Beyond Better with Stacy Ennis

In this episode, I’m walking you through a realistic book publishing timeline—from first idea to finished book launch.Whether you’re planning to self-publish or go hybrid, this guide will help you understand what takes how long, what tasks overlap, and how to create a schedule that fits your life.Here’s what we’ll cover:How long writing the firstdraft actually takesWhat editing involves and howto plan for itAll the moving pieces in thepublishing processWhat your launch timelineshould really look likeWhy rushing rarely leads togreat resultsAnd two timeline options tohelp you plan your own path: a 12-month sprint or an 18-month steady marathon.🔗 Get the full blog post + timeline breakdown here:https://stacyennis.com/publishing-timeline/ Resources: 📘 ⁠Download my free 10 Things You Should Know Before Writing a Nonfiction Book⁠ 📩 Want to know more about coaching? Reach out here: hello@stacyennis.com

17 Jul 15min

This week’s guest boldly approaches a topic that is often taboo in many families and cultures. Abbe Large, a managing director at Lenox Advisors, discusses how shame and silence often pervade conversations about finances. She talks about the underlying causes and how we can start normalizing healthy, open conversations about money, especially with our children and partners.Many of us have dreams—like writing a book—but often feel unsure about investing time or money in our goals. We explore, from a financial planning perspective, how we can intentionally invest in ourselves, and some practical tips to save and invest toward those goals. Abbe breaks down the three financial phases—accumulation, distribution, and preservation—by showing what each looks like in real life and why it’s important to plan intentionally for each phase.Abbe F. Large, CLU®, CLTC, has three decades of experience dedicating herself to her clients’ best interests. Specializing in financial, estate, and retirement services, she also assists corporate clients with strategic employee benefits. She was named on Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals in both 2022, 2023, and 2024. A devoted family woman and active community member, she enjoys paddleboarding, skiing, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.Learn more about Abbe:LinkedInContact: alarge@lenoxadvisors.comBook recommendation:The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself, by Michael A. SingerFollow me on: Instagram @stacyennisFacebook @stacyenniscreativeLinkedInYouTube @stacyennisauthorTo submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

16 Jul 52min

Ever feel stuck? Unmotivated? Distracted? You’re not broken—you’re just human. And more often than not, the issue isn’t your creativity or drive. It’s your habits.  In this video, I’m sharing how I help students and clients get unstuck—whether they’re struggling with writing, strategy, or showing up to create in the first place. I’ll walk you through the surprising questions I ask, what we usually uncover, and the shifts that lead to focus, clarity, and flow. If you’ve been staring at the blinking cursor, hoping forinspiration to strike…this one’s for you. Resources: ✍️ How to Write Your Book During anOverwhelming Season📩 Want to know more about coaching? Reach out here: hello@stacyennis.com

10 Jul 16min

This episode is extra special—because I’m not the one doing the interviewing.To celebrate 200 episodes of Beyond Better, we’re flipping the script! My amazing podcast producer, Rita, is stepping into the host role to interview me…on my own show.Together, we explore the original spark behind Beyond Better—why I launched the podcast, what it meant to me then, and how it’s evolved over seven incredible years. We talk about the powerful conversations that have shaped me, the deeper purpose that continues to drive this work, and what I hope for in the next 200 episodes.Whether you’ve been with me since episode one or you’re just joining, this conversation offers a personal look behind the mic into the mission, vision, and heart of Beyond Better.Thank you for being here. Truly. This milestone means the world to me, and I’m honored to share it with you.Book recommendation:The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-ExupéryFollow me on:Instagram @stacyennisFacebook @stacyenniscreativeLinkedInYouTube @stacyennisauthorTo submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

