The Secret KeepHers

*****ALERT!!  There is reference to drug use and mental health issues in this episode.  Always seek a professionals assistance with these topics and listen with care. In this episode of The Secret KeepHers Podcast, I'm joined by author and TEDx speaker Nadine Machkovech for a thoughtful, honest conversation about recovery, identity, and the journey that led to her book, Enough Already: A Journey From Hiding to Healing. Nadine shares how her path of long-term recovery shaped not just her life, but her voice—and why Enough Already couldn't be written until she was ready to stop performing and fully listen to herself. We talk about how healing is not linear, how worth is not something we earn, and why telling the truth—without polishing it for approval—became essential. Much of our conversation centers on the writing process itself. Nadine reflects on how putting her story on the page became a physical and emotional release, and why this book took years to arrive, even though it was always meant to be written. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt pressure to be someone they're not, waited for permission to speak, or quietly wondered, "Am I enough?" In This Episode, We Discuss The lived experiences behind Enough Already Recovery as identity work, not just behavior change What it means to stop hiding and take the mask off Writing as a form of healing and release Self-worth beyond performance, achievement, or approval Why this book was written now About Nadine Machkovech Nadine Machkovech is an author, TEDx speaker, prevention advocate, and Executive Director of RISE TOGETHER. She is known for her grounded honesty, lived-experience leadership, and her work helping people reconnect with their voice, their story, and their inherent worth. Get the Book & Connect with Nadine Enough Already: A Journey From Hiding to Healing nadinespeaks.com/book Website: NadineSpeaks.com Instagram: nadine.speaks Nonprofit: weallrisetogether.org Connect With Me Website: corinnezuleger.com Instagram: corinne_zuleger The Secret KeepHers Podcast: available on all major podcast platforms Interested in being a guest on the Secret Keephers podcast? go to www.corinnezuleger.com   

In this episode of The Secret KeepHers Podcast, I sit down with sister duo Britney Suttner and Andrea Renkas for a deeply meaningful conversation about motherhood, healing, community, and what it really looks like to support families holistically. What started for them in the fitness world—during Andrea's early postpartum experience—slowly revealed a much bigger need: women and families were navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood without clear education, trusted resources, or real community support. From that lived experience, Motherhood Alliance was born. We talk about how motherhood can shift identity, how overwhelm becomes normalized, and why asking for help is not a weakness—it's wisdom. Brittany and Andrea share how their work evolved from fitness coaching into education, connection, and ultimately building a centralized wellness directory for families in Northeast Wisconsin. This conversation is about more than business. It's about purpose, seasons of life, collaboration over competition, and lifting others as we heal ourselves. If you've ever felt like you were carrying too much alone, this episode is for you. What We Talk About in This Episode How motherhood can quietly disconnect women from themselves Why postpartum education is often missing—and why it matters The emotional, mental, and physical toll of doing it all alone Building community as a form of healing and prevention Pivoting in business as seasons of life change Supporting small, heart-centered wellness businesses Asking for help in motherhood, business, and life Creating access to holistic and integrative family care Key Takeaways I don't have to do motherhood—or healing—alone Community support changes outcomes for families Education before pregnancy impacts postpartum recovery It's okay to pivot when my life evolves Collaboration creates more healing than competition Asking for help is an act of strength About My Guests Britney Suttner and Andrea Renkas are the sister team behind Motherhood Alliance, a wellness-focused community created to support families seeking a more holistic, connected, and empowered approach to health. Rooted in their own journeys as moms and entrepreneurs, they help parents find trustworthy local providers, wellness experts, and family resources—without the overwhelm. Their work centers on whole-person wellbeing, community care, and making it easier for families to access supportive, integrative options close to home. Through their directory, community events, and conversations on their podcast, Brittany and Andrea are passionate about uplifting both families and the small wellness businesses that serve them—strengthening communities one relationship at a time. How to Connect with Motherhood Alliance 🌐 Website: motherhoodalliance.com 📱 Instagram: @motherhoodalliance 📘 Facebook: Motherhood Alliance 🎧 Podcast: Motherhood Alliance (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more) ✉️ Email: [email protected] My Closing Reflection This conversation reminded me how powerful it is when women listen to their own experience and respond with service. Motherhood Alliance exists because Brittany and Andrea paid attention to what was missing—and chose to build it. If you're a mom, caregiver, or family looking for support… or a wellness professional wanting to serve from the heart… I hope this episode helps you feel seen, supported, and less alone. Learning from life, leading with love. —Corinne 💜  

