Her Next Chapters

Sometimes the biggest thing standing between us and our next chapter isn't a lack of qualifications—it's the story we're telling ourselves.

In this episode, I share two pivotal moments that shaped my career and my life: the question that gave me the courage to begin coaching, and the wake-up call that changed the direction of my career.

If you've been putting off something important, questioning whether your experience still matters, or wondering what's next, I hope this conversation gives you the encouragement to take that first step. And if you're feeling like you have to...

After five consecutive weeks of job search episodes, I'm hitting pause — and I'm making the case that you should too.

In this episode, I share that I'm heading to Italy for a couple of weeks with my husband and two other couples who have been friends since the school pickup line days. All of our kids are now in college or beyond — and this trip is one of the unexpected gifts of the empty nest season. I'm giving myself the rest of June to unplug, recharge, and transition back into real life before returning to the podcast in J...

You're not 22. You're not looking for your first job out of college. And you're not willing to take just anything.

So why are you searching like you are?

In this episode of the Her Next Chapters job search series, I'm sharing one of the most underused strategies in a midlife job search: building a target employer list. Instead of reacting to job postings, you'll learn how to use LinkedIn's company search and filters to identify the right employers — before a role ever gets posted. Then I'll show you how to activate your network with something sp...

In this episode of Her Next Chapters, we continue the job search series by talking about a commonly overlooked strategy: gathering references at the beginning of your job search — not the end.

Most people wait until a final interview or job offer to think about references. But what if your references became part of your job search support team from the start?

Christina shares:
→ why references are about more than checking a box for employers
→ how reconnecting with former colleagues can activate your network
→ why relationship-building matters more than simply applying online
→ ho...

Are your job applications disappearing into a black hole? You're not alone — and it's not your resume. It's the system. In this episode, host (and career coach) Christina Kohl breaks down why the standard "apply online and wait" approach is failing midlife women in today's job market, and exactly what to do instead.

Whether you're pivoting careers, stepping into a new industry, or returning to work after time away, this episode gives you a practical, step-by-step playbook to stand out before a human even opens your file.

You'll learn:

If your job search feels scattered, frustrating, or like you're spinning your wheels… this episode is for you.

In this second episode of the Job Search Series, we’re stepping back to something even more foundational than your resume or interviews: clarity.

Because if you don’t know where you’re going, everything else—your resume, your applications, your networking, and how you show up in interviews—will feel unfocused and ineffective.

In this episode, I’m walking you through:

If you’ve been applying for jobs and not getting interviews, it’s not random - and it doesn’t mean you’re not qualified.

In this episode of Her Next Chapters, we kick off a practical job search series for women who are ready for something new - whether you’re returning to work or feeling stuck in a role that no longer fits.

We start with the resume problem that quietly holds people back: bullets that read like a job description instead of showing real impact. You’ll hear clear before-and-after examples and learn how to...

Ever find yourself waiting to feel motivated before you start?

You’re not alone. And it might be the exact reason you’re stuck.

In this episode, I’m sharing a real-life moment from this week when I caught myself putting something off… and what I did instead. (Spoiler: motivation never showed up.)

We’re flipping the script on the idea that motivation has to come first, and instead focusing on what actually works: taking small, simple actions that build momentum.

Whether you’re navigating a job search, trying to get back into a...

I considered walking out of a tiny Tokyo restaurant because it felt uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and way too hard to navigate in English. It seemed like every head turned when we walked in, the menu was handwritten in Japanese, and then a “free delicacy” landed on the table that looked like chopped-up worms. That moment could’ve ended with us retreating to the nearest convenience store and calling it a night.

Instead, I took a bite. It was raw baby squid, and it was actually delicious. That tiny choice sparked a conversation with a local man named Hiro and, s...

Career pivots rarely happen in a straight line.

In this episode of Her Next Chapters, Christina talks with Brenda Brusegard, founder of Informed Tech Solutions, about her unconventional career journey from middle school science teacher to international educator to tech and AI consultant helping business owners streamline their operations. 

Brenda spent more than 15 years in education, teaching in the U.S. and internationally in Ecuador, India, and Panama. Along the way, she discovered a love for technology, research, and problem-solving that eventually led her to start her own business helping entrepreneurs simplify their t...

What happens when a lifelong identity no longer fits the season you’re in?

In this episode of Her Next Chapters, Christina sits down with Kiersten Lortz, former professional violinist turned women’s empowerment coach, author, and founder of the Possibilities Conference. After a 25-year career in music, Kiersten made a bold midlife pivot to support women navigating identity shifts, career transitions, and the emotional complexity of the empty nest years.

Together, they explore:

What happens when grief, divorce, and a career crossroads all arrive at once? For parenting coach Alyssa Smith, they arrived together in 2022 — and changed everything.

