What The Shift
The Podcast for Your 2am Thoughts
What the Shift is a podcast for women navigating the thoughts, questions, and quiet realizations that show up when everything finally gets quiet.
The ones about exhaustion you can’t quite explain.
Success that no longer fits.
Boundaries you know you need—but feel guilty setting.
And the feeling that something is shifting, even if you don’t have words for it yet.
No one taught us how to stop people-pleasing.
Or overfunctioning.
Or holding our feelings without apologizing for them.
They just assumed we’d figure it out.
This show creates space for the conversations women are having with themselves at 2am, but rarely out loud. Through honest, no-BS conversations, we interrupt the patterns behind quiet burnout, self-silencing, and the pressure to “handle it all.”
This isn’t therapy.
It’s not fixing.
And it’s definitely not another productivity strategy.
It’s context.
Clarity.
And the relief of realizing you’re not broken, you’re conditioned.
Hosted by Gia Lacqua, What the Shift is where late-night thoughts turn into real conversations—and real shifts.
The Podcast for Your 2am Thoughts
What the Shift is a podcast for women navigating the thoughts, questions, and quiet realizations that show up when everything finally gets quiet.
The ones about exhaustion you can’t quite explain.
Success that no longer fits.
Boundaries you know you need—but feel guilty setting.
And the feeling that something is shifting, even if you don’t have words for it yet.
No one taught us how to stop people-pleasing.
Or overfunctioning.
Or holding our feelings without apologizing for them.
They just assumed we’d figure it out.
This show creates space for the conversations women are having with themselves at 2am, but rarely out loud. Through honest, no-BS conversations, we interrupt the patterns behind quiet burnout, self-silencing, and the pressure to “handle it all.”
This isn’t therapy.
It’s not fixing.
And it’s definitely not another productivity strategy.
It’s context.
Clarity.
And the relief of realizing you’re not broken, you’re conditioned.
Hosted by Gia Lacqua, What the Shift is where late-night thoughts turn into real conversations—and real shifts.
Life doesn’t stay the same—and neither do you
What the Shift is the podcast for those moments.
The conversations women are already having with themselves at 2am—about exhaustion, boundaries, people-pleasing, overfunctioning, and the quiet realization that something needs to change.
This isn’t about fixing your life or becoming a new version of yourself.
It’s about understanding the patterns you’ve been living inside—so you can decide what still fits, and what doesn’t.
If it’s been keeping you up, you’re in the right place.
Be a Guest On What The Shift!
Your story has power. Let’s use it to make shift happen.
If you’ve ever realized—quietly or all at once—that something in your life stopped fitting, this conversation is for you.
What the Shift isn’t about polished success stories or perfectly packaged lessons. It’s about the moments no one prepares women for—the patterns you’ve outgrown, the rules you stopped following, and the truths you finally let yourself say.
We’re inviting guests who are willing to talk honestly about the questions that show up when everything gets quiet. The ones you don’t usually share on stage or on LinkedIn. The ones that actually change how you live and lead.
This isn’t therapy.
There’s no coaching or fixing.
It’s a real conversation—with impact.
If your experience includes a moment where you thought, “I can’t keep doing this the same way,” you’re exactly who we’re looking for.
Let’s talk.
Episodes
Apr 15, 2024
Mom Guilt: Finding Harmony in Modern Motherhood
Apr 15, 2024
Apr 15, 2024
42 min
In this powerful episode, Gia engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Erica Komisar, a renowned clinical social worker and psychoanalyst.
Erica shares her expertise on the importance of prioritizing motherhood in the first three years and raising resilient adolescents in the modern age of anxiety.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the impact of maternal presence on child development, the significance of attachment relationships, and the role of fathers in nurturing children. Erica delves into the societal pressures faced by women, the stigma around taking breaks in careers, and the need for intentional decision-making when it comes to balancing work and family life.
Erica's candid discussion on mom guilt, advocating for paid leave, and reevaluating societal norms will resonate with high-achieving women navigating the complexities of modern parenting and leadership roles.
Tune in to this enlightening episode to gain valuable perspectives on redefining success, prioritizing love, and finding balance in a world that often values material success over personal well-being. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation that challenges conventional norms and inspires listeners to embrace holistic living and intentional choices.
Apr 12, 2024
Apr 12, 2024
33 min
In this episode, Gia interviews Anna Dearmon Kornick, a renowned time management coach, keynote speaker, and founder of the It's About Time Academy. Anna shares her journey from a high-pressure career to finding balance and fulfillment through time management strategies.
Discover the Heart Method, a holistic approach to time management that focuses on habits, energy, attention, recharge, and time. Learn how to redefine success, prioritize values, and create intentional weekly planning sessions to optimize productivity and well-being.
Tune in to gain valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories to empower you on your journey towards a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Apr 8, 2024
Apr 8, 2024
40 min
In this episode, Gia interviews Matt Gerlach, a successful entrepreneur and author who shares his journey of triumph over adversity and personal transformation.
Matt discusses his struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and setting boundaries, leading to his path of healing and self-discovery. Through somatic therapy and writing his memoir, Matt found inner peace and redefined success as prioritizing peace above all else.
The episode highlights the importance of vulnerability, setting boundaries, and embracing inner peace in achieving personal growth and fulfillment.
Apr 5, 2024
Apr 5, 2024
30 min
In this empowering episode, Gia interviews Cherylanne Skolnicki, an authority on well-being, work-life balance, and human potential.
Cherylanne shares her journey from a successful corporate career to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of addressing the whole person at the intersection of personal and professional lives. The conversation delves into redefining success as freedom and the power of choice in shaping one's path. Cherylanne also provides insights on reframing self-care as "taking care of yourself" and the significance of daily habits that energize and restore. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to embrace the power of pause and consider reimagining their lives for positive change. Tune in to gain valuable insights and inspiration for stepping into your next chapter with authenticity and confidence.
