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 18, 2025
The Motherhood Identity Crisis: Who Am I Now?
Apr 18, 2025
Apr 18, 2025
28 min
You were the high achiever. The get-it-done woman. The one who could carry it all—until motherhood rewrote the script.
In this episode, Gia sits down with therapist and maternal mental health expert Megan Velo for a no-BS conversation about what really happens to women when the life they built suddenly no longer fits the woman they’ve become.
They unpack:
The silent shame of intrusive thoughts—and why no one talks about them
The myth of the “snapback” and the cost of chasing perfection
The identity crisis that hits high-achieving moms hard—and how to rediscover yourself in the chaos
The root of the pressure to do it all, be it all, and never ask for help
If you’ve ever felt like you’re losing yourself in the thick of it, this episode will remind you:You’re not broken. You’re shifting.
🎧 Listen now and reclaim the parts of you that success—and motherhood—left behind.
Learn more about Megan at mamatherapyhouse.com
Apr 11, 2025
Apr 11, 2025
28 min
What if your collapse was actually your catalyst?
In this raw and revealing episode of What the Shift, Gia sits down with Becca Powers—international keynote speaker, Fortune 500 sales executive, and USA Today bestselling author—to unpack the burnout breakdown that brought her to the bathroom floor… and the breakthrough that followed.
Together, they explore:
The hidden toll of high achievement and people-pleasing
How trauma shows up in the workplace (and what to do about it)
The life-saving power of boundaries
Why internal validation will always be stronger than external approval
The moment Becca realized: “I’m the CEO of my life.”
Becca’s story is every high-achieving woman’s wake-up call—and a blueprint for reclaiming your power, worth, and radiance.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever thought: I can’t keep doing life this way.
🎧 Listen now and start your shift.
Connect with Becca: www.beccapowers.com
Apr 4, 2025
Apr 4, 2025
27 min
You’re successful on paper—but inside, you’re stuck, scared, and silently settling.
In this episode, Gia sits down with divorce attorney and unapologetic truth-teller Renee Bauer to expose the lie behind “I’m fine” and the deep conditioning that keeps women playing small.
From the shame of divorce to the pressure to be the perfect mom, partner, and professional, Renee shares her personal story of breaking free from good girl expectations and rebuilding life on her own damn terms.
They dive into:- Why women stay stuck in relationships, careers, and lives that look good but feel hollow- How good girl conditioning fuels people-pleasing, perfectionism, and decision paralysis- Why “just fine” is the most dangerous place to be- What it really takes to choose yourself—even if it means doing it afraid
This episode is your wake-up call. Your permission slip. Your reminder that it’s never too late to shift—and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for wanting more.
Listen in and ask yourself: What are you done settling for?
Connect with Renee: www.familylawyerct.com
Mar 31, 2025
The Shift Is Here. Are You Listening?
Mar 31, 2025
Mar 31, 2025
3 min
You feel it. That internal nudge. The quiet discomfort. The loud unraveling.
Something’s shifting—and it’s not waiting for your permission.
In this premiere episode of What The Shift, Gia Lacqua—trauma-informed empowerment coach and founder of Radical Prioritization™—gets real about what happens when the life you’ve built no longer fits. Whether the shift showed up by choice or by chaos, you’re standing at the edge of something big. Now the only question is: will you cling to what’s familiar, or step into what’s next?
This isn’t just a podcast. It’s your permission slip to evolve. Because shift is happening.Are you listening?
Mar 30, 2025
What The Shift Trailer
Mar 30, 2025
Mar 30, 2025
57 sec
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.
Mar 28, 2025
Mar 28, 2025
29 min
In this empowering episode, Gia welcomes Victoria Barendsen, a registered psychologist specializing in childhood trauma and sexual abuse prevention. With a wealth of expertise and a personal mission to educate families on body safety, Victoria shares her journey to launching the Safe Kids Project.
Join us as we delve into the critical importance of teaching children about their bodies, consent, and boundaries in a way that is natural and age-appropriate. Victoria discusses the uncomfortable yet necessary conversations parents must have, the alarming trends surrounding childhood sexual abuse, and practical strategies for empowering children to recognize and communicate about their bodies.
