This week, I sit down with personal development coach and author Nick Brancato to explore how we can stop folding on ourselves when life, love, and pressure hit hard. Nick shares his fascinating journey from coaching world-class poker players to helping everyday people master mindset, build emotional resilience, and create deeper relationships. Drawing from his book and coaching philosophy, Nick unpacks the connection between risk-taking at the poker table and vulnerability in relationships—and ...
Jul 06, 2025•51 min
This week, I sit down with women's life coach and mindset mentor Lexi Frank to unpack what it truly means to go from people-pleasing to owning your premium voice. We explore how women can break free from perfectionism, silence their inner critic, and reclaim their identity beyond societal expectations. Lexi shares how gratitude isn’t just about positive thinking, it’s a powerful tool for manifestation, confidence, and self-worth. This episode is perfect for high-achieving women who are tired of ...
Jun 29, 2025•1 hr 7 min
This week, I sit down with Confidence & Mindset Coach Alyx Wilkins to explore what it truly means to live in alignment. After being laid off from a career in tech, Alyx turned uncertainty into purpose—building a thriving coaching business that helps women reclaim their confidence and rewrite their stories. We dive into her transition journey, how she balances business with motherhood, and the real work behind creating an aligned, fulfilling life. If you’ve ever questioned your next step or s...
Jun 22, 2025•1 hr 8 min
This week I sit down with Jessica Smith, the voice behind @alzheimers_awakening, to discuss her emotional journey as the primary caregiver for her mother, Patti, who lives with dementia. Jessica opens up about the complexities of long-distance caregiving, the grief of watching a loved one fade, and the healing power of mindfulness and acceptance. Through vulnerability and resilience, she reminds us that even as memory slips away, love stays rooted. Whether you're a caregiver or seeking deeper un...
Jun 15, 2025•56 min
In this bold and unfiltered episode, I sit down with Sloane the Beast — chaos coach for ambitious women — to talk all things power, presence, and unapologetic authenticity. Sloane shares how embracing chaos, imperfection, and radical self-expression can actually be the secret to magnetic content and real confidence. We dive into what it means to lead loudly, create without performing, and fully own your space as a woman with ambition. If you're ready to stop shrinking and start showing up real, ...
Jun 08, 2025•56 min
This week, I sit down with wellness warrior Kim Rogers of RogersHood to uncover the hidden battles happening inside our bodies. From parasites and toxins to trauma and brain fog, Kim shares how her personal health journey led her to create a powerful natural detox system that’s helping thousands reclaim their energy, clarity, and confidence. We dive into the truths the wellness industry doesn’t talk about, the signs your body is crying out for a cleanse, and how healing starts with awareness. If...
Jun 01, 2025•1 hr 11 min
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with romance author and financial dominatrix, Sara Sitwell, to explore the world behind the fantasy of financial domination. Sara shares how her journey into writing steamy romance novels naturally evolved into building a bold online presence — and eventually stepping into the fin dom space. We dive into what being a financial dominatrix truly involves, why personal safety and boundaries on social media are non-negotiable, and how misconceptions online can...
May 25, 2025•1 hr 1 min
On this episode of Growth on the Rocks , we sit down with advocate, former actor, and filmmaker Sara Banyan for a powerful conversation about the long and complex road to healing from trauma. After decades of traditional psychiatric care failed to uncover the source of her deep pain, Sara’s life changed when she began working with trauma specialist Will Randle, who helped reveal and address her early experiences of abuse. Sara shares how therapy finally became a tool for true healing, the retrau...
May 18, 2025•59 min
Texas-based photographer Bryan Snyder joins Growth on the Rocks to share how integrity has shaped his creative journey. We dive into client trust, especially with female clients, the value of making mistakes, and why your reputation is your greatest asset as a business owner. Real talk for creatives and entrepreneurs alike. To work with Bryan, follow him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thebryansnyder/...
May 11, 2025•50 min
In this powerful episode of Growth on the Rocks , I sit down with relationship coach Gianna Rackham to explore what it truly means to reclaim your power by embracing your feminine essence. We talk about balancing light and dark feminine energy, growing up with a psychic mother, trusting your intuition, and how astrology can guide your healing journey. Gianna shares tips on embodying self-worth, attracting aligned relationships, and using your spiritual gifts for transformation. If you're ready t...