9 Jul 38min

If you've ever thought, "I should write a book someday," this video is for you.In it, I walk you through the six key steps to turn your expertise, idea, or story into a book that truly makes an impact. Whether you're a business owner, thought leader, or someone with a powerful story to share, this process will help you gain the clarity and confidence to finally get started.Resources:📘 Download my free Life Visioning Guide here: https://stacyennis.com/lifevisionguide 📘 Download my free Author Platform Guide here: https://stacyennis.com/platformguide📘 Download my free 10 Things You Should Know Before Writing a Nonfiction Book here: https://stacyennis.com/10things 📩 Want to know more about coaching? Reach out here: hello@stacyennis.com

4 Jul 9min

What happens when you lose everything—your business, your home, your sense of direction? For Peter Murphy Lewis, aka, Strategic Pete, it was the start of something deeper: a reimagined life and business, built with intention.Peter is a fractional CMO, documentary filmmaker, and former TV host who once led one of South America's top travel companies. In this conversation, we explore how he rebuilt from the ground up, choosing freedom, family, and sustainability over hustle culture.We talk about the power of simplicity in marketing, why most campaigns fail to deliver ROI, and what business owners can do differently to create real results. Peter also shares how he's structured his business to support the life he wants to live—and the lessons he's carried with him from the trails, the road, and the stage.Whether you're building a business, rethinking your marketing strategy, or simply seeking a more aligned way to live and work, this conversation is a grounding and energizing listen.Show notes:The Eisenhower Matrix: How to prioritize your to-do listLearn more about Peter:WebsiteLinkedInBook recommendation:The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, by Gary ChapmanTraction: Get a Grip on Your Business, by Gino WickmanFollow me on: Instagram @stacyennisFacebook @stacyenniscreativeLinkedInYouTube @stacyennisauthorTo submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

2 Jul 47min

In this episode, I’m joined by Madison Wetherill, the creative force behind Cook at Home Mom and a true champion of realistic, wholesome living. A former self-proclaimed picky eater turned food blogger and mom of three, Madison shares her transformation story—from hesitant eater to confident home cook—and how she’s now inspiring thousands of families to make real food part of everyday life.We dive into practical strategies for cultivating a home culture centered around wellness (without the overwhelm), how to navigate healthy eating while traveling, and the behind-the-scenes of building a blog and brand that truly serve. Madison’s approach is refreshingly real, filled with grace, and rooted in her values—and this conversation is full of wisdom for anyone who wants to lead their life with more intention.Learn more about Madison: WebsiteInstagram @cookathomemomFacebook @cookathomemomBook recommendation:The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World, by Hannah BrencherDo Less: A Revolutionary Approach to Time and Energy Management for Ambitious Women, by Kate Northrup Follow me on:Instagram @stacyennisFacebook @stacyenniscreativeLinkedInYouTube @stacyennisauthorTo submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

25 Jun 50min

This week I have an inspiring conversation with Kevin Hutchison, a newly published author and wonderful person I worked with in my author program, Nonfiction Book School. We talk about his unique path from pastor to marketing professional, with a journey from self-rejecting into self-love. Kevin was inspired to share his story through his upcoming book, Alchemy from Ashes: Bringing My Shattered Faith, Mental Health, and Sexuality into Wholeness. We also explore the roadblocks he encountered during the writing process and how he was able to move through them.Writing and publishing a book alone is difficult, and creative work can be a slow, nonlinear process. We discuss how Kevin surrounded himself with key people who helped him bring his book to life and how their contributions impacted the final product.Kevin Hutchison is a marketing professional and former pastor, whose talent and expertise have been leveraged in both profit and not-for-profit organizations. He has worked for national and global agencies, held tenure in communications with a Midwestern mega-church, and has served on boards such as the American Marketing Association and RESPECT, an education-and theater-based anti-bullying nonprofit.Learn more about Kevin:WebsiteLinkedInBook recommendation: Greenlights, by Mathew McConaugheyFollow me on:Instagram @stacyennisFacebook @stacyenniscreativeLinkedInYouTube @stacyennisauthorTo submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

18 Jun 44min