, the 6-week small group experience to help you define & decide your next best steps by emailing hello@staceyv.com and put “register” in the subject line.   10 for 10 List by Lindsey Lives Well KEY TAKEAWAYS (1:08) It’s about to be summer break for Stacey’s kids. Hear what she loves about summer! (2:56) Moms never want to feel resentful in the summer. This is what Stacey did to resolve these feelings. (4:21) First, Stacey got curious about her feelings. Listen to what she means. (6:51) Let’s chat about planning events in the summer. Hear how Stacey approaches them. (12:41) What can happen at home during the summer? (13:28) Hear some ideas about Summer activities the whole family can do, not just your kids. (17:00) Here’s what Stacey is looking forward to this summer!   QUOTABLE “Plans are a direction. It’s an intention, if you will. It’s like picking a point on a map and then aiming for that. You can deviate, that’s fine. At least you know where you’re going.” “Summer is totally a state of mind. You having that state of mind, however you want to feel, is possible.” “I know when I give myself an afternoon or whatever it is, that space I give myself is a gift.” “What does summer mean to you? What are the feelings you love about summer? What is your intention for yourself for this summer?”   SOCIAL Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
22. What Is a Thought Loop and How To Free Yourself
May 13 2023
22. What Is a Thought Loop and How To Free Yourself
Are you tired of being trapped in endless thought loops that undermine your self-esteem? Whether it's ruminating over a perceived conversational misstep or fixating on the temptation of a single Hershey Kiss, these thought loops can seize control and dominate our thoughts throughout the day.    In this episode, our host Stacey opens up about a personal experience that occurred on the day of recording. She recounts her morning struggle and how she escaped the clutches of a persistent thought loop.   Stacey will share practical tips and techniques that have helped her successfully break free from thought loops. By implementing these strategies, you'll gain the tools needed to regain control over your mind and experience newfound peace and self-confidence. Tune into this episode and gain valuable insights from her journey and learn effective techniques to overcome similar challenges in your own life.   KEY TAKEAWAYS (1:04) Stacey shares what happened to her the morning she recorded this podcast. (5:00) Today, we’re talking about all-or-nothing thinking. Hear what this is and why it happens. (8:22) Hear another way thought loops show up. (9:19) What’s going on when we’re stuck in a thought loop? (11:24) The good news: You have a choice to stay in a thought loop or not! (13:34) Here’s what Stacey did to get out of her thought loop this morning. (16:04) With practice, Stacey has defeated thought loops. She shares how. (19:07) Stacey shares one last tool to help you get out of thought loops.   QUOTABLE “We can keep engaging in certain patterns or behaviors because it’s familiar. Imagine you’re hiking. Those synapses in your brain are just like hiking paths. They are well-worn paths. Forging a new hiking path takes a lot of back and forth for it to become dirt. Our brain’s pathways are just like hiking paths. The ones we practice are the ones we will continue to go to.” “One of my favorite tools is to ask myself this: ‘Can I just ______?’ Can I just go for a walk around the block? Can I just focus on one part of my project for 10 minutes?” “What’s a thought loop? It’s when your brain fixates on a thought and it just keeps looping and looping.”   SOCIAL Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
