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
Dec 6, 2024
Dec 6, 2024
33 min
In this inspiring episode, Gia welcomes the remarkable Lisa Annese, a dedicated practitioner and teacher of kundalini yoga, sound healer, author, and the newly crowned USOA Ms. New Jersey 2025. Lisa shares her transformative journey from a corporate career in accounting to embracing her authentic self as a spiritual guide and advocate for her son with hearing loss.
Join Gia and Lisa as they delve into the importance of living your truth, the power of sound healing, and the profound impact of following your heart's message—even when it defies logic. Lisa opens up about her personal struggles, including her divorce and the challenges of single motherhood, and how these experiences led her to create a life filled with purpose and joy.
Discover the significance of balancing your life, prioritizing self-care, and the art of saying no to reclaim your energy. Lisa also discusses her book, I Am Light: 180 Ways to Remember Who You Are, and how writing became a powerful tool for processing her emotions and healing.
Nov 22, 2024
Nov 22, 2024
39 min
In this empowering episode, Gia welcomes Amy Kemp, the owner and CEO of Amy Kemp Inc. With a rich background as a high school English teacher turned successful entrepreneur, Amy shares her journey of helping female leaders break free from subconscious thought habits that hold them back.
Discover the profound impact of thought habits on our lives and careers, and learn why you can't outwork them. Amy opens up about her new book, I See You, which addresses the often invisible struggles of high-achieving women and emphasizes the importance of being truly seen.
Join Gia and Amy as they explore the challenges of isolation, fatigue, and overwhelm that many women face, and discuss the necessity of setting boundaries—not just with others, but with ourselves. Amy offers practical insights on how to redefine success through authenticity and intentional goal-setting, encouraging listeners to invest in themselves unapologetically.
Nov 14, 2024
Nov 14, 2024
29 min
In this empowering episode, Gia welcomes Michelle Choairy, a passionate advocate for families navigating life with complex kids. As a mother of a child with a rare genetic disorder, Michelle shares her personal journey and the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way.
Discover how Michelle founded Collective Wisdom 4 Complex Kids, a support group designed to help parents find clarity and confidence in advocating for their children. With insights on the importance of early intervention, building a supportive community, and prioritizing self-care, this episode is a must-listen for high-achieving women who are balancing the demands of family and personal well-being.
Join us as we explore the challenges faced by parents of complex children, the significance of celebrating small victories, and the power of trusting your instincts. Michelle's heartfelt stories and practical advice will inspire you to seek the support you need and remind you that you are not alone in this journey.
Nov 1, 2024
Nov 1, 2024
30 min
Join Gia as she sits down with Chief Empowerment Officer and Life Coach, Tonya Kay. In this episode, Tonya shares her transformative journey from corporate stress to empowered living, helping high-achieving women break free from overthinking and perfectionism.
Discover Tonya's unique framework, encapsulated in the powerful acronym BIKE—Be You, Insight, Kindness, and Engage. Learn how to embrace your authentic self, redefine success on your own terms, and cultivate genuine connections with others. Tonya opens up about her personal experiences, the challenges of identity, and the importance of self-discovery in overcoming feelings of being stuck.
Whether you're a corporate powerhouse or an entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt wisdom to help you step into your next chapter with confidence. Tune in and get ready to ride the journey of self-empowerment!
Oct 25, 2024
Oct 25, 2024
31 min
In this empowering episode, Gia welcomes the inspiring Desi Bartlett, a women's health expert and founder of desibodymind.com. As we celebrate World Menopause Day, Desi shares her journey from a childhood steeped in yoga and meditation to becoming a leading voice in holistic health and wellness. With advanced certifications in yoga, personal training, and prenatal fitness, Desi has worked with celebrities like Ashley Tisdale and Kate Hudson, but her true passion lies in empowering women to embrace their bodies and minds during the transformative phases of life.
Join us as we dive deep into the often-overlooked topics of perimenopause and menopause, exploring the physical and emotional changes women face. Desi highlights the importance of education and awareness, revealing common symptoms and offering practical tips for navigating this life stage with confidence. She emphasizes the power of community, vulnerability, and self-discovery, encouraging listeners to ask themselves, "Am I happy?" and to take actionable steps toward fulfillment.
