happy healthy hustle

What if the introvert in the room is the one who ends up running the company?

Lisa Cork spent years quietly fighting a voice that told her she wasn't confident enough, assertive enough, extroverted enough.

She did great work and never let herself believe it. Then she stopped trying to be someone else and built a career around exactly who she is.

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, Lisa and I get into the story behind her nickname, the broccoli lady: the protest press release she wrote as a brand-new...

What if the thing that drives you craziest about your partner is the exact thing holding your relationship together?

Here's what nobody tells you about compatibility: sameness feels safe, but it doesn't make you grow.

The friction.

The different pace.

The way your partner sees the thing you'd walk right past.

That's not the problem in your relationship. That's the point of it.

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I sit down with my husband, Josh Heptig, my opposite in nearly every way. I...

What if the people who become CEOs are the same people who had no clue what they were doing at 22?

Here's what nobody tells you about success: the straightest path is almost never the real one. The detours, the "wrong" turns, the plans you cancel at the last minute - those are often where your actual life begins.

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I sit down with Lisa Cork - CEO and Chief Strategist of Fresh Produce Marketing Ltd for 35 years, and my colleague at Cal Poly. Lisa graduated, accepted a...

Are you fine? Or are you faking?

Because there's a difference. And most women never catch it until they're already running on empty.

Here's what nobody tells you about burnout. It doesn't always look like a breakdown. Sometimes it looks like you. Showing up. Hitting deadlines. Smiling in photos. Saying "I'm good, just tired" for the fifth week in a row.

That is not fine. That is faking.

I know, because I did it for years.

The moment it cracked open for me? I was looking at a photo...

What if stress is not coming from doing too much… but from never noticing when to stop?

Most people think stress arrives all at once.

It doesn’t.

It builds quietly in skipped lunches, late-night emails, extra responsibilities, and the constant habit of saying “just one more.”

One more task.

One more favor.

One more meeting.

One more thing that “only takes 30 seconds.”

And most of the time, nothing happens immediately.

That is exactly why we keep doin...

What if laziness is not the real problem?

What if the thing slowing you down is not a lack of discipline… but the belief that everything has to be perfect before it counts?

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I share why perfection can quietly sabotage progress and why choosing DONE is often the move that creates the momentum you have been waiting for.

The lesson comes from something surprisingly simple: a box cake. Yes...a cake.

Because that small mo...

What if jealousy isn't a flaw at all?

What if it is one of the clearest signals you will ever get about what matters to you?

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I explain why jealousy is not weakness and why leaders do not judge signals. They use them.

I share a personal story from college, when I spent hours trying to understand a math concept while the person next to me seemed to get it in minutes. That moment used to make me...

What if the opportunity that changes your life does not look big when it arrives?

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I share the real story of how I met my husband 26 years ago and why I no longer believe luck is random.

What people call luck, I now see differently.

I see visibility.

I see courage.

I see follow-through.

This conversation is personal. My husband, Josh Heptig, joins me as we unpack how small moments can create...

Risk isn’t about being fearless.

Not because you’re weak.

Not because you “can’t handle uncertainty.”

But because most people misunderstand what risk actually is.

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I share a moment that reframed how I think about mental overload and why so many capable people quietly believe something is wrong with them.

It started with a desk.

I looked at mine and thought, This desk is too small. It felt cramped. Constricted. Impossible...

Risk isn’t about being fearless.

Not because you’re weak.

Not because you “can’t handle uncertainty.”

But because most people misunderstand what risk actually is.

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I share a moment from the new F1 movie that caught me off guard. I was sitting in a dark theater in Rome, watching Brad Pitt’s character quietly ask a bartender a question that cut through every excuse I had been holding on to:

“What’s there to lose?”

This isn’...

Making friends as an adult is hard.

Not because you’re awkward.

Not because you’re “bad at people.”

But because adult friendship runs on rules no one taught you.

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I sit down with my student, Sammy Pera, to break down what’s actually happening psychologically when you’re starting over - moving cities, studying abroad, rebuilding community, or watching everyone else look “settled” while you feel behind.