20. Are You Feeling Stuck? What Is Indecision Actually Costing You?
Apr 29 2023
20. Are You Feeling Stuck? What Is Indecision Actually Costing You?
How many hours, days, or even weeks do you spend pining over decisions? This is called living in indecision. In today’s podcast episode, host, Stacey, discusses what indecision is costing us in our lives. Not making a decision keeps us stuck, frustrated, and feeling confused and overwhelmed, whether we realize it or not. Tune into this week’s podcast episode to hear the steps to take when you’re faced with a big decision and how to get out of this cycle. Fill out this survey and get a chocolate bar!   KEY TAKEAWAYS (0:17) Today, we’re talking about indecision! Hear a story about Stacey’s recent indecision. (3:01) What is indecision costing us? (4:43) Here’s another cost of avoiding decisions. (5:21) What happens when you avoid being confused? Other issues arise. (8:20) Have you filled out my survey yet? It’s the last week to! (8:48) Stacey shares an example of how indecision was costly for her. (9:53) There will be days you aren’t 100% clear. That’s okay! (11:06) Hear what to do when facing indecision. (13:30) This is Stacey’s favorite way to make a decision. (13:50) Listen to these extra principles from Stacey before you finish this episode!   QUOTABLE “Indecision is incredibly expensive.” “Life is not always yes or no. There’s so much room in the middle.” “‘I don’t know’ is NEVER an answer.” “Indecision is a decision. By not making a decision, you are deciding.”   SOCIAL Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
18. The Benefits of Planning Your Own Birthday Party
Apr 15 2023
18. The Benefits of Planning Your Own Birthday Party
Happy birthday, Stacey! In this special podcast episode, Stacey chats about how she celebrates her birthdays. Spoiler: She plans her very own birthday celebrations. Of course, her family helps make the dream come to life, but she makes sure she gets to spend the day how she wants to. Hear why she started doing this, why celebrating is superfood for your brain, and how planning your own celebration can set a important example for your kids. Tune in, and please remember to leave a review or send this episode to a friend. Fill out this survey and get a chocolate bar!   KEY TAKEAWAYS (1:30) Stacey loves birthdays. Hear why they’re so important to her. (3:15) This love for birthdays ties back to childhood and Stacey’s mom. (4:58) Stacey started to plan her own birthday parties a few years ago. Learn why she does. (7:37) Communicating her expectations also models self-directed behavior for her children. (8:29) But, what about the fun birthday surprises? Here’s how they still show up. (9:32) There’s a lot of science behind the benefits of celebrating. Hear why you want to celebrate more. (13:14) So, what’s Stacey doing for her birthday this year? She has some rituals she does every year.   QUOTABLE “By planning my birthday, it does away with the whole concept of expectations.” “Not everybody in our lives gets to be as old as we are today.” “We expect other people to read our minds, and most of the time, our expectations are not met because we don’t communicate what we want clearly.”   SOCIAL Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
17. Four Things I’m Loving Right Now
Apr 8 2023
17. Four Things I’m Loving Right Now
Today’s episode of the Where to Next Podcast is a little different. In this episode, Stacey shares what has been lighting her up and nourishing her soul lately. You don’t have to do all of the things Stacey has been loving, but take a moment and think about what is feeling good to you lately. What are the little parts about your day that you love? Tune into this podcast episode to get some ideas for different ways to care for yourself, and hear why it’s so important to appreciate the little things in your life. The Class by Taryn Toomey Caraway Pans The Archetypes Podcast by Meghan Markle Fill out this survey and get a chocolate bar!   KEY TAKEAWAYS (0:44) Welcome back to the podcast! Let’s chat about four of Stacey’s favorite things right now. (1:50) The first thing – Exercise classes! Specifically “The Class.” (5:14) The second thing – Pilates! (8:55) Have a few minutes? Fill out this survey. You’ll get a chocolate bar or a cup of coffee on Stacey! (9:24) The third thing – Caraway pans—because meals don’t cook themselves (13:26) The fourth thing – The Archetypes Podcast by Meghan Markle (17:23) Bonus! Stacey has been loving going to Church again. (20:45) How often do you listen to you? How often do you nourish your soul?   QUOTABLE “When those things drop in, when they come to you, go with it. Those are the breadcrumbs in life that I want you to follow.” “Sometimes when we go back to what we used to know, it can bring a different perspective.” “What served us at one time … It’s possible that it could now.”   SOCIAL Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
16. Immaculate Mediocrity: The Shortcut to Your Dreams
Apr 1 2023
16. Immaculate Mediocrity: The Shortcut to Your Dreams