This episode is a must-listen for parents, caregivers, and anyone passionate about creating a safer environment for children. Discover how to integrate body safety practices into everyday life, break generational cycles of silence, and foster open communication with your children.
Mar 21, 2025
Mar 21, 2025
24 min
In this empowering episode of Your Future Starts Now, Gia welcomes transformational coach Danita Young, a powerhouse in cognitive performance and personal transformation. With a remarkable background that includes being a nationally qualified bikini competitor and a successful entrepreneur, Danita shares her journey from personal training to becoming a catalyst for change in the lives of women.
Join Gia and Danita as they dive deep into the common challenges faced by high-achieving women, particularly the struggle of getting in their own way. Discover how anxiety, often seen as an enemy, can actually be reframed as a superpower that allows you to feel deeply and connect with your true self. Danita emphasizes the importance of awareness and offers actionable steps to overcome procrastination, stress, and anxiety, empowering you to become unstoppable.
Throughout the conversation, they explore the significance of the vagus nerve in regulating stress and the impact of limiting beliefs on personal growth. Danita provides insightful advice on how to navigate the complexities of emotional well-being, encouraging listeners to find their unique tools for healing and self-discovery.
As they redefine success, Danita highlights the ripple effect of making a positive impact on the world around you. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to step into their power and embrace their next chapter with authentic confidence.
Mar 14, 2025
Mar 14, 2025
31 min
In this empowering episode, Gia welcomes Dr. Cree Scott, founder and CEO of Serenity Psy Consulting, to discuss the vital role of connection in leadership. With over 20 years of experience in psychology and leadership development, Dr. Scott shares her insights on the challenges leaders face in today's rapidly changing environment, particularly for high-achieving women.
Join us as we explore the impact of anxiety, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the importance of vulnerability in the workplace. Dr. Scott emphasizes the need for leaders to cultivate empathy and psychological safety, creating a culture where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. Discover how to redefine success by focusing on internal fulfillment while still achieving external impact.
This episode is a call to action for women to embrace their authentic selves, prioritize self-care, and engage in meaningful connections. Dr. Scott also shares a sneak peek into her upcoming book, which delves into the psychology of connection and its significance in both personal and professional realms.
Mar 7, 2025
Mar 7, 2025
29 min
In this empowering episode, Gia welcomes Whitney Faires, an internationally recognized coach, keynote speaker, and leadership expert. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare industry, Whitney shares her journey from corporate executive to passionate coach, dedicated to helping individuals unlock their full potential and thrive both personally and professionally.
Join Gia and Whitney as they dive deep into the challenges of self-doubt that many high-achievers face, exploring the critical role of mindset in overcoming obstacles and achieving extraordinary levels of performance. Whitney offers invaluable insights on how to confront negative thoughts, embrace emotions, and cultivate a positive narrative that empowers you to take bold steps toward your goals.
Discover the importance of self-validation and how to redefine success on your own terms, moving away from external validation to a more fulfilling internal compass. Whitney emphasizes the power of choice and the courage it takes to bet on yourself, reminding us that the journey of self-discovery and growth is ongoing.
Whether you're a corporate powerhouse or an entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and inspiration to help you step into your next chapter with authentic confidence. Tune in and learn how to rewrite the rules of success for yourself!
Feb 27, 2025
Feb 27, 2025
30 min
Join Gia as she sits down with T.H. Irwin, the dynamic CEO of T.H. Experiences, LLC, and co-founder of Ex-Experts. In this episode, T.H. shares her incredible journey of empowerment, resilience, and self-discovery, revealing how she transformed her personal challenges into a mission to uplift and educate women.
Discover the importance of knowing your true self beyond the roles you play as a mother, professional, or friend. T.H. emphasizes the significance of identifying your "superpower word" and how it can redefine your path to success. With practical advice on journaling, setting boundaries, and embracing joy, this episode is packed with actionable insights for high-achieving women ready to reclaim their identities and step into their next chapter.
Whether you're navigating personal transitions, seeking to empower yourself, or looking to connect with like-minded women, this conversation is for you.

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.




