What if "work-life balance" is really a myth—and the real struggle is between what you have to do and what you want to do?

In this episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond sits down with Cherylanne Skolnicki, top-rated speaker, coach, and founder of Brilliant Balance, for an honest, eye-opening conversation that will challenge everything you think you know about balance. Cherylanne shares the story behind her transition from a successful corporate career at Procter & Gamble to her mission helping thousands of women worldwide "reengineer" their lives for greater fulfillment at work and at home—without losing themselves along the way.

Key Highlights:

• Cherylanne reveals why the traditional view of work versus home life isn't the real source of imbalance (and what is).
• Learn the simple but powerful skills—like saying "no," delegating, and simplifying—that high achievers use to thrive in all areas of life.
• Discover the emotional barriers that stop us from prioritizing what matters most, and why courage (not another time management hack!) is the secret ingredient to change.
• Get the inside scoop on her transformative BRAVE program, which empowers women to take control one week—and one choice—at a time.
• On a lighter note, you'll find out Cherylanne's favorite movies, jams, and even her guilty pleasure food.

If you’re ready to drop the pressure of perfection and finally move toward a life you genuinely love, this episode is for you!

Timestamped Overview:

00:00 – Intro Announcer welcomes listeners and introduces Lou Diamond.

00:29 – Lou Diamond introduces Cherylanne Skolnicki and her work.

01:28 – Cherylanne Skolnicki shares her origin story, corporate life, and shift to helping women find balance.

02:49 – How Brilliant Balance grew from personal curiosity to a global coaching platform.

04:23 – The true source of imbalance: "have to do" vs "want to do."

06:04 – High achievers, the skill set behind fulfillment, and learning to say "no."

07:11 – Lou Diamond asks about Cherylanne’s “greatest hit” concept; Cherylanne Skolnicki shares the aha moment and emotional realities.

10:02 – Delegation, letting go, and stories of teamwork from podcast production.

11:07 – The universal "gift" Cherylanne receives: lightbulb moments with audiences.

11:38 – All about BRAVE—weekly action, courage, and women supporting women.

13:17 – Where to find Cherylanne online and connect.

14:20 – Fun Street: Cherylanne’s favorite movies, foods, activities, and travel dreams.

17:29 – Episode wrap-up, final thoughts, and how to keep thriving.

Ready to rethink what “balance” really means? Press play, get inspired, and take your first BRAVE step!

What if the pursuit of peak performance left you completely burned out—and the only way forward was to become the CEO of your own health?

In this jaw-dropping episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond sits down with Amanda Soukoulis, who shares her gripping journey from elite athlete, private equity star, and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader finalist—all seemingly at the top of her game—to a sudden health crash that forced her to rebuild her life from the ground up. Amanda pulls back the curtain on her transformation through functional medicine and nervous system mastery, revealing why chasing quick fixes doesn’t work and how real healing requires data-driven detective work from within.

Highlights include:

• Amanda’s shocking health collapse right after hitting major career milestones—and what heart rate variability really tells you about your body’s readiness
• The years-long quest to find answers, the frustrations of being dismissed by doctors, and the ultimate breakthrough with functional testing (like gut microbiome and more)
• The “U3 System”: Amanda’s three-step process for true wellness—Uncover, Uproot, Unleash—covering everything from bio-optimization tests and nutrition to accountability for lasting success
• How perfectionism, pressure, and even environmental factors like mold contributed to burnout—and Amanda’s advice for overcoming those hidden stressors
• The call to help others: a fateful church event and a life-changing scholarship that set Amanda on her current mission
• Plus: what Amanda eats after a cleanse, her love for military movies, favorite jams (hello, Mr. Red, White and Blue!), and why a piece of her heart is always in Greece

Whether you’re stuck in a health plateau or feeling dismissed by the medical system, this episode will inspire you to take charge and “thrive” on a whole new level.

Episode Overview:

00:00 — Intro Announcer sets the stage: Amanda Soukoulis’s journey from elite performance to health rebuilding

01:04 — Lou Diamond welcomes Amanda; Amanda’s story unfolds

01:31 — Amanda details her sudden crash and struggle to find answers

03:17 — Deep dive into functional medicine: what it is, how it’s different

04:34 — Amanda’s healing timeline, setbacks, and lessons learned

07:06 — The role of external pressures: perfectionism, stress, and environment

09:31 — Amanda’s “why me” moment, pivotal church event, and purpose-driven pivot

12:29 — The U3 System explained: uncover, uproot, unleash your health

15:53 — Transforming lives: Amanda’s biggest reward

17:03 — Amanda’s current cleanse and her infectious energy

17:33 — Fun street: favorite movies, music, food, and travel

22:12 — Amanda’s connection to Greece and Kalamata olives

23:13 — Farewell: keep moving onward and upward!

Tune in and discover what it truly means to move onward, upward, and thrive—no matter where you start.

What if the moment your life appeared most put-together was the exact instant everything fell apart?

In this revealing episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond sits down with Tara Benoit—a competitive athlete, CEO, and self-described “purpose-filled powerhouse”—whose journey took an unimaginable turn after surviving a rare and life-altering heart event (SCAD: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection).

Discover how Tara Benoit, a high-achieving woman who thought she’d mastered strength and resilience, was forced to redefine her own identity when her heart—and her life—quite literally tore apart. She opens up about the physical and emotional toll of her recovery, navigating a “devastating” loss of identity and learning that true strength isn’t found in always doing more.

Key Highlights:

• Tara Benoit candidly shares her SCAD survival story, including the little-known realities of women’s heart health and the mystery behind her condition.
• Honest conversation about what “strength” really means—and why sacrificing balance can be dangerous for high performers.
• How an unexpected trauma became the catalyst for a life-changing shift in purpose, leading Tara Benoit to launch her own coaching program and author the book "Torn: A Journey Through Trauma, Truth, and Transformation."
• A closer look at her MOVE method and how she now empowers other women to reclaim their voices and live boldly.
• Fun insights into Tara Benoit 's everyday joys, from her love of EDM and vegetables to her ultimate travel dreams and her nerdy side for laundry gripes.

Whether you’re driven to achieve more, facing your own crossroads, or just looking for evidence that transformation is always possible, this episode is packed with raw truth, hope, and next-level inspiration.

Timestamped Overview

• [00:00:02] Intro Announcer introduces the episode and host.
• [00:00:26] Lou Diamond welcomes Tara Benoi and sets the stage for her story.
• [00:01:51] Tara Benoit recounts her SCAD heart attack and the start of her transformation.
• [00:03:17] Deeper dive into the emotional and identity challenges during recovery.
• [00:05:45] Physical recovery: the reality, adjustments, and ongoing health concerns.
• [00:08:30] Tara Benoit finds new purpose after loss—launching a book and coaching women to move forward.
• [00:12:27] An introduction to the MOVE method and the inspiration behind her new program.
• [00:13:36] Insights from her book release and the impact it’s having on others.
• [00:15:14] Where to find Tara Benoit online and connect further.
• [00:16:10] Fun Street: favorite movies, EDM jams, go-to foods, and lifestyle habits.
• [00:21:18] Dream travel destinations, family, and a final message of hope and inspiration.
• [00:22:12] Outro Voiceover wraps the show.

This is one episode you’ll want to share with anyone looking for a comeback story—or who needs a reminder that life’s sharpest turns can reveal your true direction.