May 04, 2025•1 hr 7 min
This week I sit down with past guest, Mindset coach, Allie Brooke and the host of "The Growth Mindset Gal" Podcast. We chat about our similar backgrounds and how our cultures shaped who we are as high performing women. We also discuss the perils of perfectionism, learning from our mother's and how people pleasing can be so much more than wanting to make others happy. If you want to learn more and connect with Allie, follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthmindsetgal/...
Apr 27, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In this weeks episode, I sit down with author and mythologist Deborah Crossland to unravel the truth behind figures like Medusa and other legendary women whose narratives were distorted to serve a patriarchal lens. We dive into how men have shaped mythology to diminish female power and why reclaiming these stories matters today. Tune in for a deep, eye-opening conversation on the myths that bound us—and the truths that set us free. Follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/deb.crossl...
Apr 20, 2025•1 hr 15 min
In this episode of Growth on the Rocks , I sit down with the incredible Coach Chatty for some Real Talk & Real Growth. With a background in Social Service Work and Psychology, Coach Chatty brings a deeply compassionate and holistic approach to personal development. As a mother of three, including a child with special needs, she knows firsthand how life’s unexpected challenges can throw us off balance. Through her coaching brand, ChattyWellness , she helps women find harmony in mind, body, an...
Apr 13, 2025•59 min
Welcome to this weeks Minisiode! It's been a while since I've done a solo episode and this week, I wanted to chat a bit about my own personal development journey, why I created the podcast and the joy I feel when working with clients. Want to work with me? Visit my website : www.desiree-simone.com
Apr 06, 2025•23 min
In this weeks episode of Growth on the Rocks , I sit down with Cassandra Juniphant, founder of Ori Ara, to discuss her incredible journey of transformation. From navigating life after divorcing her pastor ex-husband to overcoming injuries and becoming a professional bodybuilder, Cassandra shares how she rebuilt her mind, body, and spirit. We dive into the power of healing, the importance of rest, and how fitness became a tool for self-discovery. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and learn how ...
Mar 30, 2025•51 min
This week I let you in on what a typical coaching session is like with me as a personal development coach. I chat with mom and Entrepreneur, Krista aka Perfume Musings. Krista is like a lot of people where she is torn between loving her multi passionate outlets, or doing what society often tells us to do, which is to find one niche and stick with it. We chat about how she can find the job in both of her passion projects, how to effectively manage her time (even if it means she has to pretend to ...
Mar 23, 2025•1 hr 11 min
This week I sit down with friend of the show, Dustin Rybka, the host of the SEX PARTY podcast. We of course, first talk about our love of Titos and Jameson (sadly not sponsored....YET!). We then dive into the start of his podcasting career, what drives him to push past even his own physical limits to make a highly successful podcast, what inspired his hustle mentality and the dream guests he would love to have on his show. Be sure to check out his podcast at: https://www.instagram.com/sexparty.f...
Mar 16, 2025•1 hr 22 min
This week I chat with Cigar Educator, Mechelle Merkerson AKA "Cigars with M." We discuss something I personally love...cigars! Mechelle explains how she got in Cigar life, why she is passionate about making women feel included into the culture, her daily educational videos about Black History and what to do and say if you are interested in cigars but are nervous walking into a shop or lounge for the first time. Follow Mechelle at the below sites : https://www.instagram.com/momentswithmechelle/ h...
Mar 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min
This week, I sit down with Philly based attorney and model, Heather Reese. We discuss her passion for advocating Latina, Latino and LatinX brands, how she got into modeling and why representation in the modeling world is so important and how she deals with the positive and sometimes negative comments on social media. To learn more about Heather, follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/heather_rxoxo/
Mar 02, 2025•1 hr 10 min
This week I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with one of my favorite people and entrepreneurs, Marissa Donahoo from FOUR CARAT VODKA. We discuss what inspired her to create her own vodka brand, how she and her husband manage their own businesses as well as working on creating their newest baby, FOUR CARAT, and how she manages life as an entrepreneur and a mom. To purchase Four Carat online, visit: https://4caratvodka.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYGueqNoKsFVN56AvfIW6r3vXSck5ZiQwxrVuyE...