Apr 1, 2024
Apr 1, 2024
37 min
In this episode, Gia interviews Anna Lundberg, an expert in designing successful careers and businesses prioritizing personal well-being. Anna shares her personal journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of work-life integration and redefining success.
The conversation delves into the challenges high-achieving women face in breaking free from the conventional 9 to 5 and creating their own paths. Anna highlights the significance of taking small steps towards your goals, practicing self-compassion, and being present in the moment.
Listeners are encouraged to explore their dreams, take action, and redefine success on their terms. Don't miss out on this empowering episode filled with valuable insights and practical advice for women ready to step into their next chapter with confidence and authenticity.
Mar 29, 2024
Mar 29, 2024
29 min
In this episode, Gia sits down with Celestina Ando, a contemporary portrait photographer who transitioned from a successful career in accounting to pursue her passion.
Celestina shares her inspiring journey of reinvention, from calculated risk-taking to finding success in empowering women through her boutique studio in Montclair, New Jersey. Discover how she redefined success from financial gain to personal fulfillment, and how her work goes beyond capturing images to empowering women to rediscover themselves.
Join Gia and Celestina as they delve into the transformative experience of portrait photography, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of finding your cheerleaders during times of transition.
Tune in to gain insights on resilience, identity shifts, and the power of reconnecting with oneself. Whether you're a high-achieving woman seeking inspiration or looking to redefine success on your terms, this episode is a must-listen.
Mar 25, 2024
Mar 25, 2024
33 min
In this episode, Gia welcomes Kristen Hartnagel, a personal branding expert and speaker. Kristen shares her inspiring journey of overcoming loss and grief, and how it shaped her into the successful entrepreneur she is today. Discover the alchemy of joy and how it can transform your body chemistry, along with practical tips for breaking through fear and reinventing yourself. Learn the key elements of personal branding that differentiate successful entrepreneurs and how storytelling can deeply resonate with your audience.
Tune in for a transformative conversation that will inspire you to step into your next chapter with authentic confidence.
Mar 22, 2024
Mar 22, 2024
34 min
Join Gia on an inspiring journey with Dr. Andrea Lein, a leading authority in mental health and positive psychology. In this episode, Dr. Andrea shares her remarkable story of overcoming challenges and redefining success. Discover how she empowers high-achieving women to embrace their superpowers and live a life of fulfillment. Gain insights on cultivating psychological well-being, breaking stereotypes, and nurturing the next generation. Uncover the power of positive psychology and learn how to transform your life. Tune in to this transformative episode and embark on a path towards authentic confidence and self-discovery.
Mar 17, 2024
Mar 17, 2024
37 min
In this empowering episode, Gia engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Allison Hare, a former sales executive turned women's lifestyle coach.
Allison shares her personal journey of transitioning from over-functioning to finding authentic fulfillment. Together, they explore the importance of reclaiming energy, setting boundaries, and embracing creative experiments as tools for personal reinvention.
Discover how Allison's experience with dance and nature led her to redefine success and find joy in the present moment. Gain valuable insights on unlearning limiting beliefs, surrounding yourself with supportive communities, and taking small steps towards a more fulfilling life.
Tune in to this episode to learn practical strategies for stepping out of the over-functioning cycle, redefining success on your terms, and giving yourself permission in your journey towards self-discovery and healing.
Mar 14, 2024
Mar 14, 2024
33 min
In this episode, Gia sits down with the talented artist Soo Kim, who shares her inspiring journey from corporate powerhouse to full-time artist. Soo's story of self-discovery and reinvention will leave you feeling motivated to pursue your passions. Discover how Soo infuses joy and creativity into her daily routine and learn valuable insights on overcoming self-doubt and defining success on your own terms. Tune in to this episode, where empowerment meets creativity, for a dose of inspiration as you embark on your own journey of self-discovery and healing.

GIA LACQUA
Host of What the Shift | Author of PowerShift | Speaker
Gia Lacqua is a former Fortune 100 Vice President turned Chief Empowerment Officer of elivate, where she helps high-achieving women redesign success to fit who they are now, not who they had to become to succeed. As a trauma-informed empowerment coach, speaker, researcher, and author, she draws on two decades of corporate experience and a decade of executive leadership, neuroscience, and trauma-informed practices to guide women in shifting out of survival-mode success and into lives they don’t have to survive. Her thought leadership has been featured in Forbes, Newsweek, Thrive Global, WorkLife, Scary Mommy, and more, and she is a proud member of the Forbes Coaches Council.
Gia is the author of the book PowerShift and the Limitless Little Leaders children’s series. She also serves as First Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, advancing the next generation of female leaders. A Professional Certified Coach and Certified Neurological Fitness™ Trainer, Gia blends research, lived experience, and bold leadership to help women shift from performance-driven success to purpose-driven self-leadership.
Let's make shift happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 How can I apply to be a guest on the podcast?
If you have a compelling story, expertise, or insight that aligns with our mission, we’d love to hear from you! All potential guests must submit an application through our official form. Apply here.
🔹 What kind of topics do you cover?
We focus on bold, transformative conversations that help women going through career, relationship, identity, . Our discussions include leadership, mindset mastery, personal reinvention, resilience, priority, mindset shifts, and more.
🔹 Can I suggest a guest for the show?
Yes! If you know someone who would be a great fit, please encourage them to submit an application here. We review all submissions carefully and will reach out if there’s a fit.
🔹 How can I collaborate or partner with What The Shift?
We’re open to partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborations that align with our mission. To explore opportunities, email us at WTS@gialacqua.com.
🔹 Where can I listen to the podcast?
Tune in on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.