How often do you stop yourself from trying something new because you’re afraid or have doubts? More than ever, s many of us are afraid of being challenged by and being mediocre at new activities; so we don’t try and then we end up feeling depleted and disappointed in ourselves. In today’s episode of the Where to Next podcast, host, Stacey Vulakh, shares why getting comfortable with mediocrity is the secret to achieving your dreams. A lot of women struggle with the concept of starting something they may not be great at because they feel like it’s selfish. In reality, doing the hard things and the things that light us up, even for just five minutes per day, is what makes us shine. Tune into this episode to hear how. Fill out this survey and get a chocolate bar!   KEY TAKEAWAYS (0:46) Hear what’s going on in Stacey’s personal life that inspired this episode. (3:11) Stacey was also inspired by a quote from Cathy Heller. Hear the quote! (4:57) We’ve forgotten what it’s like to be a beginner. Stacey explains why it’s okay to be mediocre. (6:08) Do you keep yourself from starting something new because you’re trying to avoid feeling uncomfortable? (9:22) You have a choice to get over this fear. Stacey explains how. (12:14) What are the benefits of learning to be immaculately mediocre? Hear them! (15:29) Pardon the interruption! Do you love chocolate? Stacey is giving away chocolate! Hear how to get one here! (15:45) The little things add up. Start by doing something new for five minutes a day. (16:43) Hear two reasons starting something new can save you time. (18:19) Stacey shares a roadblock she often hears from women.   QUOTABLE “I bet the reason why you think this is hard and boring is because it’s new.” “Having the stamina to tolerate your mediocrity is the key to your brilliance. Having the courage to tolerate your mediocrity is what will allow you to find the magical things you’re going to do.” -Cathy Heller “When we don’t take chances, we’re not pushing ourselves to our edges.” “We spend so much time resisting what we want to do [and that’s why] we’re so flipping exhausted.” “This is about creating because you want to. Because you exist. Because you can.”   SOCIAL Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
15. The Breakup List
Mar 25 2023
15. The Breakup List
Breakups aren’t only for relationships. We can break up with anything, including our habits. We all have habits or behaviors we could stand to take a look at and possibly separate from. Think: those behaviors that hold us back and keep us from growing. In this podcast episode, host, Stacey Vulakh, shares her breakup list and gives listeners some ideas on what they can breakup with. Because breakups can be fun (yes!), she shares a different way of separating from these behaviors to make it more effective. Tune into this episode if you have some habits you need to give the boot! Episode 12: How Not to Talk to Yourself   KEY TAKEAWAYS (0:26) Stacey shares a story from a recent event. (2:19) Does having a “to-do list” feel heavy and never-ending to you? (3:44) Here’s a list of things Stacey has broken up with. (6:38) Do you tell yourself things don’t matter? Hear why this may be a destructive behavior. (10:12) Stacey broke up with “I am” statements. She explains why. (11:55) Make breaking up with these things fun and write a “Dear John” letter! (13:15) Stacey explains why you want to  make a breakup list. (16:16) Here’s possible upsides of breaking up with these habits.   QUOTABLE “Breaking up with things can be just as freeing as adding things.” “We’re always learning.” “We have taken so much in our lives” “If you can gently break up and put some distance, separate that part of you gently, it will fall by the wayside and melt into the background.” “We've taken on so much in our lives, we don't even realize the impact that certain habits and behaviors have.”   SOCIAL Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
12. How Not To Talk to Yourself
Mar 4 2023
12. How Not To Talk to Yourself
How do you talk to yourself? Are you kind and loving as you are with your BFF? Or do you get mouthy and sassy with the occasional edge? If it’s the latter,  it’s time to make some changes. In this week’s podcast episode, Stacey talks about certain words and phrases that may be doing more harm than good. What you think and how you speak to yourself are impactful, so tune into this episode and learn a few tiny yet potent tweaks to your vernacular.   KEY TAKEAWAYS (1:08) The thoughts and words you say to  yourself are so important. Hear why.  (1:50) Let’s talk about the word, “Should.” (3:05) The word “Should” can start a negative cycle in ourselves and others. (4:55) Next, let’s talk about the phrase, “I’m a hot mess.” (7:04) Hear solutions for how you can change these patterns. (9:23) Change takes awareness and time. Stay compassionate towards yourself.   QUOTABLE “95% of what we think on a daily basis is in our subconscious. Meaning, we are not actively aware of 95% of what's going on in our brain.” “We start believing these words, we start identifying with them, and we may not realize the impact that they're having on us.” “You are not a mess. You can say, ‘Oh wow, I’m having a bumpy day,’ but you are not a mess.” “If you wouldn’t say it to somebody else, why would you say it to yourself?” “Being gentle and kind to ourselves is what works.”   SOCIAL Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
11. My Easy (and Quick) Formula for Evaluating and Learning From Mistakes
Feb 25 2023