After 17 years in the classroom, Alyssa walked away from teaching, moved back to the States from South Korea, and spent six months coming home to herself. What she found on the other side was a completely new chapter — and a calling to help parents raise confident, compassionate kids while growing into their own next version.

In this conversation, Christina and Alyssa dig into identity shifts, growing out loud alongside our kids...

In this episode of Her Next Chapters, Christina sits down with Missi Bantner, an integrative neuro rehab, fitness, yoga, and nutrition coach and founder of Whole Life Health.

With over 24 years in the wellness field, Missi shares her deeply personal career journey, including early burnout, recovery from an eating disorder, multiple professional pivots, and how her own healing led her to a truly holistic approach to health. Her work integrates neuroscience, nutrition therapy, movement, mindfulness, and behavior change to help clients heal their relationship with their body, brain, and beliefs.

This...

What if your most aligned work sits at the crossroads of what you’ve done and what you’re drawn to now? Aimee Gindin’s career is a masterclass in the "winding path," featuring significant pivots from crisis counseling and a pre-med detour at Harvard to a 14-year climb up the marketing corporate ladder.

At age 40, Aimee walked away from the C-suite to build a career rooted in empathy and human connection. In this conversation, we deconstruct how she leveraged transferable skills, strategic volunteering and self-trust to reinvent herself multiple times, eventu...

Instead of New Year’s resolutions that fade fast, this episode explores choosing a word of the year—and why present became my anchor for 2026. We talk about what it really means to be present in midlife: not stuck replaying the past, not waiting for “someday,” but recognizing when the future you planned for is already here.

I share the moment my husband said, “the future is now,” and how that landed as we're launching young adults into the world, entering a new season of life, and realizing how often we postpone joy while waiting for perfect...

December is often written off as a slow time for job searching, but it’s actually one of the best times of year to network.

In this episode of Her Next Chapters, we’re talking about holiday networking and how to talk about your career during the holidays in a way that feels natural, confident, and human. If you’re in a career transition, returning to work after a break, navigating a layoff, or quietly thinking about a job search in 2026, this episode will help you show up to conversations with more clarity and ea...

In this week’s episode of Her Next Chapters, I sit down with mindset coach and former school principal Renee DeVore, whose story is one of the most powerful midlife reinventions I’ve heard yet. After a 25-year career in education — including 16 years as a principal — Renee walked away from her six-figure job, sold everything she owned, and moved to Mexico in search of alignment, authenticity, and a life that actually fit.

But her transition wasn’t linear. And it definitely wasn’t easy.

In our conversation, Renee opens up about the deeper reasons she...

As we head into Thanksgiving next week, the holidays can feel full, quiet, joyful, overwhelming, or… a mix of all of the above. In this episode, I’m sharing three simple ways to navigate the holiday with more ease, more intention, and a lot more compassion for yourself.

First, I walk you through my 24-hour gratitude practice — a realistic, grounding approach to gratitude that actually works, especially during stressful seasons.

Next, we talk holiday conversations: how to avoid the awkward stuff, redirect questions you don’t want to answer, and start meaningful, low-stress conversations around the tabl...

In a year of major layoffs and shifting industries, Christina, a career coach, shares practical job search strategies for navigating transition through bridge roles—including temporary jobs, part-time positions, seasonal work, and volunteer projects. Discover how flexible roles can boost your confidence, refresh your skills, and lead to long-term success. Perfect for women returning to work, midlife career changers, and anyone facing job loss or uncertainty in 2025. Listen for real-life examples, proven resources, and renewed hope for your next chapter.

Resources mentioned:
Ch...

If you’ve ever told yourself, “I should be able to figure this out,” this episode is for you.

I’ve been there, too—trying to do it all on my own because I can. But sometimes, doing everything ourselves comes at the cost of time, energy, and peace of mind. In this episode, I’m sharing why asking for help can feel so uncomfortable, how to recognize when it’s time to reach out, and how to know when investing in support is actually the smartest move you can make.

I’ll walk you through how to s...

Christina celebrates 100 episodes of Her Next Chapters with a behind-the-scenes story that started in her closet — literally. From recording her first episode six times (and using paper towel rolls for soundproofing!) to finding her voice and confidence behind the mic, this milestone episode is both a celebration and an invitation.

Through laughter and reflection, Christina shares what 100 episodes have taught her about starting before you’re ready, taking imperfect action, and embracing every new chapter with courage. Whether you’re launching a dream, reentering the workforce, or simply figuring out what’s next, this episode will remind you that...

Sometimes we all need permission to pause.