In this honest and heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Cassie Groeschl—registered dietitian, mom of three, and founder of Wellness That Fits—to talk about burnout, brain health, and what it means to rediscover balance in a season of constant doing. Cassie opens up about her own turning point as a high-achieving mom, how she learned to slow down, and the mindset and lifestyle changes that helped her find peace and purpose again. Together, we explore how nutrition, rest, and self-compassion can help women move from overwhelm to wholeness. This episode offers hope, relatable stories, and practical ways to realign your energy, your values, and your life. 🗣️ Featured Quotes Cassie Groeschl: "When I looked at my calendar, my values weren't showing up there—and that was my wake-up call." Corinne Zuleger: "We think we can do it all, until our bodies and hearts whisper the truth: it's time to slow down and realign with what really matters." 🔗 Connect with Cassie Instagram: @wellnessthatfits Website + Work with Cassie: wellnessthatfits.com Podcast: Wellness That Fits Podcast 💞 Connect with Me Website: corinnezuleger.com Instagram: @corinne_zuleger  Work with Me: Schedule a Breakthrough Call at corinnezuleger.com Interested in being a guest on The Secret Keephers podcast?  Email me @[email protected] to schedule a podcast interest meeting. 

On this episode of The Secret KeepHers, I sit down with the incredible Barry Shimelfarb—founder of Carmel Retreats and steward of Cuddle Doon, known as the Lost Cottage of Carmel. This conversation is deeply moving and full of the kind of wisdom that shows us healing is never just about medicine. It is about place, community, connection, and opening ourselves to the light that is always available. In 2019, as a single father raising twin boys, Barry was diagnosed with advanced cancer. Multiple surgeries and radiation left him unable to swallow and facing a frightening prognosis. During that time, his family's historic Carmel cottage became his refuge. Planting lavender, walking the shoreline, and resting beneath ancient oak trees became simple rituals of hope that helped sustain him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Supported by community, nature, and an unwavering belief in healing, Barry not only endured—he healed. Two years later, he was declared cancer-free. Out of gratitude, Barry transformed the cottage into a sanctuary for others navigating illness, grief, burnout, or major life transitions. Carrying forward the legacy of its builder, educator and spiritual thinker Eliza Yocum, Barry sees himself as the home's steward—continuing a century-long lineage of restoration, creativity, and renewal. Through Carmel Retreats, he now offers deeply personal, boutique healing stays and his giveback initiative, Postcards of Healing, which gifts free retreat nights during calendar gaps to individuals in need. In This Episode – How Barry turned personal adversity into a mission of service – The healing power of grounding, gardening, ritual, and nature – The mystical history of Cuddle Doon and its 1920s creative lineage – How the Postcards of Healing program works – Why we hide our gifts and how to allow more light into our lives – What gratitude, place, and community mean in true healing Barry's Bio Barry Shimelfarb Founder of Carmel Retreats • Steward of Cuddle Doon In 2019, as a single father raising twin boys, Barry was diagnosed with advanced cancer. The family's historic Carmel cottage became his refuge and source of strength during his healing journey. Two years later, he was declared cancer-free. Out of gratitude, Barry transformed the cottage—built a century ago by educator and spiritual thinker Eliza Yocum—into a sanctuary for others seeking rest, renewal, and emotional restoration. Through Carmel Retreats and his Postcards of Healing initiative, he offers boutique healing experiences and gifts free retreat stays during calendar gaps to people in need. Connect with Barry Website: carmelretreats.com Instagram: @carmel.retreats Facebook: Carmel Retreats Connect with Me, Corinne Zuleger I help women feel confident, strong, and joyful by guiding them back to their worth, their voice, and their true selves. If you are ready to step into confidence, healing, and inner peace, I would love to support you. Website: corinnezuleger.com Email: [email protected] Schedule a complimentary 30-minute Breakthrough Call Podcast: The Secret KeepHer Interested in being a guest on The Secret Keephers podcast? Email me at [email protected] to set up a 15 minute podcast interest interview. 

In this episode of The Secret KeepHers Podcast, I talk with Intuitive Healer and Soul Mission Coach, Wendy Luk, about turning pain into purpose. Wendy shares how a season of deep struggle—insomnia, depression, loss, and heartbreak—became the doorway to her healing journey. Through meditation and energy work, she found her calling: helping Lightworkers and purpose-driven professionals align with their higher mission. We discuss what it means to experience a "dark night of the soul," how stuck energy shows up as fear, doubt, or overwhelm, and how we can release what no longer serves us. Wendy's golden takeaway? "We are here to create, to evolve, and to balance." Her message is a reminder that healing isn't about fixing—it's about remembering our power and coming home to who we truly are. Connect with Wendy Email: [email protected] Website: wendyluk.com Instagram: @wendy.luk Facebook / LinkedIn: @soulwendyluk Connect with Me Visit corinnezuleger.com to learn more about The Secret KeepHers Podcast and my work in self-acceptance, healing, and transformation. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:9b232ac7-0323-4f63-9e63-8df1906db45a-9" data-testid= "conversation-turn-20" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> 💫 Interested in being a guest on The Secret KeepHers Podcast? Connect with me at [email protected] to schedule a 15-minute interest interview.