11. My Easy (and Quick) Formula for Evaluating and Learning From Mistakes
In this episode of the Where to Next podcast, Stacey walks listeners through a Christmas morning gone wrong. When her children were young, instead of the idyllic present opening scene she’d dreamt of, her children broke out in tears. Not everything works out as we imagine. It’s what happens next that matters more: how do we evaluate and learn for next time. Hear Stacey’s process and tips for why this  assessment process can actually save you time and stress and money in this podcast episode.   KEY TAKEAWAYS (0:51) Hear Stacey’s for context for this episode. (1:57) How often do you assess what has recently happened in your life? (4:32) Learn  three quick and simple questions to help you assess recent situations. (5:24) Let’s start with what worked? (6:52) Now, what didn’t work? (8:56) Lastly, what are you going to do differently? (10:43) Hear how Stacey made changes based on the story told in the beginning of this episode. (11:43) The assessment process doesn’t have to be long. Hear why. (16:19) Get some knowledge from Stanford researcher, Carol Dweck.   QUOTABLE “When you can hone in on this assessment process and see what's working in one area, you can very quickly adapt and apply it to the other areas of your life.” “I want you to focus on the facts. Your brain loves to spin stories and create drama. This is why you need to catch yourself and stick to exactly what happened.” “There is no shame in failing. There’s no failure in looking at what worked and what didn’t.” “Your worth on this planet does not depend on how well you perform any job. Doesn't matter how many contributions you make. What does matter is that you show up doing the best you possibly can and you are willing to always learn and expand.”   SOCIAL Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
10. The Promises We Keep and Don’t
Feb 18 2023
10. The Promises We Keep and Don’t
You’re probably someone who likes to keep the promises they make to others. After all, it seems like the right thing to do. But, do you keep promises to yourself? Do you keep up with the things you say you’ll do for yourself? In this podcast episode, Stacey explains why most people don’t keep promises to themselves and gives tips to start keeping them. She shares a few exercises and mindset changes you can use to get started. Tune in to learn how to keep those promises you make to yourself! Email Stacey   KEY TAKEAWAYS (2:11) Do you keep promises to others, but not yourself? Hear why this may be the case. (4:57) Why is it in your best interest to prioritize your relationship with yourself? (5:46) Why do we break the promises to ourselves? Hear a few reasons. (8:33) So, how do we keep promises to ourselves? (11:11) Here are some additional ways to keep promises to yourself. (12:35) Here’s a plan for when you don’t keep your promises.? (16:10) Try out these few phrases Stacey loves to use. (17:51) Keeping promises to yourself are important! (18:37) What are you willing to promise yourself today? Email Stacey and tell her!   QUOTABLE “When you keep promises to yourself, that is not selfish, that is in service to you and everyone around you.” “Our relationships with ourselves are the most important relationships we’ll ever have.” “This is something FOR you. It’s something FOR the person you’re becoming.” “We don’t live in a perfect world. Things happen. We can’t operate under the premise that everything will be perfect.” “Keeping promises to yourself builds your self-confidence and self-trust. Only good comes from those two places.”   SOCIAL Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
9. What We Can Learn by Anti-Hero by TSwift
Feb 11 2023
9. What We Can Learn by Anti-Hero by TSwift
Have you heard Taylor Swift’s new song, “Ant-Hero”? If so, you know it perfectly describes our inner critic. The lyrics tell the story of how our brains self-sabotage. Understanding WHY this happens is what this podcast episode is about.  In this episode, Stacey chats how we can make peace with our inner critic and use that critic productively. If you relate to “Anti-Hero” or your brain’s inner critic, you’ll want to tune into this episode. Listen to Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift   KEY TAKEAWAYS (1:44) “Anti-Hero” explains how your brain keeps you safe. We all have an anti-hero! (2:33) Learn  how your brain works according to the Motivational Triad. (5:22) Only 5% of your thoughts are conscious. How does this impact your actions? (6:23) Do you experience fear when starting something new? Listen to why. (7:54) Your inner critic will be with you forever. Hear how to make peace with her. (11:11) How can we manage our own anti-heroes? Stacey gives the answer. (13:17) Get Stacey’s three-step process to managing your anti-hero. First, try to ACCEPT her. (15:23) Second, develop a DIALOGUE  with your anti-hero. (16:56) Third, PROCEED.   QUOTABLE “95% of our thoughts are subconscious, which means 5% of them are very conscious.” “Your anti-hero is a part of you. Try to make peace with the fact that she’s with you.” “You now have tools, nothing has gone wrong, and your inner critic doesn’t have to run the show.”   SOCIAL Email Stacey | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website