In today’s episode, I open up about a heavy couple of weeks — the kind that stopped my momentum completely. I skipped recording the podcast and sending my newsletter, and for the first time in a long time, I let myself just… stop. And here’s what happened: the world didn’t end.

That pause gave me clarity about how I want to move forward — including a big announcement: Her Next Chapters will now release episodes every other Wednesday. This shift gives me more breathing room to work on new proje...

Thinking about returning to work or making a career change? Strategic volunteering might be the most overlooked tool in your job search toolkit.

In this episode, Christina shares how the right volunteer opportunities can give you current experience, expand your network, and even strengthen your resume. From boosting confidence to uncovering new career interests, strategic volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about moving forward.

You’ll learn how to:

Ready to restart your career—or finally make a change in the one you have? Before updating your resume, there are critical early steps that make all the difference in a job search.

In this episode, Christina shares the four foundational moves she wishes she’d known when she returned to work after a 13-year career break. These aren’t the obvious tactics you’ve heard before. They’re the overlooked but essential steps that help you shift from scattered applications to a focused, confident job search.

Tune in to hear how to:

Labor Day celebrates all forms of work, including the unpaid labor that maintains households and communities. The unpaid work we do builds valuable skills that can translate to professional opportunities when positioned correctly on resumes.

• Unpaid labor has significant economic value, with stay-at-home moms providing work worth $184,000 annually according to Salary.com
• Women shoulder more hours of caregiving and housework weekly, regardless of employment status
• Include unpaid accomplishments on your resume when they demonstrate relevant skills for target jobs
• Personal example: coordinating complex medical care across 16 surgeries developed skills valuable for employer benefits and insuranc...

Your next chapter starts now.

Back-to-school isn’t just for kids. I share what this season looks like in my home right now: a son starting his final semester of college, another settling into his first rental for sophomore year, and a daughter thriving in her first job as an Interior Designer. With the house, calendar, and routines shifting, I name the mixed emotions of this stage and offer a gentle, practical way to step into your own next chapter.

You’ll hear:

I usually talk about careers in the context of landing a great job—but in this episode, we’re expanding the conversation to include building your own business.

My guest this week, Becky McCleery, went from teaching fourth-grade to running a thriving business as a solopreneur strategist and community builder. Her journey from passionate educator to unfulfilled working mom to successful entrepreneur is packed with lessons for anyone considering a career pivot, whether that’s finding a new role or creating one for yourself.

Becky and I talk about:

In this episode, I share the powerful mindset exercise that helped me uncover the real reason I wanted to return to work after a 13-year career break. Learn how the “5 Whys” technique—originally developed at Toyota—can help you gain clarity, build motivation, and reconnect with your purpose during a job search, career pivot, or life transition. Plus, hear my personal story of how my why evolved from “paying off debt” to something much deeper. 

I've put together a curated podcast playlist specifically for job seekers with episodes on resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, networking, mindset management, and real success...

I recently renewed my SPHR certification—60 hours of continuing education that represent more than just staying current. They reflect a deeper commitment to my growth, my clients, and the message I want to share with you today:

You don’t have to start over. But you do need to start moving.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

Let’s be honest—“self-care” can feel cliché at best and selfish at worst, especially for moms who’ve spent years putting everyone else first. But what if the real problem isn’t the concept, but how we frame it?

In this episode, I share how the phrase Protect the Asset from Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism completely shifted the way I think about wellness, motherhood, and energy management. When we see ourselves as the asset, self-care becomes essential maintenance—not indulgence. This mindset shift was game-changing for me.

I share small but meaningful habits I’ve been buildin...

Rejection hurts. But what if it’s actually redirecting you toward something better?

In this episode, I share a personal story about the time I lost what I thought was my dream home—and how that painful “no” made space for an even better “yes.” It’s a reminder that rejection isn’t always the end of the road. Sometimes, it’s a protective nudge toward something more aligned.

Whether you're facing job search setbacks, supporting your kids through disappointment, or just feeling the sting of something not going your way, this episode offers a gentle bu...

Midyear is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset—especially if those January resolutions have long faded into the background (you're not alone—most don’t make it past February!). In this episode, we explore how July offers a fresh opportunity to check in on your goals in a way that feels aligned with your real life right now.

Whether you’re in the thick of summer with kids at home or preparing to launch a teen to college, this season invites intentionality. We’ll talk about how to make time for memory-making moments, reset career momentum w...

Thinking about returning to work or making a career change this fall?

Don’t wait until September to start. In this episode, I share a summer checklist of quick career-boosting tasks you can do in between everything else life throws your way.

Reconnect with your network. Ask for references. Organize your interview outfits. Clarify what you’re looking for. And yes—even get help from your teen with your Zoom setup.

These micro-actions build confidence, clarity, and career momentum—one step at a time.

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