This isn’t a “go join a club” pep talk. I don’t beli...

Did this year look successful on paper?

But feel strangely unfinished on the inside?

You’re not broken.

And you didn’t fail.

But you might have optimized for the wrong things.

In this solo episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast,

I reflect on 2025 and the kind of mistakes smart, capable people make — the ones that look productive, responsible, and successful… while quietly costing you clarity, health, or peace.

Through psychology, lived experience, and deeply personal moments...

You’re not alone. And you’re not doing it wrong.

In this solo episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I share a quiet year end reflection on what actually changed my year.

Not the plans.

Not the milestones.

But the small, intentional decisions that added up over time.

This episode isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a look behind the scenes at the moments that shaped clarity, confidence, and momentum in ways I didn’t recognize until I paused to look back.

If you’ve ever felt...

Feeling behind this holiday season?

You’re not imagining the heaviness. But you’re also not failing.

In this solo episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast,

I unpack why the holidays amplify loneliness, comparison, and the quiet belief that everyone else is somehow “ahead.”

Through psychology, lived experience, and a deeply personal story from my first holiday season in the United States, this episode reframes what it really means to belong.

This conversation is for anyone whose holidays look different this year.

Quieter...

Feeling overwhelmed?

These small shifts will help you get your clarity back.

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I sit down with Quinn Magnuson — teacher, coach, founder of the Effort Over Results movement, and host of the EOR Podcast.

Quinn’s work centers around helping people slow down, find their footing, and take meaningful steps forward, especially when life feels chaotic.

From the “quicksand” sensation that pulls you deeper the harder you fight, to the tiny resets that bring your system back online, this conversation shows why calm, clarity...

Want to turn your idea into something real? Start with small steps that match the way you naturally think, feel, and solve.

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I sit down with student interviewer PJ Crocker and systems expert Kendra Corman to explore what happens when you stop forcing yourself into rigid frameworks and start building innovation around your superpower.

From discovering the moment an idea finally clicks to navigating the messy middle where motivation fades, we walk through simple structures, weekly resets, and personalized routines that help...

What if curiosity is your greatest creative advantage?

Can play really change the way we think, connect, and create?

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I’m sitting down with Dr. Kate Raynes-Goldie, a PhD in Internet Studies, cultural anthropologist, certified LEGO Serious Play facilitator, innovation columnist, and passionate advocate for neurodiversity.

Together, we explore what happens when you stop trying to fit in and start building a life that fits you.

This isn’t just a conversation about creativity.

Why do we feel the most scattered when we’re trying the hardest to stay on top of everything?

Can focus exist without hustle?

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I’m pressing pause on the pressure to perform and tuning into what’s actually happening beneath the surface when your brain feels like it has a hundred tabs open.

This isn’t just a productivity episode.

It’s about what it means to be human in a season that asks so much of yo...

What if your most powerful moments come when you feel least prepared?

In this episode of The Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast,

I’m pulling back the curtain on a perfectly imperfect moment: the first day filming my new YouTube show, Office Hours.

The hair was half curled. The matcha was mid-sip.

The guest arrived 30 minutes early. And right there, in the mess, the magic happened.

This is not a story about chaos. It’s a story about clarity.

And how to find calm, connection, and confidence when your...

Want to deliver a powerful TEDx talk? Start with these small but strategic steps.

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I take you behind the scenes of my TEDx Talk “How Small Steps Create Big Change.”

Watch it here

From rehearsing on a rug that matched the red dot to choosing golden shoes that shaped my posture, I share the small rituals, psychology, and Petite Practices™ that helped me feel ready long before stepping into the spotlight.

This conversation is about more than memorizing a scri...

What does planting tiny seeds have to do with building a successful business?

Is success really about one big break, or is it the daily drip, drip, drip of small actions?

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur and “meme lord” Drewbie Wilson to talk about the power of empathy, consistency, and using your time with intention.

Drewbie is a husband, father, and entrepreneur who transformed his life by losing over 100 pounds and rising from tech support to the C-suite of a multi-million-dollar company.

Know...

Why did a single question in my classroom stop me in my tracks?