Oct 4, 2024
Oct 4, 2024
29 min
In this episode, Gia sits down with the inspiring Sheila Buswell, CEO and co-founder of Buswell Biomedical, U.S. Army veteran, and author of Is This Seat for Me? Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Everyday Life and Business.
Join us as Sheila shares her incredible journey from military service to entrepreneurship, revealing the personal experiences that led her to confront and understand imposter syndrome. Discover how this pervasive feeling of self-doubt affects high-achieving women and learn practical strategies to overcome it. Sheila discusses the importance of recognizing your past achievements, avoiding comparisons, and giving yourself grace during life's transitions.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to break free from limiting beliefs and redefine their understanding of success. Whether you're a corporate powerhouse or an entrepreneur, Sheila's insights will empower you to embrace your worth and step confidently into your next chapter.
Sep 27, 2024
Sep 27, 2024
33 min
In this empowering episode, Gia welcomes the remarkable Kate McKay, an international bestselling author, transformational speaker, and multi-million dollar business owner. Together, they dive deep into the essence of living a life filled with confidence, courage, and impact.
Kate shares her personal journey, including the profound loss of her son, and how that experience ignited her passion for helping others break through psychological limitations. She emphasizes the importance of embracing our "mess" as a source of magic and growth, challenging the conventional notion of balance in our lives.
Listeners will discover the significance of agility—not just in a physical sense, but as a vital component of psychological fortitude. Kate encourages us to redefine success by focusing on impact over balance, urging us to serve from our brokenness while prioritizing joy.
Sep 20, 2024
Sep 20, 2024
38 min
In this inspiring episode, Gia welcomes Captain Barbara Bell, a trailblazing retired U.S. Navy captain, speaker, and author. With a remarkable career that includes being one of the first women to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy and a pioneer in repealing combat exclusion laws for women in the military, Captain Barbara shares her journey of resilience, grit, and leadership.
Join us as Barbara discusses her new book, Flight Lessons: Navigating Through Life's Turbulence and Learning to Fly High, where she explores the principles of values-based leadership and the importance of embracing one's unique identity. Discover how to navigate life's challenges, overcome self-doubt, and find your voice in a world that often demands conformity.
In this episode, you'll learn:
The four key questions that define values-based leadership.
How to recognize and navigate through life's turbulence.
The significance of collaboration and empathy in leadership.
The power of standing out rather than fitting in.
Whether you're a corporate powerhouse or an aspiring leader, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you step into your next chapter with authentic confidence.
Sep 13, 2024
Sep 13, 2024
37 min
In this empowering episode, Gia welcomes Dr. Urs Koenig, a former United Nations military peacekeeper, ultra-endurance champion, and leadership expert. With over three decades of experience, Urs shares his insights on the transformative power of radical humility in leadership.
Discover how to bridge the gap between being a tough leader and a compassionate human, as Urs challenges the traditional command-and-control mindset. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, self-awareness, and building meaningful relationships within teams. Learn how to cultivate a nurturing environment that fosters growth and collaboration, whether in the workplace or at home.
Urs also discusses his new book, Radical Humility: Be a Badass Leader and a Good Human, and shares practical strategies for leaders at all levels to empower their teams and drive results. From personal anecdotes to actionable advice, this episode is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to redefine success and make a lasting impact.
Sep 6, 2024
Sep 6, 2024
25 min
In this episode, Gia welcomes Dr. Nekeshia Hammond, a distinguished psychologist and expert in mental health, burnout prevention, and leadership development. Dr. Hammond shares insights from her best-selling book, Mindset Training: Conquer Your Mind, and the Rest Will Follow, focusing on holistic self-care and resilience.
Discover practical tips and tools for preventing burnout, setting boundaries, and incorporating spirituality into your well-being journey. Dr. Hammond's multi-dimensional approach to success will inspire you to prioritize self-care and thrive in all aspects of your life.
Join Gia and Dr. Nekeshia Hammond as they delve into the transformative power of self-care, mindset training, and the importance of living in the present moment.

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.