Feb 23, 2025•54 min
This week, I sit down with psychologist, Dr. Taylor Day. Her focus is on neuroaffirming approaches for families with children with Autism. We discuss early diagnosis, if and when medication should be introduced and parents finding support from other parents with Autistic children. To learn more about Dr. Day visit her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the.dr.tay/
Feb 16, 2025•1 hr
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses the topic of miscarriage in an open and descriptive nature. Listener discretion is advised. _______________________________________________________________ On this weeks episode, I sit down with Arden Cartette, aka "The Miscarriage Doula". Arden speaks openly about her own personal miscarriage experience, her drive to become a birth and bereavement specialist, ways to be a supportive partner and friend to those who have experienced a miscarriage and the wa...
Feb 09, 2025•48 min
This week I sit down with Casting Director and host of the podcast "Casting Confidential", Rose Rosen CSA. We discuss her storied casting career including "Edward Sissorhands" and "Elimindate", how the casting industry changed during COVID, tips to help actors during the audition process and how casting directors are often overlooked in Hollywood. To learn more about Rose, follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/roserosencasting/ . Listen to her podcast, "Casting Confidential" at: ...
Feb 02, 2025•45 min
On this weeks episode I sit down with Psychoanalyst and Therapist Jordan Dana. We discuss her background as a performer and teacher and how it helped guide her to her current passion to help couples through Somatic Therapy. We also talk about the importance of open communication with your partner, what defines a healthy relationship, delicious natural wines and the reality show she would love to work on. To work with Jordan, visit her at : https://www.instagram.com/jordandann/...
Jan 26, 2025•1 hr 2 min
On this weeks episode I sit down with RN and Human Design Coach, Leah Michelle. (Not the actress.) We discuss what Human Design is, how she is able to integrate it in her job as an RN, the importance of self love and what my birthdate shows about my own passions and purpose as defined by Human Design. To work with Leah, visit her website at: https://www.theleemichelle.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaVE3QBIszUda7F-ei9FtkD4EtYDtHlYCQ250f9VEPWolJpZP1bJZIWPds_aem_BPuB-9QEPFRrFaT_iQnxIg...
Jan 19, 2025•52 min
On this weeks episode, I sit down with Couples Therapist, Jonathan Van Viegen. We discuss the importance of constant dialogue with your partner, when lack of intimacy becomes a red flag in a relationship, why some couples seek therapy and why you should get rid of the word NEED when addressing concerns with your partner. To work with Jonathan, visit him at: https://stan.store/couplestherapywithjonathan?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYT0Y0ZR9taLRKp80D_R_BdsbqMTZIsj-bWqeX-xklSysT2HyEPzrxjxnQ_aem_DS2Q3...
Jan 12, 2025•1 hr 6 min
This week, I chat with sisters Lynne Streeter Childress and Leslie Gray Streeter from the pop culture podcast "Fine Beats and Cheeses." We discuss why people love pop culture, celebrities whose passing still affect us to this day, the celebrities we want to live forever and the role of black woman and our nature to save the world. Be sure to follow their page on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/finebeatsandcheeses/...
Jan 05, 2025•1 hr 4 min
It's the last episode of 2024 and I couldn't think of a better guest to have on than our returning New Year's guest from 2023, Alex Propson. Since his time on Bravo's "Sailing Yacht" and "Winter House", Alex has used his stardom to create an amazing training program, tailored to help clients hit their fitness goals. We discuss life after Bravo, the development of NautiFit, his great new collaborations in 2025 and the epic group of friends he'd share a cocktail with. To work with Alex, visit him ...
Dec 29, 2024•42 min
It's Christmastime and this week, I sit down with actress and star of the 2024 Hallmark Christmas movie, "Holiday Mismatch" , Maxine Denis. We chat about working with comedy legends, how she got her start in acting, her upcoming directorial debut and how she leans into Imposter Syndrome to find her inner strength. To learn more about Maxine's upcoming projects, visit her website at: https://maxinedenisactor.wixsite.com/actor...
Dec 22, 2024•47 min
This episode goes out to all the moms just trying to survive the holidays. This week, I chat with Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Jessica Hunt. We discuss how moms make holiday magic, mostly at the cost of their own sanity. We also talk about ways you can have you partner show compassion during this time, why it's important to find ways to be grounded and how spiked egg nog can be your friend. To work with Jessica, visit her website at: https://bio.site/jessicahuntlcsw?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEA...
Dec 15, 2024•1 hr 1 min