Is using ChatGPT actually cheating, or is it just the modern version of using a treadmill instead of running outside?

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I’m bringing you behind the mic and into my classroom to unpack the real question my students wanted answered:

What does AI mean for learning, creating, and thinking for yourself?

Here’s what I talk about:

➡️ Why “is it cheating?” isn’t the question we should be asking

Why did I press “record” two days before stepping onto the TEDx stage?

Can you actually capture purpose through a podcast mic?

In this special episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I’m inviting you behind the curtain just 48 hours before I share my message on the TEDx stage in Folsom, California.

But here’s the truth.

This episode isn’t about a polished speech. It’s about the messy, beautiful, real journey that brought me here.

And I’m not doing this alone.

My special guest is the r...

Why do I reach for the label maker right before a big launch?

Can organizing my closet actually help my business—or is it just a clever detour?

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, I’m getting real about something I know intimately: productive procrastination.

As a business coach, TEDx speaker, and yes—someone who has definitely deep-cleaned her kitchen the night before a big deadline—I’m here to share what’s really going on behind those tidy distractions.

Here’s what I talk about:

➡️ What “productive p...

What are the essentials for a happy, healthy summer?

In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what’s helping me feel more radiant, grounded, and energized this season. From small wellness rituals to my current favorite products, these are the tools I’m reaching for to support my body, mind, and creativity without overcomplicating things.

I’m a big believer that it doesn’t take a massive overhaul to feel better. Sometimes all it takes is a petite practice, a small shift that changes the whole tone of your day.

This summer is especially...

What if growing your business didn’t have to mean sacrificing your family?

What if your ambition could actually strengthen your home life?

In this episode [# 66], I sit down with Joe Pomeroy—entrepreneur, husband, father—to talk about building a business without losing what matters most.

Joe shares how he turned a deeply personal moment into a catalyst for change.

This isn’t about hustle at all costs.

It’s about doing success in a way that feels true.

Inside this episode:

✔ The personal story that changed...

What if feeling stuck wasn’t the problem?

What if spinning was just your system asking for a better rhythm?

In this episode [# 65], I share how my Petite Practice™ system - based on small, strategic moves—quietly shifts everything.

No massive overhaul required.

Just one intentional step at a time.

This is not about doing more.

It’s about doing what actually works for you.

Inside this episode:

✔ The mindset reframe that helps you get out of your own way.

✔ Why smaller step...

What if your next big transformation didn’t start with a massive overhaul… but with something so small it feels almost too easy?

And what if building better habits could actually feel light, breezy, and...dare I say—fun?

In this episode [# 64], I’m walking you through six quick habit tips I swear by.

These are what I call a Petite Practice™, simple, strategic moves that stack up to real momentum.

No pressure. No perfection. Just tiny shifts that meet you where you are and get you moving in the right direction...

Ever wonder why someone else’s success looks effortless while yours feels like sweat, second-guesses, and juggling too much at once?

What if the most magical moments in your life and business are built on what no one claps for?

Let’s talk about the dance club.

Not the glitter. Not the DJ. Not the high-energy chaos of a Saturday night. I’m talking about what happens after. When the floors are sticky, the lights are being rewired, and someone is scrubbing last night’s sparkle off the walls.

In this episode...

It’s Dr. Christiane, and I am so excited to welcome you back to another episode of The Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast. Today, we’re doing something a little different. I’m not breaking down a growth funnel or teaching a new visibility tactic. I’m sharing something even more foundational - the small, simple things that are helping me stay grounded and energized this month.

I’m walking you through my Top 5 favorite products and rituals for May. These aren’t just things I like. They are part of what I call The Petite Practice, a personal phi...

What’s the secret to building visibility and confidence, even if public speaking feels terrifying?

In this episode [61] of the the Happy Healthy Hustle, I’m sharing how I went from nervous, shaky beginnings to using speaking as one of the biggest tools for growing my personal brand and opening new doors.

Spoiler: Confidence isn’t something you’re born with - it’s built, step-by-step, one petite practice at a time.

You don’t need a big stage (or perfect nerves) to start speaking with impact. You just need a safe place to practice...

What’s the secret to boosting your visibility and establishing real credibility? How do you start publishing your work even if you don’t consider yourself a writer?

In this episode of Happy Healthy Hustle, I’m sharing how publishing became one of the most powerful tools in growing my personal brand and creating meaningful opportunities. You don’t need to be a professional writer to start. You just need the willingness to share what you know and believe.

I’ll walk you through how I went from writing in small bursts during my busiest seasons to...

What if your middle school drama, self-doubt, and awkward years were actually the beginning of your confidence?

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Happy Healthy Hustle, Dr. Christiane speaks with Kate Lowpensky, a soon-to-be graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, about the transformative power of self-belief. From early insecurities to the realities of college life, Kate opens up about how her determination helped her grow into the confident, grounded woman she is today.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

What's holding back your visibility in the professional world?

How do you harness the power of podcasting for credibility?

In this special episode of the "Happy Healthy Hustle," I kick off our Petite Practice Mini Series focused on podcasting and visibility to support your growth as an entrepreneur.

In this episode, you'll discover

➡️ How using your voice can create trust and authority in your niche.

➡️ Why podcasting is a powerful tool for building lasting relationships with your audience.

➡️ My personal journey of stepping out from behind her business nam...

What's the secret to embracing change and betting on yourself?

How to shift from corporate life to entrepreneurial freedom?

Today's episode is all about transforming your career path to achieve better health, wellness, and fulfillment through personal and professional alignment.

My guest, Tiffany Olszuk, a holistic wellness coach for women, shares her journey from the corporate world to helping others break toxic stress cycles and embrace their unique gifts.

In this episode, you'll discover

➡️ The impact of intuition and creativity in navigating major life changes.

➡️ How brea...

What’s on your 2025 list?

Let’s make 2025 amazing—want to make a list with me?

In this episode of The Happy Healthy Hustle, I’m diving deep into the magic of list-making—specifically my “25 Goals in 2025” list.

It’s my way of balancing productivity with pleasure, and I can't wait to share it with you!

Here’s what you’ll discover:

➡️ How I blend structure and spontaneity for a more fulfilling life

➡️ The ways I’m prioritizing personal growth and joy this year

➡️ What’s on my list? Think meditation, solo...

How do you flow into wealth?

What's the secret to achieving true financial and personal balance?

Today's episode is all about aligning your values with your finances to achieve a fulfilling and balanced life.

My guest, Laura Rotter is the owner of True Abundance Advisors, a financial planning firm based in New York. She shares her journey of transforming from a high-pressure Wall Street investor to a mindful money coach.

In this episode, you'll discover

➡️ How Laura transitioned from Wall Street to starting her own financial life plan...

Are you spending too much time on your podcast?

Do you feel like balancing your podcast, business, and family is becoming overwhelming?

If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.

In this episode of Happy Healthy Hustle, I’m sharing tips to help you simplify your podcasting, save time, and focus on what truly matters.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

➡️ Why trying to do everything yourself is holding you back.

➡️ How perfectionism is draining your energy and slowing your progress.

➡️ Why not having systems in pl...

How to manage spreadsheets to overcome stress?

What is the secret to balancing personal grief with professional obligations?

Today's episode is all about navigating challenging times with resilience and maintaining order amid chaos.

My guest, Samantha Bradshaw, a digital nomad and trademark lawyer, shares her deeply personal journey of managing her mother's estate while keeping her life and business afloat.

In this episode, you'll discover

➡️ The unexpected challenges of being an estate executor and the emotional weight it carries.

➡️ How Samantha uses her "superpower" of creating comprehensive spreadsh...

What's the secret to making habits stick?

How to build consistent routines without relying on willpower?

Today's episode is all about learning the secrets to creating lasting habits and routines that fit seamlessly into your busy life.

In this episode, you'll discover

➡️ Why setting big or vague goals can hinder your progress and how to set petite, actionable steps instead.

➡️ The importance of creating systems over relying on fleeting motivation.

➡️ How to use habit stacking to anchor new habits to existing ones.

➡️ The power of focusing on iden...